The Millo Blog Editorial Team reviewed official documentation from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) to verify this guide. Updated July 20, 2026.
If you experience a medical emergency in South Korea, the primary number to call is 119. This single line connects you to ambulance, fire, and rescue services. For long-term residents, these emergency costs and subsequent hospital treatments are typically managed through the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), a mandatory system for most foreigners residing in the country for more than six months.
How to Request Emergency Medical Assistance
When facing an urgent health crisis, contacting the correct service ensures the fastest response time. While many countries have separate numbers for fire and medical emergencies, South Korea consolidates these under one system.
Using the 119 Emergency Line
The 119 service is the national standard for all life-threatening situations. When you call 119, operators can dispatch an ambulance and paramedics to your location. These services are available 24/7 across all provinces and cities.
To ensure a quick response, be prepared to provide your location as accurately as possible. If you are unfamiliar with the street name or address, look for nearby landmarks, store signs, or utility pole numbers, which are common in Korean urban areas.
119 vs. 112: Which one should you call?
It is common for newcomers to confuse the two primary emergency lines. Use the following table to determine which service is appropriate for your situation:
| Service Number | Primary Purpose | When to Call |
|---|---|---|
| 119 | Medical, Fire, and Rescue | Heart attack, severe injury, house fires, or needing an ambulance. |
| 112 | Police and Public Safety | Reporting a crime, traffic accidents, or requesting police intervention. |
Example: If you witness a car accident where someone is unconscious, call 119 for the ambulance first to prioritize medical care, then call 112 to report the accident to the police.
Understanding National Health Insurance (NHIS) for Foreigners
While 119 provides the immediate transport and emergency stabilization, the cost of hospital care is managed through health insurance. In South Korea, the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) operates as a social security system to reduce the financial burden of medical treatment.
Mandatory Enrollment Rules
For most foreign residents, NHIS subscription is not optional. If you reside in South Korea for more than six months, you are generally subject to mandatory subscription. This ensures that you have access to subsidized healthcare rates at hospitals and clinics nationwide.
Eligibility for Employed Foreigners
If you are employed by a company that is registered with the NHIS, you are classified as “Employed Insured.” In this case, your employer handles the subscription process, and contributions are typically deducted directly from your monthly salary.
There are specific cases where an employed foreigner may apply for an exclusion from the NHIS. This is generally possible if you can prove you have secured equivalent medical care through:
- Official health insurance regulations from your home country.
- A private insurance contract that covers the same benefits.
- A specific medical care contract provided by your employer.
Because eligibility can vary based on your specific visa category, you should confirm your current status through the official NHIS Guidance for Foreigners page.
How to Manage Your Insurance and Eligibility
Navigating insurance paperwork in a second language can be challenging. To support this, the NHIS provides dedicated resources specifically for the international community.
The NHIS Center for Foreign Residents
The NHIS operates specialized Centers for Foreign Residents. These centers are designed to help expats manage their insurance eligibility, handle contribution payments, and resolve disputes regarding coverage.
For those living in the capital region, the NHIS Seoul Center for Foreign Residents is a primary resource. It is located on the 3rd floor of the Sindorim Techno Mart in Guro-gu, Seoul. This center provides direct assistance for residents with registered addresses in Seoul.
What to do if you live outside Seoul
If you reside in a province where a specialized foreign resident center is not available, you should contact the main NHIS call center. They can provide guidance on how to submit documents or update your residency information to ensure your insurance remains active.
Practical Steps for Using Healthcare in an Emergency
When you are admitted to a hospital via a 119 ambulance, the administrative process for payment usually happens after the immediate medical crisis is stabilized.
- Identification: Provide your Alien Registration Card (ARC) or passport. The hospital will use your ARC number to check your NHIS eligibility in the national database.
- Verification: If you are enrolled in the NHIS, the hospital will apply the subsidized rate to your bill. You will only be responsible for the co-payment portion.
- Uninsured Patients: If you are not yet eligible for NHIS (e.g., you have been in Korea for less than six months) or your subscription has lapsed, you will be charged the full “uninsured” rate, which is significantly higher.
- Payment: Most hospitals accept major credit cards and cash. For large emergency bills, you can consult the hospital’s billing department regarding payment plans.
Confirming Your Coverage Status
To avoid surprises during an emergency, it is recommended to verify your insurance status before a crisis occurs. You can check if your contributions are up to date and if your eligibility is active by visiting a local NHIS office or using their online portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I cannot speak Korean when calling 119?
The 119 dispatch center often has access to interpretation services. When you call, try to state “English” or the name of your preferred language clearly. The operator will attempt to connect a translator to help you communicate your location and the nature of the emergency.
Is 119 free to use?
While the dispatch and emergency rescue services are generally provided as a public service, some specific transportation or specialized medical treatments provided during the ambulance ride may result in a charge, which can then be processed through your insurance.
Can I use private international insurance instead of NHIS?
While private insurance can reimburse you for costs, the mandatory nature of the NHIS for residents of over six months means you must still enroll in the national system if you meet the residency requirements. Private insurance serves as a supplement to, not a replacement for, the NHIS mandatory subscription.
Next Steps for Foreign Residents
To ensure you are prepared for a medical emergency, take these three practical steps today:
- Save the numbers: Ensure 119 and 112 are saved in your phone, and familiarize yourself with how to say your current address in Korean.
- Verify NHIS Status: If you have been in Korea for over six months, check your enrollment status via the NHIS Center for Foreign Residents.
- Keep Documentation Ready: Always keep a digital photo of your Alien Registration Card (ARC) on your phone for quick identification at hospitals.
Official Sources
- National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) – Guidance for Foreigners
- National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) – NHIS Centers