The Millo Blog Editorial Team reviewed official Busan Metropolitan City guidelines and news announcements to verify this information. Updated August 1, 2026.
If you are living in Busan and need health screenings, you can learn how to get infectious disease testing in Busan as a foreigner through two primary municipal channels: the city’s outreach screening trial for specific public health threats and the Medical Care Assistance Program for those who do not qualify for national health insurance. Depending on your visa status and the specific test you need, you may be eligible for subsidized or free screenings at designated hospitals or during city-led outreach events.
Accessing Busan’s Outreach Infectious Disease Screening Program
Busan Metropolitan City operates a specialized outreach infectious disease screening trial designed specifically for the international community. The goal of this initiative is to prevent the spread of infections and reinforce the city’s resilience against public health threats by providing accessible testing to foreign residents.
Which diseases are covered?
The outreach program does not cover every possible illness, but it focuses on high-priority infectious diseases. The current trial includes screenings for:
- Tuberculosis
- HIV/AIDS
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Hepatitis B and C
- Leprosy
- Parasitic infections
How does the outreach program work?
Unlike a standard clinic visit, this program is conducted as a pilot trial. This means testing is not available every day at a single location, but is instead organized in quarterly sessions. Because the schedule changes, residents must monitor official city announcements to find the dates and locations for the next screening event.
Example: A foreign resident who wants to be screened for Hepatitis B but does not have a regular doctor may wait for the quarterly outreach event to receive a subsidized screening through the city’s public health initiative.
For the most current schedule and location of these trials, refer to the Busan Metropolitan City news portal.
Medical Care Assistance for Uninsured Residents
For those who require more comprehensive medical attention or testing but cannot afford it due to a lack of insurance, Busan provides the Medical Care Assistance Program. This program is specifically designed for foreign workers and underprivileged individuals who are ineligible for the South Korean National Health Insurance (NHI) system.
Eligibility Requirements
Not all foreign residents qualify for this assistance. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- Length of Stay: You must have resided in Korea for more than 90 days.
- Visa Status: The program is restricted to specific visa categories. Eligible visas include:
- D-3 (Technical Instruction)
- D-4 (General Trainee)
- E-6 (Culture and Entertainment)
- E-9 (Non-professional Employment)
- E-10 (Crew Member)
- H-2 (Working Visit)
- F-2 (Resident)
- G-1 (Miscellaneous)
- Medical Documentation: You must provide a doctor’s certificate to validate the need for assistance.
Participating Medical Institutions
The assistance program is not available at every clinic. You must visit one of the city’s participating medical institutions. Key providers include:
- Busan Medical Center
- Pusan National University Hospital
- Good Samsun Hospital
Other institutions may also participate. It is critical to confirm your beneficiary status directly with the hospital’s administration office before starting any treatment or testing to ensure the costs will be covered by the program.
Detailed information on these services can be found on the Busan Medical Care Assistance page.
Comparing Your Testing Options in Busan
Depending on your urgency and legal status, one option may be more appropriate than the other. The following table compares the outreach trial and the medical assistance program.
| Feature | Outreach Screening Trial | Medical Care Assistance Program |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Public health screening for specific diseases | General medical support for the uninsured |
| Availability | Quarterly sessions (Pilot) | Ongoing at participating hospitals |
| Eligibility | International community in Busan | Specific visas + 90 days stay |
| Required Documents | Check specific session requirements | Doctor’s certificate and visa proof |
| Scope | Fixed list (e.g., TB, HIV, Hepatitis) | Broader medical care |
Frequently Asked Questions
I have a visa not listed in the assistance program; can I still get help?
The Medical Care Assistance Program has strict visa requirements (such as E-9, H-2, and F-2). If your visa is not on the list, you will not qualify for this specific program. However, you may still be able to participate in the general Outreach Infectious Disease Screening Trial, as that program is aimed more broadly at the international community to prevent public health threats.
How do I get the required doctor’s certificate for assistance?
Generally, a doctor’s certificate is obtained by first visiting a medical professional who can diagnose your condition or identify the need for further testing. You then present this certificate when applying for the Medical Care Assistance Program at a participating institution.
Is the outreach testing free?
The outreach program is a city-led trial intended to reinforce public health. While the research pack indicates it is a screening trial for the community, you should confirm the current cost or subsidy status via the official Busan news portal before attending a session.
Your Next Steps
To ensure you get the testing you need, follow these practical steps:
- Verify your status: Check if your visa is among the eligible types (D-3, D-4, E-6, E-9, E-10, H-2, F-2, G-1) and if you have been in Korea for over 90 days.
- Check the city calendar: Visit the Busan Metropolitan City website to see if an outreach screening session is scheduled for the current quarter.
- Contact a hospital: If you need immediate care and qualify for assistance, call the Busan Medical Center or Pusan National University Hospital to verify they can process your beneficiary status.
- Prepare documents: Gather your passport, Alien Registration Card (ARC), and any necessary medical certificates before your appointment.
Managing the Medical Care Assistance Application
When utilizing the Medical Care Assistance Program at institutions such as Busan Medical Center, Pusan National University Hospital, or Good Samsun Hospital, it is important to follow a specific administrative sequence. Because coverage is not automatic, you must contact the hospital’s administration or international patient services office first. You are required to confirm your beneficiary status before beginning any treatment or diagnostic testing to ensure the city will cover the expenses.
A critical component of this process is the doctor’s certificate. If you do not already have one, you will likely need an initial evaluation by a physician who can certify the medical necessity of the infectious disease testing. This certificate, combined with your visa and residency proof, serves as the formal trigger for the assistance program’s funding.
Understanding the Outreach Pilot’s Limitations
It is important to distinguish between the outreach screening trial and standard medical care. The outreach program is a pilot trial focused on broad public health surveillance for diseases like tuberculosis, leprosy, and parasitic infections. Because these sessions occur only quarterly, they are not intended for urgent or emergency diagnostic needs.
If you cannot wait for the next quarterly session or require testing for a condition not covered by the pilot, you should seek support through the Medical Care Assistance Program, provided you meet the residency and visa criteria.
Documentation Checklist for Assistance
To prevent delays when applying for medical support, ensure you have the following documents ready for presentation at the participating medical institution:
- Proof of Residence: Documentation showing you have stayed in Korea for more than 90 days.
- Valid Visa: Your passport or Alien Registration Card confirming an eligible status (such as D-3, D-4, E-6, E-9, E-10, H-2, F-2, or G-1).
- Medical Certification: A signed certificate from a doctor verifying the need for the specific infectious disease test.
Official sources
- Busan Metropolitan City: Outreach Infectious Disease Screening Trial for the International Community
- Busan Metropolitan City: Medical Care Assistance Program for Foreign Workers