If you want to buy medicine, you need to go to the drugstore. Korean pharmacies sell prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs. Over-the-counter drugs include digestive drugs, nutritional drugs, vitamins, antipyretic and analgesic drugs, and cold medicines. If you want to buy antibiotics, hormones and special painkillers, you need to write a doctor's prescription. The following will introduce Korean medical services, foreign medical services, medical insurance and other medical-related information in detail.
South Korea's medical system
There are many types of medical institutions in Korea, including general hospitals, Korean hospitals, private hospitals and health centers. And has professional medical staff and advanced medical equipment to provide patients with quality medical services. In particular, ophthalmology, surgery, dentistry and orthopedics are among the best in the world, and cardiac surgery is also among the best. With the sharp increase of foreigners visiting or staying in Korea, many medical institutions in Korea have set up international treatment centers to provide high-level medical services to meet the medical needs of foreigners and meet world standards.
According to the department setting and equipment scale, medical institutions in South Korea can be roughly divided into three categories: A, B and C. If you want to go to a first-class hospital for medical treatment, you need a certificate from a second-class or third-class hospital, otherwise you will not be able to enjoy medical insurance benefits, and you may even have to pay expensive fees. For outsiders, although they can directly use the medical services of first-class hospitals, they have to bear higher medical expenses.
Grade A includes general hospitals and university affiliated hospitals. The third-class hospital covers all departments and provides specialized emergency services, with 500 beds.
Secondary hospitals not only have more than four departments, but also provide inpatient and outpatient services. In addition, there are 300 to 400 beds and emergency rooms.
Category C includes private hospitals and health centers. There are fewer departments in tertiary hospitals, which mainly provide medical services for disease prevention or early treatment.
Appointment registration
You can make an appointment in advance by telephone, website, direct visit or fax. This will enable patients to enjoy faster and more convenient services. If you make an appointment directly in the hospital, please bring your doctor's guarantee. Fill in the reservation application form and submit it to the service desk.
Pay medical expenses
Pay medical expenses in the hospital administrative office. Almost all Korean hospitals can use credit cards. If there is an international medical center, medical expenses can also be paid through the medical center. They will also help you prepare the documents you need when you pay. In addition, most hospitals issue invoices in English for foreigners. The medical expenses vary according to whether you join the medical insurance or not. And some overseas insurance can also enjoy insurance benefits in Korean hospitals. Medical expenses incurred in Korea can be paid in advance and then reimbursed to your insurance company.