When you go to the hospital, be sure to take your insurance card with you. You will be asked to fill out some registration forms. If you are at a non-English speaking hospital, be sure to go with a Korean translator to ease communication difficulties.
There are two kinds of medical institutions in Korea. Primary health care organizations include neighborhood clinics, public health centers and small hospitals for common ailments such as the flu and digestion-related conditions. Specialized or university hospitals (general hospitals) are secondary care organizations that attend to more severe conditions or conduct precise medical examinations.
If, after visiting a clinic or public health center, you are referred to a larger hospital, you need to submit your medical records from the previous institution and the referral from your doctor to receive insurance benefits. However, you will automatically receive insurance benefits for emergencies (baby delivery, hemophilia, or other emergencies) or if you have to see a dentist or family doctor, or go to rehabilitation clinic.
Korea's unique traditional medicine is highly advanced. Almost every neighborhood has an Oriental medicine clinic where people can receive medicine or treatment such as acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping.
Public health centers are state-run public medical institutions. Vaccinations, treatment for chronic diseases, medical examinations, physical therapy, dental care and Oriental medicine are available here at a cost much less than at private medical institutions.
Ever since the seperation of the prescription and dispensing of drugs, pharmacies have been operating the same hours as clinics and hospitals. Therefore, aimed at offering easier access to the public, non-prescription drugs such as Tylenol and pain-relief pads have been sold at retailers and convenience sotres which operate 24 hours a day, all year round from November 15, 2012.
In case of emergency :
When accidents or injury occur, or if you are seriously ill, call 119. For the public health & welfare call center, dial 129 (Area code + 129 on mobile phones). For the emergency medical information center, dial 1339.
Image Source
http://www.korea.net/AboutKorea/Living-in-Korea/Medical-Facilities#pagePrint
Contents Source
http://www.korea.net/AboutKorea/Living-in-Korea/Medical-Facilities#pagePrint
http://www.korea.net/Government/Briefing-Room/Press-Releases/view?articleId=1772
