Free and low-cost care for foreigners

Enduring illness because of money or an insecure status is the most dangerous choice. There are options.

Where you can go

1. Public health centres — inexpensive consultations, tests and vaccinations for local residents. Public health items such as TB, STIs and vaccination are often provided broadly.
2. Free clinics for foreigners — run by religious groups, medical volunteer organisations and local governments. Many open at weekends. See free-clinics.
3. Medical cost support schemes — support depending on income and circumstances. See medical-fee-support.
4. Emergency medical cost advance payment — when you have no money in an emergency. See emergency-medical-fund.
5. Migrant workers' support centres and family centres — they help with hospital referrals and interpretation.

Check this first

Many people are eligible for health insurance without knowing. If you have residence status, ask 1577-1000 first whether you qualify. Enrolment reduces costs enormously. See nhis-foreigners-overview.

Steps

1. Check eligibility for health insurance with 1577-1000.
2. If not eligible, explain your situation at a public health centre and ask what is available.
3. Ask 129 (Health and Welfare Call Centre) about medical cost support.
4. Find your nearest free clinic for foreigners.
5. Use 1577-1366 alongside if you need interpretation.

Where to go

• 129 Health and Welfare Call Centre (medical and welfare support)
• 1577-1000 National Health Insurance Service
• Your local public health centre
• 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline (interpretation)
• 1345 Immigration Contact Centre
• Local migrant workers' support centres and family centres

Questions people ask

Can I go to hospital without residence status? Treatment comes first. In an emergency especially, call 119 without hesitating. Explain your situation at a free clinic or health centre.

My child is ill. Never delay a child's care. Ask a health centre, a free clinic, or 129. Support schemes exist for children.

I already have a large hospital bill. You can ask the hospital's administration office about payment by instalments. At the same time, ask 129 about support schemes.

I don't speak Korean. Call with 1577-1366 interpretation. Many free clinics have volunteer interpreters.

Take care

Enduring illness until you need the emergency room costs far more. Using a health centre or free clinic early is better for your health and your money. Call 129 today.

Related

free-clinics · medical-fee-support · emergency-medical-fund · medical-cost-without-insurance · nhis-foreigners-overview

Source

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