Medical costs without insurance

Do not give up on treatment because you have no insurance. There are ways to reduce the cost or pay later.

What to know

• Without insurance you pay the full cost — several times more for the same treatment.
• Public health centres are relatively cheap, and some items such as tuberculosis are state-supported.
• The emergency medical cost deferred payment scheme can let you pay emergency costs later.
• Some NGOs and clinics provide medical support for migrant workers.
• Free clinics exist in many areas.

Steps

1. Ask the public health centre first. They can explain costs and supported items.
2. In an emergency, 119 and the ER come first. Do not delay over money.
3. Explain your situation at the hospital's administration desk. Ask about the deferred payment scheme.
4. Find local support organisations. Support centres for foreign workers, migrant support groups.
5. Check whether you can enrol in health insurance. In the long run that is the cheapest route.

What you need

• Passport and Alien Registration Card (if you have one)
• Medical receipts
• Anything showing your income or circumstances

Where to go

• Your nearest public health centre
• 1339 KDCA · 129 health and welfare counselling
• 1577-1000 National Health Insurance Service (eligibility)
• 1345 · 1577-1366 interpreted advice
• Your local support centre for foreign workers

Questions people ask

Can I go to hospital without valid status? You can be treated. If you are worried, ask a health centre or support group first.

I'm scared of emergency room costs. In an emergency, life comes first. Ask the administration desk about the deferred payment scheme.

I was hurt at work. Industrial accident insurance applies regardless of status. You can be treated under it even without health insurance. Contact 1350 and 1588-0075.

I'm worried about childbirth costs. Local governments and Family Centers may have support. Ask 1577-1366.

Take care

Medicine bought online and unlicensed procedures are dangerous. Saving money that way leads to worse illness. Always use a licensed medical institution.

Related

nhis-foreigners-overview · emergency-room-use · casualty-insurance · hospital-system-overview

Source

Ministry of Health and Welfare www.mohw.go.kr / NHIS www.nhis.or.kr / As of 2026-08