South Korea has become a global destination for medical tourism, especially for advanced treatments and cosmetic procedures. With state-of-the-art facilities, expert doctors, and competitive costs, it’s no wonder the country is highly sought after by patients worldwide. This medical travel guide to South Korea for foreign patients will provide you with all the necessary steps, cost insights, and helpful tips to make your journey smooth and successful.
Also read: Arrange Your Medical Travel to South Korea
Why Arrange Medical Treatment in South Korea?
1. Advanced Facilities
Based on data from the Korean Network for Organ Sharing Statistical Yearbook 2018, South Korea has the highest success rate of organ transplants in the world. South Korea has also succeeded in reducing the death rate and increasing the life expectancy of cancer sufferers.
This is thanks to the cutting-edge technology used in treatment in South Korea, such as robots. So it is not surprising that the country which is famous for its Kpop culture is also a destination of choice for tourists who will take medical trips or treatment.
In addition, a number of health experts from abroad also trust South Korea as the right place to study the latest medical technology.
2. Reasonable Costs
In terms of cost, medical treatment in South Korea is much cheaper than America and Europe. Medical procedures and recovery in South Korea are also relatively fast. So, patients or tourists can make medical visits without having to spend a lot of money and time.
3. International Accreditation
Hospitals catering to foreign patients often have international accreditations, ensuring high-quality care, patient safety, and effective management.
4. Convenient Travel Access
South Korea’s well-connected transportation system, especially in major cities like Seoul and Busan, ensures easy and efficient travel for international visitors.
Steps to Prepare for Medical Treatment in South Korea
1. Determine Your Treatment Goals
The first thing you need to do is determine the purpose of your treatment, whether to undergo medical treatment or beauty treatments. We can help you choose the best hospital and doctor according to your needs and budget. South Korea itself is popular as a destination for various plastic surgery procedures.
2. Select a Hospital and Doctor
Research hospitals specializing in your required treatment. Some of the top options include:
- Samsung Medical Center
- Severance Hospital
- Asan Medical Center
- Banobagi Plastic Surgery Clinic
- JK Plastic Surgery Center
3. Prepare Medical Records
Share your medical history and relevant documents with the hospital. This helps doctors provide a detailed treatment plan tailored to your needs.
4. Arrange Accommodation and Transportation
Choose accommodation near your hospital for convenience. South Korea’s public transport system, especially subways, makes travel easy for patients.
5. Handle Necessary Documentation
Prepare your visa, passport, and health certificates. Post-pandemic, some hospitals may also require vaccination proof or recent medical reports.
6. Consult a Medical Travel Consultant
Contact services like KavaLink Medical Consultant to assist with planning your trip, from booking appointments to organizing logistics.
Also read: Arrange Your Medical Travel to South Korea
Estimated Costs of Medical Treatment in South Korea
Type of Procedure | Cost in KRW | Cost in Rupiah | Cost in USD |
---|---|---|---|
Health Check-up Program | 850,000 – 6,250,000 | 9.9 million – 72.9 million | $637.50 – $4,687.50 |
Carotid Doppler Ultrasound | 187,000 | 2.1 million | $140.25 |
Echocardiography | 240,000 | 2.8 million | $180.00 |
Breast Ultrasound | 200,000 | 2.3 million | $150.00 |
Pelvic Ultrasound | 100,000 | 1.16 million | $75.00 |
Thyroid Ultrasound | 117,000 | 1.36 million | $87.75 |
Prostate Ultrasound | 170,000 | 1.98 million | $127.50 |
Graded Exercise Test | 120,000 | 1.4 million | $90.00 |
Pulse Wave Velocity | 55,000 | 642 thousand | $41.25 |
Colonoscopy | 210,000 | 2.4 million | $157.50 |
Brain MRI/MRA | 1,475,000 | 17.2 million | $1,106.25 |
Low-dose Lung CT | 180,000 | 2.1 million | $135.00 |
Coronary Ca CT | 155,000 | 1.8 million | $116.25 |
Abdominal Pelvic CT | 250,000 | 2.9 million | $187.50 |
Cataract | 100,000 | 1.1 million | $75.00 |
Bone Densitometry | 50,000 | 584 thousand | $37.50 |
Urea Breath Test | 41,000 | 479 thousand | $30.75 |
Cotinine | 50,000 | 584 thousand | $37.50 |
Organ Transplant (Kidney) | 10,700,000 | 128 million | $8,025.00 |
Cancer Treatment | 71,500,000 | 857 million | $53,625.00 |
Heart Transplant | 65,000,000 | 779 million | $48,750.00 |
Note: Costs may vary based on hospital policies and treatment specifics. Contact KavaLink for accurate estimates.
To simplify your medical travel guide to South Korea for foreign patients, KavaLink offers free services such as:
- Personalized hospital and doctor recommendations.
- Detailed cost estimates.
- Appointment bookings for online or in-person consultations.
- Assistance with transportation and accommodation planning.
Contact KavaLink via WhatsApp at 0811 1446 777 for a stress-free medical journey.