Referral letters for tertiary hospitals
Going to a university (tertiary) hospital without a referral reduces your insurance cover.
Why it matters
Korean care is tiered.
- Tier 1 — neighbourhood clinics, hospitals and general hospitals
- Tier 2 — tertiary general hospitals such as university hospitals
To attend a tier-2 hospital, the rule is a referral letter issued at tier 1. Without one, health insurance may not apply and your share of the cost can rise sharply.
How to get one
- See a local clinic or hospital first.
- Tell the doctor you think you need to be seen at a major hospital.
- If the doctor agrees, they issue a referral letter.
- Book by phone or online at the tertiary hospital; they may ask about the referral.
- On the day, bring the referral, ID and previous test results (including imaging CDs).
What you need
- The referral letter (check its validity period)
- Alien registration card
- Health insurance eligibility
- Previous results, imaging CDs and clinical notes
Where to go
- Your local clinic or hospital (issues the referral)
- The appointment centre of the tertiary hospital
- 1577-1000 National Health Insurance Service
- 1644-2000 Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service
Questions people ask
Do I need a referral for A&E? Emergencies are an exception. You can go without one.
Does the referral expire? Yes. It is valid for a set period from issue — check with the hospital and attend within it.
Are there other exceptions, like childbirth? Emergencies, childbirth and certain conditions are recognised exceptions. Confirm when booking.
The doctor won't write one. Explain the medical need. You may also seek an opinion at another clinic.
Take care
Without a referral you may face close to the full cost at a university hospital. Always check before booking. Bringing your previous imaging CDs avoids repeat tests and their cost.
Related
hospital-finder · hospital-bill-understand · surgery-cost · hospitalization · medical-records
Source
National Health Insurance Service www.nhis.or.kr / As of 2026-08