Medical cost support schemes

Before giving up treatment over the bill, find out whether a support scheme applies.

The schemes

• Emergency welfare medical support — when a sudden crisis makes treatment unaffordable. 129. See emergency-welfare.
• Emergency medical cost advance payment — emergency charges paid on your behalf and repaid later. See emergency-medical-fund.
• Catastrophic medical expense support — where costs are excessive relative to income.
• Programmes for specific conditions such as cancer and rare diseases
• Programmes for children and pregnant women
• Local government medical support — varies by area.

Eligibility, requirements and amounts differ by scheme and change often. Always confirm with 129 and the hospital's social work office.

Steps

1. Call 129 (Health and Welfare Call Centre) and explain your situation. They will identify which scheme fits.
2. Ask the hospital's social work office (medical social work team) — most large hospitals have one and will help connect you.
3. Consult the welfare desk at your community service centre or district office.
4. Prepare the documents and apply.

Documents (typically)

• Alien Registration Card and passport
• Receipts and the itemised statement of charges
• Medical certificate or clinical opinion
• Income and asset documents
• A copy of your bankbook

Where to go

• 129 Health and Welfare Call Centre (24 hours)
• The hospital's social work office
• The welfare desk at your local community service centre
• 1577-1366 · 1345 interpretation
• Local family centres and migrant workers' support centres

Questions people ask

Are foreigners eligible? It varies by scheme. Depending on status and circumstances, some schemes do apply. Don't give up in advance — ask 129.

Can I apply after treatment? Some schemes allow retrospective application, but there are deadlines. Don't throw away receipts, and enquire immediately.

Can I pay the bill in instalments? You can ask the hospital's administration office about instalments. Speak to the social work office too.

I can't manage the paperwork. The hospital's social work office or a family centre will help. Use 1577-1366 interpretation alongside.

Take care

Always keep receipts and the itemised statement of charges. Without them you cannot claim support or insurance later. Photograph them at every visit.

Related

emergency-medical-fund · foreigner-medical-support · emergency-welfare · medical-records · free-clinics

Source

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