If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, be sure you have travel insurance. Read on for some pointers on what to think about while choosing a policy:
- The expense of your vacation or excursion Unforeseen circumstances may force you to cancel your vacation. Although this is disappointing, it is comforting to know that you may be able to recover your funds.
Is health insurance mandatory in South Korea?
You should familiarize yourself with Korean health insurance and completely grasp your coverage before departing to study in Korea. If something goes wrong and you get sick or wounded during your vacation, you don’t want to be caught off guard.
In South Korea, health care is provided through the National Health Insurance System, which is mandatory (NHI). This insurance is available to anybody living in South Korea, regardless of country or occupation. This implies that you, as an international student studying in Korea, are qualified to receive the same medical benefits and services as Korean citizens who live in South Korea and are registered with the National Health Insurance Corporation.
Is there a travel ban to South Korea?
- The Republic of Korea (ROK) is now under a level 3 travel advisory (Reconsider Travel) from the United States Department of State, suggesting a high degree of COVID-19 in the country.
- All visitors to Korea must show documentation of a COVID-19 PCR test that was negative within 48 hours of their departure.
- Most visitors must undergo a 10-day quarantine upon arrival. There may be certain exceptions. Please contact your nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate with any queries about Korean entrance and quarantine rules. The ROK COVID-19 Portal, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), and the ROK Embassy in the United States have all provided general information.
- Despite the fact that most stores and public buildings are open, national and local governments have the right to regulate companies, schools, the number and kind of gatherings, COVID treatment and quarantine requirements, and testing rules to respond to outbreaks.
- Unvaccinated individuals and those who have not registered their vaccination records with local health clinics must present negative PCR test results to gain access to specific facilities. Negative test results are only valid for 48 hours, and they expire at midnight the next day.
COVID-19 Testing
- Testing for the purpose of travel. Many local hospitals and clinics offer COVID tests for a cost, usually between $100 and $300, if you require one for travel or other reasons. There are no recognized testing centers at the US Embassy. The Korean government has a list of COVID-19 testing locations in English. Please review the list and contact the testing center that best suits your needs. Information on COVID-19 testing alternatives at Incheon Airport can also be found on the airport’s website. Please note that this testing location is located prior to passenger check-in and requires an appointment, so passengers in transit will not be able to use it. As travelers deliver this documentation to their airline, please confirm that the clinic you choose will offer test results that correspond with CDC criteria as well as those of your airline. Please see the CDC’s Frequently Asked Questions for further information, including suggestions and requirements after you travel.
- For health concerns, testing is required. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, call the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency at 1339 (button 6 for English) and they will take you to the right institution. If you have been identified by the government as a close contact, if you have COVID symptoms, or if the local circumstances necessitates extended testing, local testing centers may offer free testing. These testing centers’ results are frequently texted to your phone number and do not include your identity.
- Costs of treatment are the responsibility of the patient. Citizens of the United States who become infected with COVID-19 at any time as a result of a breach of ROK preventive measures, such as quarantine and group activity restrictions, or who submit false COVID-19 examination results must pay for their COVID treatment. The website of the Republic of Korea’s Embassy in the United States has more information about this policy.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
- In Korea, what vaccines are available? The ROK government has approved the use of vaccinations from AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson Janssen, and Moderna.
- Foreigners living in Korea with valid resident cards (i.e. Alien Resident Cards, usually known to as ARCs) are eligible to receive vaccinations in the same priority sequence as Korean nationals, according to ROK instructions issued to local governments on COVID-19 immunizations (in Korean only). On this website, you may get vaccination statistics and FAQs from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (in Korean only). For additional information on when vaccines will be provided to your priority group and vaccine registration information, contact your local government. You can also phone 1339 to double-check the contact information for your local government. See, for example, the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s COVID webpage. For further information about vaccine eligibility and guidelines, please visit the Korea Immigration Service website.
- To discover more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States, go to the FDA’s website.
- COVID-19 immunizations will not be provided by the US government to individual US citizens living abroad. Please stay up to date on COVID-19 immunization advances and guidelines in the host country.
Entry and Exit Requirements
* All inbound tourists to Korea, including those who have been vaccinated, must undergo pre-departure testing. Most visitors must also undergo a 10-day quarantine upon arrival. Look into it “For further details, see “Quarantine Requirements.”
Visit the website of the United States Forces in Korea to learn more about COVID-19.
Information on testing and quarantine regulations for short-term travelers to Korea can be found at the ROK Embassy in the United States.
*All travellers arriving in the Republic of Korea by airline must show proof of a COVID-19 PCR test that was negative within 48 hours of their departure. For more information, please visit the website of the Republic of Korea’s Embassy in the United States. If you have any questions, examine your airline’s instructions and the Korean consulate nearest you. Please look into it “For details on COVID-19 testing requirements for passengers transiting Korean airports, see the “Transit Passengers” section below (e.g. those who do not pass through immigration).
- Are there any health-screening processes in place at airports and other entrance points? Yes.
* Depending on the place of departure, visa status, and nationality, arriving passengers may be subjected to a combination of temperature screening, health questionnaires, quarantines, and/or COVID testing. For ten days, all arriving travelers must download and respond to daily questions via a Self-Diagnosis Mobile App. See http://ncov.mohw.go.kr/selfcheck/ for more information. Passengers who are unable to download the mobile app must submit a legitimate local phone number and address in Korea in order for local government officials to check their health on a regular basis.
- Long-term residents’ exit obligations. Long-term residents of the Republic of Korea must get a re-entry permission four business days before leaving the country. The permits can be obtained by filling out an e-application on the website www.hikorea.go.kr. Call the Korean Immigration Contact Center at +82-1345 if you have any questions.
- Visa extensions are available. Travelers who seek to prolong their stay in Korea must fill out an online e-application and provide documentation of their reasons for doing so. Extensions beyond the passport’s validity will not be authorized. For further information, please visit the following websites:
Movement Restrictions
* In Korea, there are no limits on domestic travel. Those entering Korea from outside the country will not be allowed to board domestic connecting flights (to Jeju or Busan) unless they have completed government-mandated quarantine.
- Access to facilities using QR codes. Patrons at restaurants, bars, and other entertainment venues around Korea who are at high risk for COVID-19 can register using QR codes. As COVID cases are found, this technology allows the authorities to do contact tracing. The COVID-19 Portal of the Ministry of Health and Welfare has information about this system.
Quarantine Information
* Most visitors must undergo a 10-day quarantine upon arrival. There may be certain exceptions. Please direct any questions to the Korean Embassy or Consulate in your area. For more information, visit the website of the Republic of Korea’s Embassy in the United States.
- Passengers on public transportation. Passengers from the United States transiting through Korean airports (but not through immigration) do not need a negative PCR COVID-19 test and are not required to stay in quarantine for stays of less than 24 hours. Passengers arriving from other countries should check with the Republic of Korea’s embassy in their home country to see if a negative PCR COVID-19 test is required to transit through Korean airports. At +82-1345, the Korean Immigration Contact Center can clarify testing requirements for transit passengers. Passengers on transit should also double-check entrance restrictions at their final destination. Please be aware that COVID testing is not possible in airport transit areas.
- Certificates of exemption from isolation for short-term travelers. Some Americans may be excluded from self-quarantine regulations if they are visiting South Korea for business or an emergency, such as the loss of a family member. Exemptions are also available for certain types of immunized tourists. Before traveling to Korea, Isolation Exemption Certificates must be approved at a Korean Embassy or Consulate in the United States. Locations and methods may be found on the website: http://overseas.mofa.go.kr/us-en/index.do
Transportation Options
* Despite air service decreases by some carriers, commercial aviation in South Korea remains well-served. To check flight schedules and availability, go to https://www.airport.kr/ap/en/index.do.
* All types of public transportation, including taxis and domestic/international flights, require masks. Passengers who refuse to wear a mask are subject to denial by drivers and pilots.
Fines for Non-Compliance
- Short-term visitors must give lodging facility owners their passport information, which they must then transmit to the Ministry of Justice. A punishment of 500,000 won (about $500) could be imposed if you do not comply. On hikorea.go.kr, you may find more information.
- In public settings, face masks are required (public transportation, demonstration sites and in healthcare facilities). A fine of up to 100,000 won (about $100) could be imposed if you don’t wear a mask that covers both your nose and mouth.
- Refusing to be tested for COVID-19 might result in a fine of up to 10 million won (roughly $10,000) or a year in prison.
- Violations of disinfection and quarantine requirements by users and operators of high-risk companies can result in fines of up to 3 million won (about $3,000).
- A fine, arrest, or deportation may be imposed on those who breach a self-quarantine order. This includes neglecting to reply to the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s daily checks (MOHW).
- Noncompliance with COVID-19 laws on gathering size, approved activities, and/or testing mandates may result in fines imposed by local governments.
Is it mandatory to have travel insurance?
No, having travel insurance is not required by law. Some tour companies, especially in countries like the United States where there is no public health service, will need you to have a policy in place before they confirm your journey. You may believe that travel insurance is more important in places like these, but it is usually worth it in general.
You should make sure that you and your loved ones are fully covered while on vacation for your own peace of mind. Accidents sometimes happen, and dealing with them when you’re not at home is more challenging. When the stakes are so high, it’s not worth taking a chance.
What do you need when traveling to Korea?
- To enter Korea after September 1, 2021, you’ll need a valid United States passport, a visa, or an approved Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA). A K-ETA is available to most US passport holders traveling to Korea for fewer than 90 days for tourist or business. For 10,000 KRW, apply on the K-ETA website. Even if the application is denied, the cost is non-refundable. At least 24 hours before boarding a flight or ship destined for Korea, travelers must apply for the K-ETA. During the K-ETA pilot period, which runs from May 3 to August 31, 2021, the application fee is free.
- All other purposes, including employment, teaching English, and stays of more than 90 days, necessitate a visa.
Detention and fines may be imposed if you exceed your allotted stay or do not have a valid visa.
- If you overstay your visa, you must ask for a visa extension with the Korea Immigration Service (KIS) before leaving the country. Changes in visa category should also be discussed with KIS.
- Do not travel to other countries, such as China, without first obtaining a passport and obtaining the necessary visas.
- Passports valid for at least six months must be shown upon arrival by family members/dependents of military personnel/DOD on orders.
Personnel from the US Government’s Executive Branch on official business, as well as DOD personnel attached to the US Embassy (including family members/dependents):
- A diplomatic or official passport, as well as a diplomatic or official ROK visa received through your sponsoring agency, are required to enter Korea. A K-ETA is not required for holders of A1 (Diplomatic) or A2 (Official) visas.
- Use the Department of State’s eCC system or the Department of Defense’s APACS system to obtain country clearance.
Restriction on HIV/AIDS: The Department of State is unaware of any such entrance restrictions in Korea for visitors or foreign residents.
For the most up-to-date visa information, go to the Korean Embassy’s website. Please take a look at our Customs page for further information.
Is health care free in Korea?
National Health Insurance is the name given to South Korea’s public healthcare system (NHI). It is of exceptionally high quality, and any residents staying in Korea for more than six months must register. It is normal to discover English-speaking doctors and staff members when using the healthcare system in urban locations. However, unless you have a strong command of the Korean language, you may require the assistance of a native speaker to navigate the NHI website, which is largely in Korean with limited translations.
South Korea Health and Healthcare Facts
The healthcare system in South Korea has many advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a quick rundown of what foreign visitors visiting the peninsula may expect in terms of health and healthcare.
- The country’s life expectancy has risen steadily throughout time. The average life expectancy has recently risen to about 90 years.
- Air pollution is a major issue in Korea, as it is in many other Asian countries. Expats with asthma or upper respiratory diseases should register with the national health system as soon as possible after arriving in the country so that they are prepared if pollution causes complications. Similarly, all foreigners should invest in medical masks, either regular paper masks or masks with air filtration capabilities.
- The discrepancy in medical care in urban and rural areas is one disadvantage of the South Korean health system. Private institutions, like roughly 90% of the country’s physicians, are concentrated in urban areas. Around 80% of the country’s population lives in or near cities, yet those who reside in the countryside do not have access to the same high-quality healthcare that is available throughout the country.
- Another disadvantage is that the country’s healthcare system prioritizes treatment over prevention. Medical therapy in South Korea is successful, but it does not protect patients from long-term health consequences or costs.
The South Korean Healthcare System Explained
What is the healthcare system like in South Korea? In South Korea, healthcare is free and is paid by a combination of government subsidies, outside contributions, and tobacco taxes. Expats will discover a mix of Western and Eastern treatment options in the country’s hospitals and clinics, which are contemporary and efficient.
Foreign residents were not required to register for South Korea’s National Health Insurance (NHI) plan in the past, but after too many cases of foreigners using the healthcare system and then failing to pay, the government now requires that everyone in the country register with the NHI after six months.
Residents can choose their own healthcare provider and facility under the National Health Insurance plan. If your employer enrolls you in insurance but then tells you which hospital or healthcare provider you must visit, check to see if they have you registered with the NHI or a private provider.
Should I go to a Hospital or Clinic?
While hospitals and clinics may be found throughout South Korea, it is normal to seek care at a hospital even if you only have a cold or the flu. You will be directed to a nearby pharmacy to pick up your prescription after seeing a doctor. Prescriptions are not sold at Korean hospitals, unlike in some other Asian countries. Non-emergency cases are frequently seen between 9:00-18:00 and 8:00-20:00 in hospitals. It is better to schedule an appointment in advance, which you can usually do on the hospital’s website.
Your employer is required by law to offer you with health insurance if you are moving to South Korea for work. Employers will cover half of the monthly premiums for their employees.
You must register yourself if you are not traveling to South Korea for employment or if your South Korean firm employs less than five foreign workers (the legal requirement for being legally compelled to provide health insurance). You can do so by bringing your ARC, passport, application form, and enrollment certificate to your local Immigration office.
Your monthly health insurance payment will be determined by your wage. In general, health insurance costs should account for roughly 30% of your total monthly earnings.
What does the Public Healthcare Cover?
Depending on the individual’s demands and the treatment they receive, Korean public healthcare pays 50-80% of medical costs. Medical checks, general procedures, accident coverage, and prescription medicines are all included. The NHI also pays for expenditures if an employee is injured on the job or if they are laid off.
South Korea Healthcare Costs
Is public healthcare in South Korea free? No, it doesn’t work that way. Everyone in the country, whether a foreigner or a Korean national, must pay to access the government-run healthcare system. Are you curious in the cost of healthcare in South Korea? Fortunately, it isn’t this.
South Korea’s public healthcare is not free, but it is affordable. Residents normally only have to pay for 20% of their medical procedures, which is usually simply the copay or service fee. If you work, you will contribute 5% of your income to the NHI. The amount that self-employed expats pay is determined by their earnings.
The average monthly healthcare expense in Korea is roughly 120,000 KRW (100 USD).
Can I go to Korea if I’m vaccinated?
- Due to the current scenario in South Korea, all passengers may be at danger of contracting COVID-19 variants and spreading them.
- In South Korea, travelers should adhere to suggestions or rules such as wearing a mask and keeping a distance of 6 feet from others.
How much does South Korea quarantine cost?
1 Short-term visitors to Korea, 2 Korean nationals and/or foreign residents whose place of abode is judged unsuitable for quarantine, will serve the quarantine at their own expense at a designated government facility (KRW 1,500,000 per person).
Is South Korea expensive?
South Korea’s average cost of living is fair. It is not as inexpensive as some Asian countries, such as Laos or China, but it is less expensive than Japan or Singapore. In general, the country’s most expensive living expenditures are found in Seoul, the country’s capital. Everywhere else, expats may expect to make a reasonable living and save a significant portion of their earnings without having to pinch pennies or live on a tight budget.
Is it Expensive to Live in South Korea?
Housing will be your major living expense in South Korea, as it is in most nations. While rates are not exorbitant when compared to other popular expat destinations, expats should expect to pay 30 to 40% of their monthly wage for a quality apartment.
The Cost of Living in South Korea’s Most Expensive and Affordable Cities
When comparing the cost of living in South Korea’s cities, expats will find that Seoul has the highest cost of living. However, this does not imply that living in the capital city is too expensive. Foreigners moving to the country have the option of paying more to live in expat-centric high-rises and compounds, or living in more local communities on the outskirts of the city.
After Seoul, Incheon, Jeju Island, and Busan are the most expensive cities in South Korea to live in. The average monthly living costs for each location are shown below. A family of four may expect to spend an average of 2,300,000 KRW (2,000 USD) per month in living expenditures on a national level (excluding rent). Each month, a single foreigner may expect to pay 652,000 KRW (560 USD) (excluding rent).
Average Monthly Living Expenses for a Single Expat (including rent)
Please see the chart below for a look at simply the rent in each of the cities listed:
If you want to see South Korea’s most affordable cities, stay away from the larger cities and opt for smaller, mid-sized cities with fewer expats and more native Koreans. Daegu (near Busan), Suwon (south of Seoul), and Gwangju (in the country’s southwest portion) are examples of cities that suit this criteria while yet being expat-friendly.
Utility Costs
In South Korea, utilities will not be a significant part of your rent. Please keep in mind that, with the exception of the internet, the government provides most services such as gas, electricity, and water.
Food and Alcohol Prices in South Korea
The cost of groceries in the country is relatively low. Expats may be startled to learn that a bottle of wine is one of the most expensive products to purchase.
Cost of Education
In South Korea, the cost of schooling varies depending on where you reside and what type of school your children select. Foreigners can attend any sort of school in South Korea, including public, private, religious, and international schools. The most expensive option will be international schools. Even while public schools are free for international kids, keep in mind that your children will need to know Korean to attend.
Private education tuition will range from 15,000,000 to 42,000,000 KRW per year (12,600 to 35,300 USD). Around 24,000,000 KRW will be spent on international schools (20,100 USD). Because childcare is not compulsory in Korea, you should expect to pay between 250,000 and 500,000 KRW (210430 USD) per month to enroll your child. The younger your child is, the more money you should budget.
Tuition for an undergraduate degree will cost between 2,000,000 and 5,900,000 KRW if you move to the country to study. Tuition for postgraduate studies will range from 2,500,000 to 7,500,000 KRW. Both KRW sums are roughly 2,100 to 5,900 USD on average.
Healthcare Costs
The public healthcare system in South Korea is good. Everyone is required to contribute to the scheme. Your monthly payment amount will be determined by your gross salary. You may anticipate to spend roughly 30% of your monthly wage to the National Health Insurance on average (NHI). This amounts to around 120,000 KRW (100 USD) per month on a nationwide level. In exchange, the NHI would cover roughly 50-80% of your medical expenses.
If you choose private health insurance, the monthly cost will be roughly the same as the public health insurance scheme: 114,000 KRW (100 USD). Despite the fact that private health insurance is not as extensively utilized as the country’s national health insurance, many Koreans choose it to augment the costs that the public insurance does not cover.
Travel and Transportation Costs
The cost of transportation in South Korea will be determined by a number of things. The first is whether or not you own a vehicle, such as a car or a motorcycle. Or will you have to rely on public transportation?
One liter of gas costs roughly 1,460 KRW (1.20 USD) or 5,840 KRW per gallon if you drive your own car (5 USD).
In terms of public transportation, one-way travel between cities in South Korea will cost between 17,860 and 60,000 KRW (15 and 50 USD). The cost of a subway ride within a city will be around $2,300. (2 USD). For a thirty-minute travel, taxis start at 3,500 KRW (3 USD) and can cost up to 24,000 KRW (20 USD).
Can I get travel insurance during Covid-19?
With all this talk of the “traffic light system,” where does travel insurance fit in?
The first thing to keep in mind is that the traffic light system has nothing to do with travel insurance. Customers should always check their travel advise at the time of trip because travel insurance works in line with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The good news is that the DFA’s travel recommendation for all EEA nations and the United Kingdom has been altered from ‘Avoid Non-Essential’ to ‘High Degree of Caution.’ When a country declares a ‘High Degree of Caution,’ customers with travel insurance will be covered if they visit that country/region.
‘High Degree of Caution’ = Covered under the terms and conditions of the insurance, including Covid-19 medical coverage abroad and cancellation coverage if diagnosed within 14 days of travel.
Are my medical expenditures reimbursed if I become ill with Covid-19 while traveling overseas and require medical treatment?
Please keep in mind that we will not cover Covid-19 claims if you traveled to an area where the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has warned against all but essential travel.
Prior to purchasing a policy and/or departing, all customers and partners should review the Travel Advice portion of the DFA’s website to confirm that the insurance offers the necessary coverage for their trip.
Is it covered if I get Covid-19 while traveling and need to be returned to Ireland or the United Kingdom?
Is it reimbursed for reasonable additional transportation or lodging expenses if I get Covid-19 while on a trip (with no symptoms and no medical bills) and am refused boarding owing to the positive diagnosis?
Is it covered if I get sick with Covid-19 while traveling and have to extend my stay as a result, incurring additional costs?
Is my trip partner and I insured for cancellation if we get Covid-19 at home and are unable to travel?
Unless the insurance is obtained within 48 hours of planning the trip, you will not be covered for any Covid-19 claim events occurring within 7 days on the date you purchased insurance.
Am I insured for cancellation if a member of my family is hospitalized with Covid-19 and you are unable to travel as a result?
Can I make a claim for any cancelled excursions if I’m diagnosed with Covid-19 while on vacation and have to self-isolate in my hotel?
Is my trip covered if I need to cut it short because a close relative has died from Covid-19?
The insured customer must contact our Emergency Assistance Service while away to obtain clearance before returning home, which is a particular condition of this coverage.
What am I covered for if I buy an insurance now and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) changes its recommendation on my country of travel to ‘Avoid Non-Essential Travel’ while I’m on vacation?
Are my flights and accommodations protected if I purchase a policy now and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) modifies their recommendation on my country of choice to ‘Avoid Non-Essential Travel’ before my trip?
Any claim resulting from a change in DFA guidance or a government lockdown is not covered.
Would travel insurance cover me if I had to cancel a vacation because my job or other obligations prevented me from restricting my movements when I returned home after a foreign trip?