International healthcare, medical insurance in Seoul

Tools:

Korean Law requires that all foreign workers be covered by the National Health Insurance Corporation. However whether the employer implements this for the employee or the employer has to do it for him- or herself depends on a number of factors. Employers are not required to provide coverage for employees who work less than 60 hours per month or if they have fewer than 5 foreign employees.

If you have private health insurance it is important to note that most doctors and hospitals do not accept direct billing to the health insurance company, regardless of whether it is an overseas or a domestic firm. They usually demand payment before treatment and clients have to settle with their company for a re-imbursement afterwards. It is therefore very important for you to make sure that insurance and/or funds are available in case you need medical attention.

Buying private medical insurance over the internet is a simple process, you will just need to provide your credit card details, your permanent address and contact info, and then you will receive you policy document by e-mail. Pay attention to what your policy will actually cover before buying. Do you intend to do winter or water sports? Do you have any illness or disability that needs to be declared? Such factors will affect the overall cost of your policy. Once your policy document comes through keep it in a safe place and always have the emergency telephone number of your insurance company and your policy number on your person when you travel.

Check with your credit card company before going: some credit card companies offer travel insurance if you use their card to purchase the flight, rent a car and/or reserve hotels and excursions.

Update 16/01/2013


Tools:

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Addthis

Recommended Partners

Expatriate health insurance in South Korea

With so much to deal with before leaving your home country, (taxes, moving house, paperwork etc.) the careful planning of your expatriation to Seoul is an essential step. As far as healthcare is concerned, your local social security scheme won’t be accompanying you to your host country and, once abroad, you might be surprised by the care system you find in South Korea So, before leaving, make sure you have appropriate cover!

Cigna Logo

Cigna is one of the world's biggest international insurers with more than 30 years' experience in providing global health insurance across 200 countries and territories. They have access to more than 1.65 million hospitals, physicians, clinics and specialists worldwide.

Cigna Global's flexible plans are specifically designed for expats and globally mobile individuals who move to South Korea. All their plans can be tailored to your individual requirements in South Korea, always finding the right healthcare solution, whatever the situation and budget.

Getting a health insurance quote

Create your perfect plan with Cigna and combine the reassurance of comprehensive inpatient cover with the flexibility of optional extra benefits.

Click on the button to access the online tool and get a quote in 2 minutes.



Do you have comments or personal information to communicate about this article? Add your comment.


Find more definitions and general answers on expatriation issues in the Expat FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).

Go to the Forum to talk more about international healthcare, medical insurance in Seoul, healthcare.