travel insurance for korea

Top Travel Insurances For South Korea You Should Know in 2024

Byron Mühlberg

Monito's Managing Editor, Byron has spent several years writing extensively about financial- and migration-related topics.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

Although a small East Asian nation, South Korea has an outsized influence as a desination for tourists and expats. It's famous for its unique culture (including K-pop, Korean dramas, and the traditional tea ceremony) as well as its delicious food and safe cities. Although travelling to South Korea can be an accessible holiday destination for many people, out-the-pocket healthcare costs in the country tend to be expensive, so it's a very good idea to arrive there with travel insurance under your belt.

Luckily, online global insurances (known as 'insurtechs') specialize in cost-savvy travel insurance to South Korea and other countries worldwide. Our list below explores the four services we believe provide the best deals for young travellers, adventurers, everyday holidaymakers looking for comprehensive but affordable coverage, and longer-term expats.

South Korea Insurance Profile

Here are a few of the many factors influencing the scope and cost of travel insurances for South Korea:

Best Travel Insurances for South Korea

• 01. Do I need travel insurance for South Korea? scroll down
• 02. Best medical coverage: VisitorsCoverage scroll down
• 03. Best trip insurance: Insured Nomads scroll down
• 04. Best mix for youth and digitial nomads: SafetyWing scroll down
• 05. FAQ about travel insurance to South Korea scroll down

Heading to South Korea soon? Don't forget to check the following list before you travel:

• 💳 Eager to dodge high FX fees? See our picks for the best travel cards in 2024.
• 🛂 Need a visa? Let iVisa take care of it for you.
• ✈ Looking for flights? Compare on Skyscanner !
• 💬 Want to learn the local language? Babbel and italki are two excellent apps to think about.
• 💻 Want a VPN? ExpressVPN is the market leader for anonymous and secure browsing.

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory in South Korea?

No, there's currently no legal requirement to take out travel insurance for travel to or through South Korea.

However, regardless of whether or not it's legally required, it's always a good idea to take our health insurance before you travel — whether to Korea or anywhere else. For what's usually an affordable cost , taking out travel insurance will mitigate most or all of the risk of financial damage if you run into any unexpected troubles during your trip abroad. Take a look at the top five reasons to get travel insurance to learn more.

With that said, here are the top three travel insurances for South Korea:

VisitorsCoverage: Best Medical Coverage

Among the internet's best-known insurance platforms,  VisitorsCoverage  is a pioneering Silicon Valley insurtech company that offers comprehensive medical coverage for travellers going abroad to South Korea, no matter whether you're planning to follow hiking trails through the surreal Bukhansan National Park or soak in the history at Gyeongbokgung Palace.

VisitorsCoverage lets you choose between various plans tailored to meet the specific needs of your trip to South Korea, including coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and travel disruptions. With its easy online purchase process and 24/7 live chat support, VisitorsCoverage is a reliable and convenient option if you want good value and peace of mind while travelling abroad.

• Coverage 9.0
• Quality of Service 9.0
• Pricing 7.6
• Credibility 9.5

VisitorsCoverage offers a large variety of policies, and depending on your needs and preferences, you'll need to compare and explore their full catalogue of plans for yourself. However, we've chosen a few highlights for their travel insurance for South Korea:

• Policy Names: Varies
• Medical Coverage: Very good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, mental health-related conditions, and many others.
• Trip Coverage: Excellent - but only available for US residents.
• Customer Support: FAQ, live chat and phone support
• Pricing Range: USD 25 to USD 150 /traveller /month
• Insurance Underwriter: Lloyd's, Petersen, and others
• Best For: Value for money and overall medical coverage

Insured Nomads: Best Trip Coverage

Insured Nomads is another very good travel insurance option for South Korea, especially if you're adventurous or frequently on the go and are looking for solid trip insurance with some coverage for medical incidents too. With Insured Nomads, you can choose the level of protection that best suits your needs and enjoy a wide range of benefits, including 24/7 assistance, coverage for risky activities and adventure sports, and the ability to add or remove coverage as needed. In addition, Insured Nomads has a reputation for providing fast and efficient claims service, making it an excellent choice if you want peace of mind while exploring the world.

• Coverage 7.8
• Quality of Service 8.5
• Pricing 7.4
• Credibility 8.8

Insured Nomads offers three travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences. We go through them below:

• Policy Names: World Explorer, World Explorer Multi, World Explorer Guardian
• Medical Coverage: Good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, and many others.
• Trip Coverage: Good. Includes coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, lost or stolen luggage (with limits), adventure and sports activities, and many others.
• Customer Support: FAQ, live chat, phone support
• Pricing Range: USD 80 to USD 420 /traveller /month
• Insurance Underwriter: David Shield Insurance Company Ltd.
• Best For: Adventure seekers wanting comprehensive trip insurance

SafetyWing: Best Combination For Youth

SafetyWing is a good insurance option for younger travellers or digital nomads in South Korea because it offers flexible but comprehensive coverage at a famously affordable price. With SafetyWing, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you're covered for unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. In addition, SafetyWing's user-friendly website lets you manage your policy, file a claim, and access 24/7 assistance from anywhere in the world, and, unlike VisitorsCoverage, you can even purchase a policy retroactively (e.g. during a holiday)!

• Coverage 7.0
• Quality of Service 8.0
• Pricing 6.3
• Credibility 7.3

SafetyWing offers two travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences, which we've highlighted below:

• Policy Names: Nomad Insurance, Remote Health
• Medical Coverage: Decent. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, repatriation, and many others.
• Trip Coverage: Decent. Includes attractive coverage for lost or stolen belongings, adventure and sports activities, transport cancellation, and many others.
• Pricing Range: USD 45 to USD 160 /traveller /month
• Insurance Underwriter: Tokyo Marine HCC
• Best For: Digital nomads, youth, long-term travellers

How Do They Compare?

Interested to see how VisitorsCoverage, SafetyWing, and Insured Nomads compare as travel insurances to South Korea? Take a look at the side-by-side chart below:

Data correct as of 4/1/2024

FAQ About Travel Insurance to Korea

Travel insurance typically covers trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost or stolen luggage, travel delay, and emergency evacuation. Some travel insurance packages also cover medical-related incidents too. However, remember that the exact coverage depends on the insurance policy.

No, you'll not be required to take out travel insurance for South Korea. However, we strongly encourage you to do so anyway, because the cost of healthcare in South Korea can be high, and taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself if you need medical attention during your stay.

Yes, medical travel insurance is almost always worth it, and we recommend taking out travel insurance whenever visiting a foreign country. Taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself in case you need medical attention during your stay. In general, we recommend VisitorsCoverage to travellers worldwide because it offers excellent value for money and well-rounded travel and medical benefits in its large catalogue of plans.

Health insurance doesn't cover normal holiday expenses, such as coverage for missed flights and hotels, but in case you run into medical trouble while abroad, it may cover some or all of your doctor or hospital expenses while overseas. However, not all health insurance providers and plans offer coverage to customers while abroad, and that's why it's generally best to take out travel insurance whenever you travel.

Although there's overlap, health and travel insurance are not exactly the same. Health insurance covers some or all of the cost of medical expenses (e.g. emergency treatment, doctor's visits, etc.) while travel insurance covers non-medical costs that are commonly associated with travelling (e.g. coverage for missed flights, stolen or lost personal belongings, etc.).

The cost of travel insurance depends on several factors, such as the length of the trip, the destination, the age of the traveller, and the level of coverage desired. On average, travel insurance can cost anywhere between 3% and 10% of the total cost of the trip.

A single-trip travel insurance policy covers a specific trip, while an annual one covers multiple trips taken within a one-year period. An annual policy may be more cost-effective for frequent travellers.

Yes, you can sometimes purchase travel insurance after starting your trip, but it is best to buy it before the trip begins to ensure maximum coverage. If you do need to buy insurance after you've started your trip, we recommend VisitorsCoverage , which offers a wide catalogue of online trip and medical insurance policies, most of which can be booked with immediate effect. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

Yes, you can most certainly purchase travel insurance for a trip that has already been booked, although we recommend purchasing insurance as soon as possible aftwerwards to ensure all coverage is in place before your journey begins. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

See Our Other Travel Insurance Guides

Looking for Travel Insurance to Another Country?

See our recommendations for travel insurance to other countries worldwide:

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Travel Insurance and Must-Visit Destinations in Korea

South Korea – a combination of ancient traditions and sleek modernity – offers an array of experiences for every traveller. From the streets of Seoul to the temples of Gyeongju, Korea is a country that mesmerises. In this article, we explore the essentials of navigating this dynamic country, highlighting must-visit destinations and the importance of selecting the right travel insurance for a safe and fulfilling journey.

From Seoul to Jeju – Discovering Korea’s Destinations

Each city in Korea offers a unique experience. Seoul is the heart of the nation – a city where skyscrapers sit next to ancient palaces like Gyeongbokgung. In Busan, urban landscapes meet beautiful beaches, offering a mix of relaxation and exploration.

The island of Jeju is nature’s gift, with its volcanic landscapes and lush greenery. Food enthusiasts will find a culinary paradise in every region, from the street markets of Seoul to the seafood havens of coastal towns. Adventure seekers, meanwhile, can enjoy hiking in Seoraksan National Park or skiing in Pyeongchang. Each destination within Korea presents an opportunity for discovery and awe.

Travel Insurance for Korea

Travelling to Korea, while exciting, comes with its own set of uncertainties. This makes having reliable travel insurance for Korea crucial. It ensures peace of mind, covering unexpected medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or loss of belongings. With the right insurance, you can explore Korea’s wonders, from its vibrant cities to its serene countryside, knowing you’re well protected against unforeseen circumstances.

Types of Travel Insurance Coverage for Korea

When planning your trip to Korea, consider the various types of insurance coverage:

1. Medical Coverage

Korea’s healthcare system is advanced, but medical treatment can be costly for tourists. A comprehensive overseas travel insurance policy should cover hospital stays, emergency treatments, and potentially even medical evacuation.

2. Trip Cancellation

Unpredictable events such as illness or family emergencies can disrupt travel plans. Travel insurance can help recuperate the costs of pre-paid, non-refundable expenses.

3. Lost Baggage and Personal Belongings

Travel often involves transit through various locations, increasing the risk of lost or delayed baggage. Insurance policies typically cover the loss, theft, or damage of personal belongings.

Choosing the Right Travel Insurance for Your Korea Trip

As you prepare for your Korea trip, take the time to research and choose a travel insurance policy that best suits your travel plans. Look for coverage that aligns with your activities. Selecting the appropriate travel insurance policy for Korea involves several considerations:

• Assess Your Needs: Whether you’re exploring the urban landscape of Seoul or hiking in national parks, ensure your policy covers these activities.
• Read the Fine Print: Pay attention to policy details and exclusions, and understand the claims process.
• Compare Policies : Look for a policy that offers comprehensive coverage at an affordable price.

Preparing For Your Korea Trip

To prepare for your Korea trip, make sure to securely store digital and physical copies of your insurance policy, keep your insurer’s emergency contact numbers easily accessible, and thoroughly understand the policy’s coverage and exclusions to prevent any unexpected surprises during your travels.

How to Claim Your Travel Insurance in Korea

Should you need to make a claim, the process generally involves:

• Step 1: Immediate Notification – Inform your insurance provider as soon as possible.
• Step 2: Documentation – Gather necessary documents such as medical reports, police reports, and receipts.
• Step 3: Claim Form – Complete and submit the insurance claim form with the required documents.

Choose HL Assurance For Travel Insurance For Korea

Ensuring you have the right travel insurance for Korea is an essential part of your travel preparations. It allows you to enjoy the beauty and excitement of Korea with the assurance of safety and support. When you choose HL Assurance, you not only secure your travel plans but also gain access to various benefits, including:

• Enhanced COVID-19 Insurance Coverage: HL Assurance offers comprehensive COVIDSafe Travel Protect360 Insurance, covering up to $200,000 in overseas medical expenses related to COVID-19.
• No Claim Discount: Enjoy up to a 10% discount on your next travel insurance purchase with HL Assurance if you don’t make any claims.
• Hassle-Free Claims: HL Assurance provides an easy and straightforward claims process, ensuring you can handle unexpected incidents during your trip without hassle.

With the right policy, your Korean adventure will be guaranteed to be an enriching and memorable one.

Disclaimer: All info contained herein is intended for your general information only and is not a substitute for travel insurance advice. If you have a specific question, please consult our insurance experts at 6702 0202 .

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Due to the Israel-Hamas War and potential volcanic eruption in Iceland, if you intend to or have purchased a travel plan to Iceland, Israel and Palestinian Territories (including Jordon, Egypt, Lebanon), please note that all financial losses suffered in these countries shall not be covered as these will be considered as known events.

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Planning a trip to South Korea?

If you are going to South Korea, don’t go without having any travel insurance in place. Read on for some tips on what to consider before selecting a policy:

• The cost of your trip or holiday – Unexpected events sometimes mean you have to cancel your holiday. Although that’s disappointing, it’s nice to know that you may be able get your money back
• The activities you’re likely to be doing – if you’re planning anything really extreme, we can offer you extra cover if needed. Just contact us
• The cost of your baggage
• Whether you are covered for civil unrest or not
• Also, don’t forget to check the  latest travel advice for South Korea from the FCDO

Our Coronavirus Travel Insurance is rated Superior by a leading UK Consumer Champion. All of our policies will cover you if you catch Coronavirus.

What is covered with travel insurance to South Korea?

As standard, our policies cover for over  50 sports and activities , so you can get up to more on your holiday. We also offer a range of benefits, some of which include:

• Medical expenses and hospital benefit
• Personal accident and liability
• Cancelling and cutting short your holiday
• Abandoning your trip
• Delayed departure
• Accommodation cover
• Personal belongings and baggage
• Personal money, passport and travel documents
• Legal expenses

Your holiday is important to us and we want you to have the best trip possible. That’s why we’ve put together some helpful and fun facts, along with some other important information which you might want to know before your trip to South Korea:

Do I need a visa for South Korea?

If you’re a British citizen with a valid passport, you don’t need to apply for a visa to travel to South Korea. You’re allowed to visit South Korea as a tourist for up to 90 days without a visa, so long as you have a return ticket or proof of your onward journey.

More information about  visas and entry requirements for South Korea can be found here.

Healthcare in South Korea

The healthcare services in South Korea are run by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and are available to both residents and visitors alike. The hospitals in South Korea are very well equipped and have some of the best facilities in the region, so you know you’ll be well looked after should you need medical treatment while abroad.

Its also important to remember to give you GP a call at least 4 to 6 weeks before your date of travel, to check whether there are any vaccinations that you may need before travelling.

You can find more information about the  healthcare in South Korea here.

Medical & Emergency Assistance in South Korea

If something happens while you’re in South Korea and you need emergency treatment for an illness or injury, we’re here to help. All travel insurance policyholders can access our 24-hour medical assistance team .

Did you know that…?

• Spam is far more popular than Coca-Cola in South Korea. In SK the tinned ham-based luncheon meat has its biggest market outside the US. About 40% of it is bought for other people, with spam gift sets flying off the shelves during festivals.
• In all but the most touristy areas, South Koreans don’t expect a tip. Leaving the change is often welcome, but a large tip in some circumstances could be regarded as an insult, especially to a young woman. Just a little tip for you!
• South Korean taxis are colour coded. White are regular and owned by drivers; grey are owned by companies; black taxis are better and more expensive; yellow taxivans are for the disabled; and orange ones are for tourists, with multilingual drivers.
• Try as you might, you can’t get to South Korea by land. It’s on a peninsula and the country linking it to the rest of continental Asia is North Korea. Relations aren’t so good and the border is closed. Air or sea it will have to be…
• In South Korea exotic fruits don’t come cheap. A watermelon can cost more than £10. As it’s a bit special, it’s often presented as a gift with a neat little ribbon tied around it.
• Why are South Korean buildings so happy? Because their roofs smile. Many traditional Korean roofs have curving lines and turn upwards at the corners like a smile. The curves are thought to make use of natural irregularities in the wooden rafters.
• The South Korean equivalent of the US White House is known as the Blue House because of its blue-tiled roofs. It’s the official residence of the head of state and is a complex of buildings occupying 62 acres. The US White House sits on 18 acres.
• Unlimited emergency medical expenses available on Black level policies.
• Based on 2,050 responses, correct as of 22/01/2024