Short-stay foreigners often can't use National Health Insurance, so an accident or emergency could mean paying hospital bills in full. Travel insurance is an affordable safety net.
When and how long
Most policies should be bought before leaving your home country; sign up with your flight booking and you're covered from departure to your last day in Korea. You can set short terms like 1 week, 2 weeks, or 1 month, and some cover up to 6 months or a year.
Key coverage
- Injury (accidents): fractures, surgery, hospitalization, set a generous limit
- Illness treatment costs
- Lost belongings and liability
Without insurance, an ER visit or surgery can run into millions of won, and remember that buying after an incident won't cover it.
Full guide to coverage, how to claim, and key cautions