Insurance in South Korea

South Korea has a state run public health insurance service program that covers everyone in South Korea, regardless of nationality, for around 50 to 80 percent of their doctor or hospital costs and around 70 percent of their prescription expenses. The remainder of the cost is not covered by the program and must be paid at the time of treatment or consultation, but medical treatment expenses in South Korea are still far more inexpensive than they are in many other countries.

Those with even lower income can get further assistance for medical treatment from the South Korean government. The government medical subsidy program is funded through taxes on the income of those working in South Korea. Hospitals are usually privately run but subsidized through the social program, so really there is little distinction between public and private care in South Korea.

There are enough hospitals per person in South Korea to make sure that the waiting times do not get too long. Of course, if a person wants to pay the premiums for supplementary private health insurance, then getting a refund from them for the additional medical costs is a matter between the patient and the insurance company.