Obtaining your medical records
Your medical records belong to you. Request them from the hospital.
The documents
- Receipts — for indemnity insurance claims and medical cost support
- Itemised statement of charges — what was charged and for what
- Copy of the medical chart — diagnosis and treatment details
- Medical certificate or clinical opinion — see medical-certificate
- Admission and discharge certificates
- Test results and imaging (on CD) — when transferring to another hospital
When you need them
- Indemnity and travel insurance claims
- Industrial accident claims — see industrial-accident-report
- Medical cost support applications — see medical-fee-support
- Transferring to another hospital
- Submission to your employer — see sick-note-work
- Traffic accident settlements and insurance
How to obtain them
- Apply at the hospital's administration or medical records office.
- Present ID (Alien Registration Card or passport).
- Pay the fee — it varies by document.
- Collection by proxy needs a power of attorney and the proxy's ID. Even family members need the paperwork.
Where to go
- The administration or medical records office of the treating hospital
- 1577-1000 National Health Insurance Service (treatment history)
- 129 Health and Welfare Call Centre
- 1577-1366 · 1345 interpretation
Questions people ask
It was a long time ago — can they still issue it? Medical institutions keep records for a set period. Ask the hospital. Older records can take time.
The hospital has closed. Ask your local health centre or 1577-1000 about where the records were transferred.
Can I request a family member's records? You need a power of attorney, proof of the family relationship, and both IDs. Ask the hospital in advance what is required.
I need documents in English. Some hospitals issue English medical certificates and receipts for overseas insurance claims. Request them in advance.
Take care
Always collect receipts and the itemised statement on discharge, and photograph them. Without them you must apply again later for insurance or support, and you may miss the deadline.
Related
medical-certificate · sick-note-work · medical-fee-support · industrial-accident-report
Source
Ministry of Health and Welfare www.mohw.go.kr / As of 2026-08