Daegu

1. Overview of Health Insurance in South Korea

South Korea operates a universal healthcare system primarily through the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). The NHIS is mandatory for all residents, including foreigners staying in South Korea for more than six months. For short-term visitors, private health insurance is recommended.

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2. Categories of Health Insurance

There are two main categories of health insurance in South Korea:

A. National Health Insurance (NHIS)

• Eligibility:
  • Foreigners and overseas Koreans residing in South Korea for six months or longer.
  • Employees working in South Korea (enrolled automatically through their employer).
  • Self-employed individuals or those not covered by an employer (must register independently).
• Coverage:
  • Hospital visits, outpatient care, surgeries, and prescription medications.
  • Preventive care, such as vaccinations and health screenings.
  • Partial coverage for dental care and traditional Korean medicine.
  • Emergency services and ambulance transport.
• Cost:
  • For employees: Contributions are shared between the employer and employee (approximately 7.09% of your monthly salary, split equally).
  • For self-employed individuals: Premiums are calculated based on income and assets, typically ranging from KRW 100,000 to KRW 150,000 per month.

B. Private Health Insurance

• Eligibility: Available to anyone, including short-term visitors and those who want additional coverage beyond NHIS.
• Coverage:
  • Supplemental coverage for services not fully covered by NHIS, such as advanced treatments, private hospital rooms, and higher reimbursement rates.
  • Travel insurance for short-term visitors often includes emergency medical care.
• Cost:
  • Varies widely depending on the provider, age, and coverage level. Plans can range from KRW 50,000 to KRW 300,000 per month.

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3. Steps to Sign Up for Health Insurance in Daegu

A. National Health Insurance (NHIS)

1. Eligibility Check:

   • If you are employed, your employer will automatically enroll you in NHIS.
   • If you are self-employed or unemployed, you must register yourself after residing in South Korea for six months.

2. Required Documents:

   • Alien Registration Card (ARC) issued by the local immigration office.
   • Passport.
   • Proof of residence (e.g., lease agreement or utility bill).
   • Employment contract (if applicable).

3. Registration Process:

   • Visit the nearest NHIS branch office in Daegu. The main office in Daegu is located at:
     • Address: 10, Gongpyeong-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu.
     • Phone: 1577-1000 (English-speaking support available).
   • Fill out the application form and submit the required documents.
   • Pay the first premium (you will receive monthly bills thereafter).

4. Receiving Your Insurance Card:

   • Once registered, you will receive an NHIS card, which you must present when visiting healthcare facilities.

B. Private Health Insurance

1. Research Providers:

   • Popular private insurance companies in South Korea include Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance, Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance, and LINA Korea.
   • Many companies offer English-language support for foreigners.

2. Compare Plans:

   • Evaluate coverage options, premiums, and exclusions.
   • Ensure the plan covers your specific needs, such as maternity care, dental care, or international travel.

3. Sign Up:

   • Contact the insurance provider directly or through an agent.
   • Provide your personal information, including your ARC or passport.
   • Pay the premium to activate the policy.

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4. Costs and Payment

• NHIS premiums are billed monthly and can be paid via bank transfer, at convenience stores, or through the NHIS website.
• Private insurance premiums are typically paid monthly or annually, depending on the provider.

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5. Healthcare Facilities in Daegu

Daegu has a robust healthcare infrastructure, with numerous hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. Some notable hospitals include:

• Kyungpook National University Hospital: A major general hospital with English-speaking staff.
• Daegu Fatima Hospital: Known for its international patient services.
• Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center: Offers a wide range of medical services and has interpreters available.

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6. Special Considerations for Visitors and Immigrants

• Short-Term Visitors:

  • NHIS is not available for visitors staying less than six months. Ensure you have travel insurance or private health insurance that covers medical emergencies.
  • Carry your insurance policy details and emergency contact numbers at all times.

• Immigrants and Long-Term Residents:

  • Register for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days of arrival, as it is required for NHIS enrollment.
  • If you change your address or employment status, update your information with NHIS promptly to avoid penalties.

• Language Barrier:

  • While many hospitals in Daegu have English-speaking staff, smaller clinics may not. Consider using translation apps or hiring a medical interpreter if needed.

• Traditional Korean Medicine:

  • NHIS partially covers treatments like acupuncture and herbal medicine, which are widely available in Daegu.

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7. Emergency Medical Services

• Dial 119 for emergency medical assistance. Operators can connect you to English-speaking staff.
• NHIS covers a portion of emergency care costs, but private insurance may provide additional coverage.

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8. Additional Resources

• NHIS Website: www.nhis.or.kr (English version available).
• Hi Korea Portal: www.hikorea.go.kr (for immigration and ARC-related information).
• Daegu Metropolitan City Website: www.daegu.go.kr (local healthcare resources and updates).

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By following this guide, you can ensure that you are adequately covered by health insurance during your stay in Daegu, South Korea. If you have further questions or need assistance, feel free to ask!