The health system of South Korea is as developed as the country itself. Health insurance in Korea is readily available and cheap to get. South Korea provides a thorough and planned health care system to its netizens. Letโs find out what this health insurance in Korea is like to make it easier for you.
National Health Insurance System
Korea is not only mindful of the health and wellbeing of its citizens, it has developed a complete framework to provide the fruits of the system to people. Thus, the citizens get healthcare insurance in Korea through the National Health Insurance system commonly named NHI. It is quite a high-quality system that caters to all the needs of the locales as well as foreigners.
It is obligatory for every Korean Citizen to acquire health insurance. Korean law provides that the Korean Health and Welfare ministry makes it available for all residents. Thus, the residents enjoy the benefits of this system for free. The residence has an entitlement to health insurance in Korea by birth. They just need to provide a copy of the documents assuring their citizenship in Korea. This way they will get health insurance for the lifetime to avail.
Health Insurance in Korea for Foreigners
The health insurance system is so deliberate that even the foreigners can also avail its fruits. If one is residing in Korea for more than six months then one can provide the documents proving his stay there. The documents that prove their stay in Korea for this specific time will ensure the availability of insurance in Korea to them.
The expatriates need to provide these documents but students need the enrollment certificate only. Students need to file an application with an enrollment certificate and they will get their health insurance. But others might need the residential documents along with a certificate of income to get health insurance in Korea.
The immigrants must get the ARS as soon as they arrive in Korea and then after six months, they can apply for health insurance. As the insurance also comes from taxes thus the workers pay through taxes which government deducts from their salary every year. After paying for this insurance, the residents can enjoy it freely for a lifetime. But foreigners need to pay a light fee for consulting a doctor. One also needs to pay 50% of income for availing the health insurance in South Korea.
A side tip: it would be easier for you and the locals if you generate your Korea name.
Health Care System in South Korea
Like the health insurance system, the healthcare system of South Korea is also compatible and modern. The hospitals and health care facilities are up-to-date. These facilities serve the purpose of helping people according to modern standards. The government monitors this health care system and provides financial aid to this system by outside contributions, subsidies, and surcharges on tobacco.
Why Registration is Necessary?
With the advancement of the Korean Health System, foreigners used to exploit the healthcare system. Thus, the government made it necessary for residents to register themselves so that they can use the healthcare system freely. With registration, they can also get health insurance in Korea.
The Health of Korean Population
Koreans mainly suffer from diseases like Hepatitis, Malaria, and Yellow Dust. Those, who cannot afford to pay for their treatment, get benefits from the elaborate health care system of Korea to a great degree. The healthcare system pays for almost 50-80% of expenses and medical procedures.
It is not totally free as some people might think yet it is reasonable and many people can afford it. The health of Korean citizens is quite good due to proper care and treatment. The life expectancy of an average Korean citizen is 82 years according to a survey. This indicates the best quality of the Korean healthcare system which has attained the highest class in the past forty years which was eight years less in the past.
Private Health Insurance in Korea
If one can afford then one can pay for private health insurance in Korea as well. This may be a little expensive but not that much it also costs you (114,000 KRW/100 USD). But it is important to notice that if you are paying for private health insurance then you also need to pay for public insurance as well. Because the law makes it obligatory to pay for public health insurance.
Eligibility for Health Insurance
The permanent residents of Korea as well as foreigners who have been in Korea for more than six months are eligible for insurance. Among permanent residents, the kids and spouses of Korean citizens can also avail the of health insurance. Foreign persons having these visas with their family including spouses and dependents who are under 20 can have this insurance. They must be living in Korea for one year to avail insurance and they include D-1 (Artist), D-5 (Journalism), D-3 (Industrial trainee), D-7 (Supervisor), D-6 (Religion), ), D-9 International trade), D-8 (Corporate investorE1 (Professor), E-3 (Research), E-2 (Foreign-language instructor), E-5 (Professional Employment), E-4 (Technology transfer), E-7 (Designated activities), and E-8 (Training employment).
Conclusion
Korean health care system is formidable and comparable to any country in the world. It makes the well-being of its citizens a top priority.
