How do I visit a hospital in Korea as a foreigner?
I just got a medical bill from a Korean hospital and it is entirely in Korean with confusing categories. How do I read and understand Korean medical receipts, and how do I know if I was charged correctly?
1 Answer
Korean receipts split charges into covered items (급여) and non-covered items (비급여) that you pay in full, and the key lines are your out-of-pocket amount (본인부담금), the NHIS portion (공단부담금), consultation (진찰료), treatment (처치료), and medication (약제비). If something looks off, ask the hospital's admin desk (원무과) to explain and request an itemized breakdown (진료비 세부내역서). The NHIS helpline at 1577-1000 can also help you check whether you were charged correctly.