If you want to be an international student in South Korea, did you know that most schools require you to have health insurance to apply? So what are your best options if you’re just taking a short course? Or if you need a policy longer than a year? Take a look at the article below to find all the answers!
A Health Insurance is a service that many students do not know they need, but it is very important to ensure a peaceful and safe stay abroad. In addition, you will probably need to provide proof of medical coverage to enroll in the course!
With this in mind, I have separated the best insurance options for students in South Korea, along with information on student visas, most common courses and the Korean health system.
Check it out!
Table of Contents
- 1 Why should international students in South Korea have health insurance?
- 2 What student health insurance is required for a student visa in South Korea?
- 3 The 7 Best and Cheapest Health Insurance for International Students in South Korea
- 4 Table comparison of the 7 best health insurance plans for international/exchange students in South Korea
- 5 Why study in South Korea and how does the Educational System work?
- 6 What types of courses and visa can foreign students apply for in South Korea?
- 7 How to apply to study in South Korea?
- 8 In Conclusion…
Why should international students in South Korea have health insurance?
The main reason to take out health insurance is to make sure you are covered if you need any medical care in your new country of residence.
All international students studying in South Korea must be covered by a health insurance, public or private. Many international students are eligible to participate in South Korea’s universal health care coverage, although this depends on factors such as age, country of origin and duration of their degree program.
However, this is nothing new to anyone, right? Besides this reason, there are others that I consider relevant that I will explain below.
The right international student insurance plan for you depends on the time you will study in South Korea, whether you will need a visa (and if so, what insurance requirements you need to meet), whether you will be eligible for the national health system in South Korea, as well as your personal situation and choices.
And all this leads us to the next point…
What student health insurance is required for a student visa in South Korea?
If you are in doubt, know that health insurance is mandatory to study in South Korea.
Expatriates living in South Korea can apply for health benefits in two ways: Universal Health Insurance and private health insurance.
To learn more about the types of courses you can study in South Korea and the required visas, continue reading the article after the list of the best international health insurance for international students in South Korea.
As always, I recommend that you get a quote from all the companies I’ve listed below… it might take a bit more time, but it can help you save a lot of money that you can instead spend making the most of your time in South Korea! 
The 7 Best and Cheapest Health Insurance for International Students in South Korea
1. Health insurance for international students by IMG
IMGlobal offers a variety of insurance plans for students (as well as insurance plans for expatriates in general).
They have three different insurance plans made specifically for students. But since one of them is only for students studying abroad in the United States (The Patriot Exchange Program), we will only talk about two of them here.
Plan #1: Student Health Advantage
This program should have enough to meet all the health coverage requirements of your school (but make sure you check the minimum coverage required first!).
This specific plan covers many things that many others don’t – including mental health disorders, maternity care, and pre-existing conditions. IMG also covers COVID-19 costs like any other disease and injury that are subject to the policy’s terms and conditions.
Plan #2: Student Health Advantage Platinum
This plan is the same as the previous one, but offers double the maximum coverage: $1,000,000
What I like about IMG’s International Student Insurance:
- These plans are designed specifically for students
- They cover students of all nationalities
- They have more than 17,000 healthcare professionals for you to choose from around the world
- They have customer service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- They cover COVID-19 and telemedicine consultations
What I don’t like about IMG’s International Student Insurance:
- In some of their plans, there is a 1-year waiting period for coverage of pre-existing diseases
2. Cigna Global – International health insurance for students
Cigna Global, one of the world’s largest health insurers, offers plans for travelers, expats and (of course!) international students.
They offer 3 main plans: Silver, Gold and Platinum. These plans will cover you not only in South Korea but all over the world! And if you have plans to visit the United States during your stay in South Korea, you can choose to be covered there as well (although this makes your policy a bit more expensive, so it may be better to get only a short travel insurance for your visit to the US).
Here’s a table comparing your plan options:
Cigna’s plans are really flexible and allow you to add what you need (including things like dental and eye treatments or international evacuation and crisis assistance).
The company also has a flexible payment policy and offers several options such as annual, monthly and quarterly payments.
What I like about international health insurance for Cigna Global Students:
- They answer complaints quickly (according to the company, 95% of refund requests are received in 10 days)
- The online help center provides access to a list of more than 3,000 hospitals, as well as information guides
- They partner with more than 1.65 million hospitals, doctors, clinics and specialists around the world (offering plenty of choice if you need medical care)
- They have assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to answer any of your questions
What I don’t like about Cigna Global’s International Student Health Insurance:
- The most basic plan does not cover prenatal and postnatal care
- They do not include coverage for outpatient consultations with specialists and doctors
Now Health International has emerged as a frontrunner in the international insurance arena, prioritizing client satisfaction through the provision of cost-effective and efficient plans.
A notable strength of this company lies in its state-of-the-art customer service, which offers swift and practical information dissemination.
Each of Now Health’s plans is carefully crafted to cater to and resolve the distinct challenges encountered by individuals residing in foreign countries, including international students and exchange students worldwide.
Furthermore, these plans are fully customizable, guaranteeing a seamless fit tailored to your precise requirements.
What I like about Now Health International Student Plans:
- Clear information and 24/7 customer service
- Coverage in over 190 countries and territories
- Various international insurance options and customizable plans
- Some plans offer coverage for maternity routines
What I don’t like about Now Health International Student Plans:
- In some procedures, Now Health works with a reimbursement system
- For plans with routine maternity coverage, you must wait a 12-month waiting period to access this benefit
4. WorldTrips
HCCMIS is another provider that offers insurance for full-time students and scholarship students studying away from home (along with the usual travel insurance sales).
These are the 4 levels of student health insurance coverage they offer (they all work great for South Korea!):
StudentSecure Elite
- Offers the lowest franchises and the highest maximum coverage
- Waiting period of 6 months before a pre-existing condition can be covered
- Offers sports coverage for club/intercollegiate activities
- Covers personal responsibility
StudentSecure Select
- Waiting period of 6 months before a pre-existing condition can be covered
- Optional Crisis Response pilot for rescue, your personal belongings and crisis rates
StudentSecure Budget
- Coverage of pre-existing diseases begins 12 months after the purchase of insurance
- Mid-tier benefits and higher franchise (for a lower monthly fee overall)
StudentSecure Smart
- Lowest cost plan (with the lowest corresponding benefits)
- Highest franchises of all plans
- Does not cover club sports
- Can only cover a pre-existing condition at its acute onset
Here is a comparison of the 4 HCC StudentSecure plans (click to see the full chart):
What I like about HCCMIS StudentSecure plans:
- They offer emergency dental care (in case of an accident) up to $250 maximum per tooth and $500 maximum in the certification period
- They offer a savings plan if you pay the full amount in advance
- They are some of the most economical plans on this list
What I don’t like about HCCMIS StudentSecure plans:
- No coverage for pre-existing conditions on your Smart plan
- There is a 6-month waiting period for coverage of pre-existing conditions (even on your Elite plan)
- There is no coverage for vaccines unless you get the Elite plan
- There is no coverage for maternity and nursery for newborns in the Smart plan
- Your low-cost plans can have high franchises
Visitor Coverage, founded in 2006 in the United States, focuses on making it easier to choose travel insurance, offering affordable and tailored solutions for tourists, students, expats and immigrants.
Using an intuitive platform, travelers can compare different insurance options by entering some basic information about their trip. Although the company does not offer its own insurance, it acts as an intermediary, connecting users with reliable insurers, ensuring protection in case of emergencies.
For international students, simply enter data such as destination country, age and nationality. Based on this information, the platform suggests the best options, providing details on prices, coverage, cancellation, extension and additional benefits. It is also possible to consult ratings and detailed information about each partner insurer.
What I like about Visitor Coverage student insurance:
- The best way to compare reliable travel insurance on the market
- Provides detailed information about insurance companies
- Practical and intuitive website
- Options that suit each traveler’s profile and several different prices
- Student support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Over 18 years of experience in the market and over 1 million customers around the world
What I don’t like about Visitor Coverage student insurance:
- It doesn’t have its own Visitor Coverage insurance
- Your exchange must last at least 30 days and a maximum of 1 year
- It doesn’t cover the following destinations: Belarus, Cuba, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Mayotte, North Korea, Russia, Syria and Ukraine
Basic or Premium? Short or long term stay in South Korea? Alone or with family? Whatever you need, you can find a plan with Foyer Global Health that works for you.
The company has 3 different plans. Here is a quick overview of what each of these plans includes:
ESSENCIAL
- Consultations, surgery and anesthetics
- Therapeutic devices (such as cardiac pacemakers), if necessary, as a rescue measure
- Congenital diseases (up to a maximum of €100,000 per life)
- Does not cover maternity and childbirth
SPECIAL
- Consultations, surgery and anesthetics
- Auxiliaries and therapeutic devices (such as artificial limbs and prostheses) up to €2,000
- Congenital diseases up to a maximum of €150,000 per life
- Maternity and childbirth care (up to €5,000 with a waiting period of 10 months)
EXCLUSIVE
- Consultations, surgery and anesthetics
- Unlimited therapeutic devices
- Congenital diseases up to a maximum of €200,000 per life
- Maternity care, childbirth care and midwifery or nursing services in the hospital (up to €20,000 with a waiting period of 10 months)
What I like about Foyer Global Health plans:
- All plans include consultations, surgeries and basic dental treatments
- They have 24-hour customer service by phone and email with experienced consultants, doctors and experts
- They offer evacuation and repatriation service
- They offer medical support and pre-trip advice (vaccinations, preparation of a first aid kit)
What I don’t like about Foyer Global Health plans:
- The most basic plan does not cover prenatal and postnatal care
7. Diplomat Long Term and Diplomat International of Global Underwriters
Global Underwriters offers international health insurance plans for a wide range of travelers, including exchange students and international students abroad.
When it comes to GU plans, I recommend Diplomat Long Term and Diplomat International to international students in South Korea.
What I like about Global Underwriters plans:
- Your student plans have coverage for medical evacuations, emergency dentistry and repatriation of remains
- Diplomat Long Term and Diplomat International plans cover up to $1,000,000
- They offer coverage and assistance in case of lost baggage and travel disruptions
- They have customer service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
What I don’t like about Global Underwriters plans:
- The Diplomat International plan does not cover Covid-19
- The Diplomat Long Term plan does not cater to students residing in Australia and Iran, as well as in New York, Maryland, South Dakota (although this is not a problem for you if you have moved to South Korea!)
- Your plans may be a bit more expensive than the others on this list
2 International Health Insurance Companies that can also be used by International Students in South Korea!
The two companies I will mention below do not offer health insurance specifically for students abroad. That said, they offer international health insurance that will (most likely) be accepted by your school or university as proof of coverage.
So my advice to you is to ask for a quote for these two companies below and compare it with the quote you got from the companies listed above. If you find that one of these two companies offers good coverage at a lower price than the other options, check with your Canadian school or university if they accept this type of policy.
If they do, this is a great chance to save money before venturing into your new home!
– Geoblue
Geoblue is another great option if you are looking for a health insurance policy to cover you while you study in South Korea.
What I like about Geoblue’s international health insurance:
- Your plans are very adaptable and flexible, based on exactly what you need
- They have customer service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Some of their plans cover extras like evacuation, preventative medical appointments and maternity care
- You can add ophthalmology and dentistry services
- The Xplorer plan does not have maximum medical coverage, covers extreme sports, does not charge franchises for standard services and has no cancellation fees
What I don’t like about Geoblue’s international health insurance:
- They do not cater to residents of New York and Washington (although this may not be a problem if you move your official residence to South Korea)
- You have to contact an insurance broker and talk to him personally to get an exact quote (which is very annoying)
– Aetna (acquired by AllianzCare)
Aetna is a recognized company in the area of health insurance.
A good advantage of Aetna is that their plans are really flexible (you can customize based on what is needed for you), and they have very good customer service (as far as insurers are concerned).
What I like about Aetna’s international health insurance:
- They have been in the health insurance industry for 5 decades
- They offer flexible and customized plans
- They have 24-hour specialized service on seven days of the week
- Most of your plans provide coverage for emergency evacuations, cancer treatments, repatriation, and hospitalizations
- They are an insurer who has won awards such as “Health Insurer of the Year” and “Best International Private Health Insurance Provider”
- They have an app that encourages customers to maintain healthier habits with a system of points and rewards
What I don’t like about Aetna’s international health insurance:
- Their website is not very clear about the exact coverage of some of their plans
- They do not offer any type of travel insurance plan
Table comparison of the 7 best health insurance plans for international/exchange students in South Korea
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| Medical Maximum | Unlimited (for the Platinum plan) | $5,000,000 | There are no limits independent of the plan | US$1,000,000 per year | $1,000,000 |
| Mental Health Benefit | Unspecified | Unlimited for up to 90 days | Included in all plans with a 10-month waiting period | Outpatient: $50 per day max up to $500 in total | Yes |
| Inpatient Prescription Drugs | 80% coverage out-of-network, 100% in the USA and internationally | Unspecified | Coverage available | Name-brand drugs: 50% coinsurance
Generic drugs: 100% coinsurance Special drugs: no coverage |
Yes |
| Outpatient Prescription Drugs | 50% of actual costs, 90 days maximum per dispensation | Unspecified | Unspecified | coinsurance
Generic drugs: 100% coinsurance Special drugs: no coverage |
Yes |
| Mental Health Benefit | Inpatient and Outpatient: $5,000 lifetime maximum to paid in full depending on the plan | Inpatient and Outpatient: $50,000 lifetime maximum | None | Inpatient and Outpatient: limit not specified | Inpatient, outpatient, and therapy: limit not specific |
| Outpatient Prescription Drugs | None, unless you buy the International Outpatient Option | Up to $8,000,000 | Full reimbursement | Yes | Yes |
| Repatriation of Remains | $25,000 maximum or $5,000 for cremation | Optional | Optional | $50,000 maximum or $5,000 for cremation | $13,500 maximum |
| Emergency Evacuation | $50,000 | Optional | Optional | $10,000 | Yes |
| Hospital room coverage | Offered up to the average semi-private room rate | Private room | Private Room | Usual | Usual |
| Terrorism | $50,000 | Unspecified | Unspecified | $100,000 | N/A |
| Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD & D) | Principal sum of $25,000 that is not subject to deduction | $25,000 for main policy holder, $10,000 for spouse on the plan, $5,000 for child on the plan
Total limit of $250,000 |
Optional | $25,000 for main policy holder, $10,000 for spouse on the plan, $5,000 for child on the plan
Total limit of $250,000 |
There is coverage |
| Emergency Dental | $500 per injury for the coverage period | Optional | Optional | $2,500 | Yes |
| Maternity Care | Only covered in Platinum plan | $14,000/€11,000/£9,000 in the Platinum plan | Only available in the Special and Exclusive plans | Within the US: up to 80% coverage with a $25,000 limit within the PPO network/Outside PPO: up to 50% coverage with a $25,000 limit
Outside the United States: Up to 80% coverage with a $25,000 limit. Benefits reduced by 25% if pregnancy is not reported within the first 90 days. |
Not specified |
| Pre-existing condition exclusion period | Maximum limit of $1,500 with a 12-month waiting period | $14,000/€11,000/£9,000 in the Platinum plan | Coverage available | Limited of $250,000 per plan | Unspecified |
| Intensive Care Unit (ICU) | 100% coverage after the deductible has been met | Full coverage with the Platinum plan | Coverage available | Up to $50,000 | Not specified |
| Vaccines | Unspecified | Optional | Only in the Special and Exclusive plans | $200 | Yes, but must be paid as a separate plan |
| Routine care for newborns | Unspecified | Optional | Only in the Special and Exclusive plans | Up to $750 | Yes, but must be paid as a separate plan |
| Pre-existing annual maximum once covered | Unlimited depending on the plan | Up to $8,000,000 | Full reimbursement | Unlimited depending on the plan | Depends on the plan |
| Pre-existing lifetime maximum once covered | Unlimited depending on the plan | Up to $8,000,000 | Full reimbursement | Unlimited depending on the plan | Depends on the plan |
Worldwide Medical Insurance / Comparison Chart*
Part of the table courtesy of Tokio Marine HCC
*Note: this table is just for informational purposes and subject to change. It was accurate as of the time we wrote it here, but please check each company’s individual website for updated info.
Why study in South Korea and how does the Educational System work?
In recent years, Korea has become one of the most popular destinations for students looking to study in Asia. With the popularity of K-pop, soap operas and Korean fashion, the country has a lot to offer a young newcomer. In addition to the influence of pop culture, Korea is a reference in the digital technology industry, being one of the most innovative and connected countries in the world!
The cost of living in South Korea is also a factor that influences the choice of country to live and study, as the cost of living is cheaper and more affordable than in other developed countries. In addition, the country is known for its great education and healthcare system, it is also a safe country with easy access flights to neighboring countries! So if you’re looking to take small trips along your course, Korea is a great starting point.
As in most countries, Koreans must complete 12 years of elementary school and 3 years of high school before attending college. Universities offer 4 years of bachelor’s and 2 years of master’s, followed by doctoral programs. In addition, there are vocational schools and junior colleges that are less popular.
The Korean language is essential for the cultural integration of the international student and speaking Korean at Topik level 3 or higher is often a prerequisite in the country, even in degree programs taught in English, as these courses usually include some classes taught in Korean
Therefore, most international students begin their studies in Korea with language learning at the Korean Language Institute (KLI) of one of the many universities in Korea. Some private Korean language schools also offer the course, but unlike the university, KLI private language schools cannot sponsor a student visa. So if you want to study in Korea for three months or more, universities are your best bet.
What types of courses and visa can foreign students apply for in South Korea?
If you are determined to study in South Korea, you can choose between 3 options:
1 or 2 semesters as a visiting student:
You must be enrolled at a university in your home country, but you will apply for 1 or 2 semesters of study abroad. Once this is done, your classes will be taught in English.
Korean language programs:
These are short or semester courses lasting 10 to 60 weeks at a Korean university.
Degree programs:
Finally, you have the option to study your entire degree in South Korea, with classes taught in Korean or English.
Most universities recruit twice a year, 4 months before the start of the semester for university courses. Applications for language courses are generally more flexible, starting quarterly or more frequently, and simpler application procedures.
There is no admission center in Korea, so each course sets its own deadlines, which can be found on their home pages during your search.
Korean universities charge the same tuition for domestic and international students, with the aim of attracting more foreigners to study in Korea and creating an international academic environment.
The average amount varies between US$4,000 and US$20,000 for undergraduate students, depending on the university and course, with an average of US$11,000. Language courses are more affordable and cost between US$1,300 and US$1,600 per semester.
How to apply to study in South Korea?
For language courses, the registration and visa application procedure is simpler:
Registration
- Application submission deadline: 1-3 months before the start date
- Subscription screening
- Payment of registration fee
- admission approval
- visa application
Visa application
- Application form
- Copy of passport and profile picture
- Bank statement ($10,000 or more)
- Copy of the highest level education diploma/graduation
- a personal statement
- Proof of foreign student insurance
- Registration fee
To enter a university course, the procedures are more complex and demand more details:
Registration
- Application Deadline: 4 – 5 months in advance (October for Spring Semester, April for
- Fall Semester)
- Audition and Interview
- Admission Result Notification
- Payment of registration fee
- Letter of Admission
- visa application
Visa application
- University application form
- Financial support documents, including bank certificate, financing guarantee
- Academic support documents
– Statement of purpose
– Official high school diploma (higher level of education) (translated and authenticated)
– Official high school transcript (higher level of education) (translated and authenticated) - Original document for proof of language proficiency (English/Korean)
- Identification support document: copy of passport, domestic registration certificate
If you felt like starting a degree, but got discouraged after seeing the values of the courses, don’t give up yet! It is difficult to get scholarships for language courses or even to spend a semester studying in South Korea, but many universities offer scholarships for international students who want to apply for graduation!
An example of this is Konkuk University which offers scholarships based on your score on the TOPIK language test in the first semester of your undergraduate courses.
Also, there are the Korean Government Scholarships! The Global Scholarship of Korea (GKS) from the Ministry of Education is the best known. There are also other public bodies and foundations that provide scholarships for some specific courses or specific countries of origin.
A great option, too, are the DreamStudies Scholarships. This scholarship can offer you between 1000 and 1500 Euros to study in Korea!
In Sum…
Once again, these are the 5 best and cheapest travel insurance policies for international students in South Korea:
- International health insurance for Cigna Global students
- Student Health Advantage from IMG
- Now Health International
- Foyer Global Health
- WorldTrips
In Conclusion…
All in all… as you prepare for your time as an international student in South Korea, make sure that health insurance is not a detail you forget.
After all, you may not be able to enroll in school without it… and you don’t want to get stuck paying out of your own pocket for medical expenses!
If you still have any questions about these travel insurance options for students in South Korea (or about moving abroad in general), let me know in the comments area below and I will be happy to help!