Last Updated on October 30, 2024 by Lohanna Reis

Setting off on a memorable adventure to South Korea is undeniably thrilling, yet it’s natural to feel inundated by the array of tasks ahead. Whether it’s arranging flights and lodging, organizing activities, or managing potential jet lag, there’s one vital element that often slips through the cracks – travel insurance.

If you’re in this scenario, there’s no need to worry! Keep reading to uncover all the essentials for obtaining the ideal travel insurance for your South Korea excursion. We’ll provide you with an extensive rundown of the top-notch and budget-conscious options out there!

But before we delve into the details…

 

 

Do I really need travel insurance for a trip to the South Korea? 

 

Indeed, without a doubt!

Securing comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely essential, particularly for adventurous travelers like myself, who often partake in activities with elevated risks of injury and potential medical costs.

Throughout my journeys, I’m constantly indulging in thrilling pursuits like mountain hiking, climbing, jumping, diving, and exploring everything that defines a perfect adventure!

Let’s paint a scenario: imagine you’re snowboarding in Switzerland without travel insurance, and unfortunately, you sustain an injury on the mountain, requiring a helicopter evacuation.

The staggering medical bill awaiting you while lying in a hospital bed could easily trigger a panic attack just by glancing at the string of zeros!

However, here’s the undeniable truth: obtaining travel insurance is a prudent choice, regardless of your destination.

Throughout my journeys, I’ve encountered countless backpackers sporting the infamous “Thai Tattoo” – significant scars on their legs resulting from burns caused by scooter exhaust pipes in Thailand!

And let’s face it, do you truly want to find yourself in a public hospital in the heart of Bangkok?!?! With travel insurance, you have the flexibility to opt for a private hospital where you’ll undoubtedly receive superior care. So, why take unnecessary risks? Ensure you’re covered and relish your trip to the fullest!

 

But do I actually need travel insurance? I don’t usually do any extreme activities or sports!

Listen up: whether you’re gearing up for a shopping spree in Miami or any other excursion, travel insurance is an absolute essential!

While health insurance might not be obligatory in South Korea, as it is in some other nations, there’s always a degree of risk when traveling. From minor mishaps like tripping on the sidewalk to more serious incidents like injuries or illnesses, unforeseen circumstances can arise.

Counting solely on South Korea’s health system (or that of many other countries) without any insurance coverage is akin to courting a personal financial catastrophe.

Moreover, bear in mind that several countries, including South Korea, may mandate some form of health or travel insurance as a prerequisite for entry.

And let’s not overlook, travel insurance isn’t restricted to solely medical emergencies. Depending on your policy, it can also offer reimbursement for lost luggage, flight delays, adverse weather conditions, and even aid in arranging your evacuation from a country in the event of civil unrest.

Thus, before you set off on your journey, ensure you’re safeguarded with the appropriate travel insurance plan! It’s a prudent choice that ensures peace of mind throughout your escapades.

 

Update regarding travel insurance and the coronavirus (COVID-19)

Although Covid-19 hasn’t been completely eradicated, you might be pondering whether your travel insurance will offer coverage if you fall ill.

Thankfully, at this juncture, almost every travel insurance plan on offer does encompass coverage for illness resulting from Covid-19. Nonetheless, I strongly advise thoroughly scrutinizing the specifics of your policy before committing to the purchase. Being well-versed in the precise coverage will afford you the peace of mind necessary for your travels.

(Or for more details, you can also take a look at our article here: Does International Health and Travel Insurance cover Coronavirus (COVID-19)?) 

 

Observation:These travel insurance choices are geared towards tourists, but if you’re traveling to South Korea for educational reasons, it’s essential to investigate an international health insurance plan crafted specifically for international students. Conversely, if you’re bound for the US for employment or as an immigrant, you’ll require a health insurance policy customized for expatriates. You can explore suitable options for these types of coverage towards the conclusion of the article linked here. Ensure you delve into the available selections that perfectly match your travel and residency requirements.

 

How does the health system in the South Korea work? 

South Korea’s healthcare system is characterized by a mixed system that combines elements of public and private financing. Here are some key points on how it works:

1. National Health Insurance (NHI): NHI is the main health insurance system in South Korea. It is mandatory for all residents of the country, including foreigners who have resided in Korea for more than six months. The NHI is funded by contributions from employees, employers and the government.

2. Comprehensive Coverage: NHI offers a wide range of coverage, including doctor visits, hospitalization, laboratory tests, outpatient treatment, surgeries, prescription medications and more.

3. Public and Private Hospitals: South Korea has a mix of public and private hospitals. Public hospitals are run by the government and offer affordable healthcare services. Private hospitals generally provide high-quality healthcare services, but they can be more expensive.

4. Universal Access: South Korea’s healthcare system is based on the principle of universal access, which means that all residents have access to basic healthcare services regardless of their ability to pay.

5. Copayments: Despite the broad coverage offered by NHI, patients often have to pay a portion of the costs of healthcare services, known as copayments. Copayments may vary depending on the type of service and the patient’s income level.

6. Traditional Korean Medicine: In addition to Western medicine, South Korea also values traditional Korean medicine, which includes practices such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and moxibustion treatments. The South Korean government recognizes and regulates traditional medicine practitioners, and these services are often covered by health insurance.

In summary, South Korea’s healthcare system is known for its comprehensiveness and efficiency, ensuring that all citizens have access to basic healthcare while allowing the private sector to provide high-quality services to those who need it. can pay for them.

 

What are the best travel insurance options for a trip to South Korea? 

   1. The well-known, mid-priced travel insurance company:

 

IMG Global (accepts citizens from most countries!) 

Absolutely! IMG (International Medical Group) is a reputable American insurance provider offering travel insurance to travelers from more than 190 countries.

This positions IMG as an excellent option to explore when seeking travel insurance for your South Korea trip, regardless of your place of origin!

With their comprehensive coverage and global presence, IMG stands out as a reliable choice for travelers seeking reassurance throughout their travels. Take advantage of the chance to explore their offerings and find the ideal travel insurance plan that fits your requirements, guaranteeing a stress-free adventure in South Korea!

They have one travel insurance plan available for Americans only (Patriot Travel Medical Insurance) and one available for non-American travelers (Patriot America Plus).

You have the flexibility to select your preferred level of coverage, ranging from US$50,000 to US$500,000, with deductible options varying from US$0 to US$2,500.

In terms of pricing, IMG’s rates are generally competitive. However, akin to some other options highlighted here, certain activities may not fall under their policy coverage.

To ensure that you secure all the essential coverage tailored to your specific requirements, I highly recommend meticulously reviewing the policy details before making a final decision. This way, you can embark on your travels with confidence and peace of mind, knowing that your chosen policy provides the comprehensive protection you need. Happy travels!

Travel insurance for seniors (65+): one thing that makes IMG unique is that they offer a travel insurance plan specifically tailored to travelers aged 65 and over, called GlobeHopper Senior.

 

IMGlobal travel insurance and COVID-19 coverage

 

 

   2. The best, most comprehensive travel insurance company for backpackers and adventurous travelers:

 

World Nomads Travel Insurance

(5% discount coupon comfort5)

You can get a 5% discount code on your World Nomads travel insurance policy by using the coupon code “comfort5″.

(P.S. If you’re anything like me and are also addicted to sports and adventure activities and want to make sure you have good travel insurance that covers them, here are two other articles you might like: 3 Best International Travel Insurance for Extreme Sports and Adventure Activities and 9 Tips to Stay in Shape During Your Travels.) 

 

WorldNomads travel insurance and coronavirus coverage

As of writing this article, World Nomads doesn’t explicitly address whether or not their insurance plans cover Covid-19 treatment. However, you can find their most up-to-date position on the coronavirus on their website here. 

 

 

   3. One of the cheapest travel insurance companies you’ll find anywhere:

 

WorldTrips (formerly Atlas Travel)

WorldTrips travel insurance and Covid-19 coverage

 

 

   4. The new international travel insurance company for digital nomads and adventure/extreme sports:

 

Safety Wing

One thing that makes Safety Wing stand out is its focus on insurance plans that cover adventure sports and extreme activities. (Like WorldNomads!) 

Plus, their website is fun and allows you to easily and quickly get a quote. 

 

Safety Wing travel insurance and Covid-19 coverage

 

 

   5. The best place to find & compare cheap travel insurance policies:

 

VisitorsCoverage

It’s a bit like Momondo, which lets you compare plane tickets from different companies. Or Rentalcar.com, which does the same rental cars. 

In other words, it makes it much easier to see all your options for travel insurance plans. And then ultimately compare, choose, and buy the best option for your trip. 

 

VisitorsCoverage travel insurance and COVID-19 coverage

 

 

   6. Another great website to search for and compare cheap travel insurance policies:

 

TravelInsurance.com

One nice feature of TravelInsurance.com is that, beyond travel insurance, they also offer insurance plans for immigrants, international students, and expatriates.

 

TravelInsurance.com and coronavirus coverage

 

   7. A final “travel insurance portal” option to search for and compare policies to find the best deal:

 

AARDY

AARDY travel insurance and COVID-19 coverage

Since AARDY itself isn’t a travel insurance provider and is only a portal that lets you compare insurance from many companies, you’ll have to look into the individual insurance company before you buy your plan to see what their position is on Covid-19 coverage. 

 

 

Bonus option to find and compare many different travel insurance plans at once:

 

InsureMyTrip

It’s a lot like Momondo, which is an aggregator for airline tickets, or Rentalcar.com, which is an aggregator for car rentals.

InsureMyTrip distinguishes itself with its steadfast commitment to quality. They strictly adhere to a policy of removing any plan or insurance company from their website if it receives less than 4 stars, ensuring that only top-notch options are showcased to users.

Unlike some other options listed here, InsureMyTrip is solely dedicated to travel insurance. Consequently, you won’t find insurance plans tailored for expats, immigrants, or international students on their platform. This specialization enables them to provide a focused and comprehensive service, specifically catering to travelers’ needs and ensuring they receive the best available travel insurance options. It’s a platform that prioritizes excellence and is dedicated to offering the finest travel insurance choices for travelers.

But if you’re looking for a plan like this to complement your travel insurance, check out my article on the 5 Best & Cheapest Health Insurances for International Students or 5 Best International Health Insurances for Expats & Immigrants.

 

InsureMyTrip travel insurance and Covid-19 coverage

Since InsureMyTrip itself isn’t a travel insurance provider and is only an aggregator that lets you compare insurance from many companies, you’ll have to look into the individual insurance company before you buy your plan to see what their position is on Covid-19 coverage. 

 

 

But wait….you might not even need to buy travel insurance!

Here are two sneaky ways you might be able to get “free” travel insurance 🙂 

 

   1. Buy your return flight ticket with a credit card to (maybe) get free insurance for your trip.  

 

*CORRECTION: As per the valuable comment from blog reader Alex on the Portuguese version of this article, if you possess a Visa Platinum credit card and use the accumulated miles to pay for ticket taxes and fees, you may be eligible for their worldwide travel insurance.

However, I recommend personally verifying this information with your credit card provider since the benefits offered by the same credit cards can vary based on the countries they are issued in. Thank you, Alex, for sharing this insightful tip!

Additionally, thanks to a comment from reader Ana Luisa, I’ve learned that the Visa Platinum insurance typically provides coverage for 60 days, which is longer than the usual 30-day coverage offered by most other credit cards.

Nonetheless, if your trip exceeds this duration, it is advisable to supplement the remaining portion of your journey with a regular travel insurance policy. With the Visa Platinum insurance, you can save some money during the first two months of your trip. Always ensure you have the appropriate coverage for the entire duration of your travels to ensure a worry-free journey. It’s essential to be well-prepared and adequately covered throughout your entire trip.

 

   2. Use your health insurance policy from your home country or country of residence. 

 

A quick note about travel insurance for cruising: 

Someone recently reached out asking if any of these travel insurance plans could be used for cruise trips, so I did some research.

Based on what I could find, both WorldNomads and WorldTrips will cover you on a cruise.

WorldTrips has confirmed via email that their Atlas plan provides coverage for medical evacuation from a cruise ship if required, depending on the circumstances.

It appears that all travel insurance plans offered by WorldNomads also extend coverage to cruisers. However, please bear in mind that there is an age limit of 66 for their plans. On the other hand, WorldTrips has the advantage of not having any age limit for their coverage, making it an appealing option for older travelers.

As for the other companies mentioned, I am still awaiting confirmation from them regarding their coverage for cruisers. It’s always prudent to obtain clear and detailed information about your travel insurance options before making a decision. Safe travels, and I hope you find the perfect plan for your journey! It’s crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of your travel insurance coverage, especially when embarking on a cruise trip. Always verify the specifics with the insurance providers to ensure you have the appropriate protection throughout your cruise journey.

 

Fraud Warning! As mentioned earlier, both WorldNomads and WorldTrips offer the flexibility of purchasing travel insurance even after you’ve begun your trip. However, it’s crucial to be cautious about potential fraudulent practices.

It’s important to understand that buying travel insurance after you’ve fallen ill or experienced an accident, in the hope of obtaining coverage for that specific incident, is not permissible. Insurance companies are aware of this possibility, and most policies contain an “anti-fraud” clause to prevent such actions. According to this clause, you can only utilize your insurance policy 48 hours after its purchase.

For instance, if you become seriously ill during your trip and decide to buy travel insurance then to cover your medical treatment, you’ll have to wait for 48 hours before your policy becomes valid for reimbursement. Furthermore, you’ll need to provide evidence to your insurance provider that the illness occurred after you purchased the policy.

However, in the case of an accident, you can use your insurance within the 48-hour window. Nevertheless, you must be able to demonstrate that the accident took place after you acquired your travel insurance plan.

To reiterate, attempting to deceive insurance companies by purchasing a policy and then swiftly seeking reimbursement for a pre-existing condition or recent incident is not a viable strategy. Insurance companies employ measures to investigate such situations and ensure they are not being deceived. So, it’s imperative to adhere to the guidelines and use travel insurance responsibly and honestly to guarantee appropriate coverage for your travels. Travel insurance is designed to protect against unforeseen incidents, not to provide coverage for pre-existing conditions or incidents that occurred before obtaining the policy.

 

 Can I use traveling insurance while living abroad as an expat or an immigrant? 

If you’re living overseas or traveling in a country for a short period, you might be okay with just travel insurance. 

But you’re looking for more complete coverage (travel insurance usually just covers medical emergencies), if you’re going to be living abroad long-term, or if you need proof of health insurance for immigration purposes, then what you actually need is an international health insurance plan for expats or immigrants. 

If you’d like to learn more about the differences between travel insurance and international health insurance, then you can take a look at our article about the 3 Best International Health Insurance for Expats & Immigrants.

Or, you can quote directly with some of these expat insurance companies here:

   Cigna

   IMGlobal

   Now Health International

 

Can I use travel insurance during my international exchange or while studying abroad?

However, if you’ll be needing a student visa, then you’re going to need a health insurance plan that’s designed just for international students or exchanges. 

If you’re an international student and think you might need one of these special medical insurance plans, then take a look at my page with The 3 Best and Cheapest Health Insurances for International Students & Exchanges to learn more.

Again, you can check out directly some of these international student insurance companies here:

   IMGlobal   

   Cigna for International Students

   Now Health International

 

International travel insurance coverage for terrorism

I’ve had a few comments in both the English and the Portuguese article asking if travel insurance covers acts of terrorism. 

I did  a bit of research, and here’s what I found out: 

Although WorldTrip’s basic travel insurance plan doesn’t cover terrorism, their Atlas Premium plan DOES cover “treatment of injuries and illnesses relating from an act of terrorism, up to the limit set forth in the schedule of benefits and limits.” So yes, they do appear to have terrorism coverage. 

If you ever find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being injured in a terrorist event while traveling, having WorldTrip’s Atlas Premium plan can provide essential coverage. This plan is designed to offer protection during unforeseen circumstances, providing you with a crucial safety net during challenging times.

 

 

Additionally, many of WorldTrip’s plans include a valuable “Crisis Response Cover,” which extends protection in the event of civil or political unrest, natural disasters, or other crises that travelers may encounter abroad. This comprehensive coverage even includes scenarios of “express kidnapping,” covering response expenses, ransom, and personal belongings surrendered.

It’s worth noting that while the “Crisis Response” feature is highly beneficial, it may not be available in certain countries. These countries include Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria, Somalia, Venezuela, Iran, Cuba, Sudan, and North Korea. However, in most of these countries, your regular travel insurance coverage will still remain valid, minus the specific “crisis” aspect of the coverage.

As always, carefully review the terms and conditions of your insurance policy to fully comprehend the extent of coverage and any limitations concerning your travel destination. Travel insurance serves as a vital safeguard, offering peace of mind and security throughout your journeys. WorldTrip’s Atlas Premium plan provides valuable protection during unforeseen events, and their Crisis Response Cover adds an extra layer of security for travelers facing challenging situations while abroad. Be sure to check the availability of the Crisis Response feature in your intended travel destination and have a comprehensive understanding of your coverage to travel with confidence and peace of mind.

General tips to help you get back your travel insurance reimbursement

But first, a few insurance terms to cover:

*make a claim: ask an insurance company for reimbursement for medical expenses

*insurer: the travel insurance company

*beneficiary = claimant = the insured: the person (you) who is asking the insurance company for money/reimbursement

 

List of documents usually requested by travel insurance policies when you seek reimbursement for medical expenses (if you were treated by an out-of-network provider): 

• Copy of the claimant’s national ID (driver’s license or other state-issued ID)
• Copy of Proof of Residency (any current proof – from the last 3 months – with the name of the claimant). If you don’t have this, send a declaration of residence that is completed, signed, and notarized by the insurer.
• For minors, a declaration of residence must be completed, signed, and notarized by the respective legal guardian (form provided by the insurer)
• Copy of the claimant’s voucher
• Original registration information form, signed by the beneficiary (form provided by the insurer)
• Copy of passport (ID page + page with entrance and exit stamps from the country where the accident happened) or other documentation that shows beneficiary was outside of habitual domicile when an accident happened (aka your home country) – for example: airplane tickets (by the way, you should always keep your boarding pass until the end of your trip, not only for filing a possible claim but also request your miles!)
• Presentation of the original medical report with descriptions of the procedures, provided by the health professional or medical center with a clear indication of the diagnosis, clinical history, and admission form, in the case of hospitalization
• Original prescription (if the pharmacy still has the prescription, send your x-ray or a document showing you picked up your medicine in exchange for the prescription)
• Invoice of the medical procedures or the pharmacy receipt with medications prescribed, which should match the quality and quantity of the provided prescription
• Report of medical care (explaining the reason, what happened and how the treatment went – both from the travel insurance staff as well the health providers), written by the beneficiary 
• A completed list of expenses (form provided by the insurer)
• Your contact phone number, address, and e-mail
• Proof of bank info (copy of bank statement header, check, or debit card)

And here’s the worst part – you’ll likely have to send all of these documents physically by mail!

To summarize, these as the best travel insurance companies for the South Korea:

1. IMGlobal
2. World Nomads Travel Insurance
3. WorldTrips
4. Safety Wing
5. VisitorsCoverage
6. TravelInsurance.com
7. AARDY
8. InsureMyTrip

 

My final advice: Seriously, don’t forget to purchase travel insurance before your trip! If you’re already traveling and haven’t bought insurance, do it as soon as possible. And if you’ve already bought a policy but need to extend it (which WorldNomads and WorldTrips allow), make sure to do so before it expires.

This way, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing you’re covered for the entirety of your trip to South Korea.

Now, it’s your turn. Have you had any experiences with travel insurance? Have you ever needed to use your policy? If so, which company did you use, and how was the claims process? Or do you still have any questions about travel insurance in general?

Share your thoughts in the comments section below, and I’ll be sure to respond!

Wishing you safe and happy travels! (And let’s hope you never have to use that travel insurance plan you just purchased!)

Planning your next trip?

Then don’t forget travel insurance! You don’t want to get stuck paying a ton of money and ruining your trip if you get sick or have an accident without travel insurance. Our page with The 3 Best and Cheapest Travel Insurance on the Market can help you choose the right plan and will give you some discount coupons for the biggest insurance companies!

 

 Already reserved your hotel or hostel? If not, our article with The 6 Best and Cheapest Websites to Find & Reserve Accommodation can help you out. You’ll also find some promotions and discount codes.

 

 Still haven’t booked your plane ticket and want to save big? Take a look at our page with 16 Tips to Save on Flights where you’ll also find the 4 best websites to buy your plane tickets. 

 

And finally, will you need to rent a car during your trip? Then surely our page with The 5 Best and Cheapest Websites to Compare and Rent Cars Around the World will help you choose the best rental car and find a good deal.