Top Hospitals in South Korea

Most trusted destination for medical tourism in Asia, South Korea represent a blend of tradition and modernity, making it ‘hot destination for medical tourism’ declared by CNN media house. Based on Bloomberg innovation Index, South Korea is declared most innovative in healthcare practices.

South Korean medical tourism industry seems to develop year by year as the number of medical tourists is increasing continuously. Initially, South Korea fetched medical tourists primarily for spine related issues, but scenario has promptly changed. The country has emerged as a preferred destination for cancer treatments, organ transplants, cosmetic dentistry and others. Use of herbal medicine to treat the disorders and using supercomputers for treatment purpose reflects diversity of medical excellence of South Korea.

South Korea has 26 Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited hospitals. This accreditation represent an international standard that evaluates and accredits healthcare institutions in Asia, Europe, Middle East and South America. KOIHA is another accreditation which evaluates a healthcare institution based upon parameters like performance management, administrative management and value patient care.

Speaking of cosmetic procedures, cosmetic and plastic surgery have become the country’s speciality. South Korean skin care products are well known and enthusiastically accepted across the world. South Korea has got the highest per capita rate of cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic clinics are spread in large number across the country executing broad scale of cosmetic surgeries annually.

Cancer treatment, cardio-vascular surgeries and orthopaedic treatments are additionally provided. The country take pride in offering success rate of 90% for common cancers leaving Canada and US behind them. Survival rate of gastric cancer is around 70%.

South Korea employs robotic surgeries and proton therapies and became the first country to exploit the electrocauterization technique used to remove harmful tissues.

Artificial intelligence-based supercomputers are installed at Gachon University Gil Medical Centre and other hospitals to store data of cancer patients and suggest appropriate treatment plan.

South Korean government believes in affordable healthcare and have developed supportive system result being the treatments in South Korea are way affordable compared to US (United States), Japan and UAE (United Arab Emirates). Price packaging is offered to medical tourists looking for plastic surgery or routine check-up. Up to 40% can be saved on flight, travel and accommodation cost.

Cost Comparison

High disparity of costs in simple surgery like wisdom teeth removal offers accurate reflection of how affordable the healthcare in South Korea is. The wisdom teeth removal surgery in US consumes $800 if the patient is uninsured whereas it barely takes $30 in South Korea for similar therapy.

Lumbar spine surgery in South Korea costs around $20,000. In US, the cost may touch $100,000, and it may increase more considerably depending on the hospital or the region one is living in.

Exceptional standards of medical professionals and supporting staff, shorter wait time for the procedures, use of advanced and innovative technology in the treatment and extremely low cost are the pillars of the boosting medical tourism in South Korea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health care infrastructure of South Korea / Why should opt for South Korea as a destination for your medical treatment?

South Korea is recognized for its strict rules and regulations which have kept the country in strict discipline. As an upside, the country has well-maintained regulations for every process and impressive medical healthcare facilities which have garnered thousands of visitors from across the world. The reason for opting for hospitals in South Korea is the astounding treatment options available at a very cost-effective price range, which is undoubtedly more affordable than most of the developed countries across the world. Besides the well-planned infrastructure, the treatment in South Korea and the alternatives offered are tempting enough. Apart from that, the country also flaunts high success rates and has thus been able to cure some of the most complex diseases in the world.

What are the conditions of the hospitals in South Korea? Are they JCI certified? What is the quality of the support staff in the hospitals?

The Joint Commission International (JCI) is a global leader in health care accreditation. JCI accreditation is considered a gold standard in worldwide health care. It provides the most skilled and experienced healthcare professionals in the medical industry, as evaluators of the rigorous international standards in healthcare quality and patient safety. YUHS Severance Hospital + Gangnam Severance Hospital is a JCI certified hospital in South Korea.

Are the doctors/surgeons in South Korea of the best quality?

The doctors and surgeons providing treatments in South Korea are globally recognized for their service in the medical field. Furnished with degrees from reputed universities and decades of training and experience, the doctors have earned high success rates throughout their professional careers. The doctors have to undergo rigorous training to keep up with the strict protocol and measures of hospitals in South Korea. Hence, quality is maintained.

What is the process for obtaining a medical visa in South Korea?

The Korean embassy follows a strict protocol for obtaining a visa for traveling to the country. The necessary documents (photocopies and original) have been listed on their official website and should be strictly adhered to. The candidate also has to produce necessary papers stating the medical cause and referral certificate signed by the registered medical practitioner. Although these need to be taken care of by the candidate, the rest of the procedures and further visa assistance is managed by the sponsors in most cases. A Medical Dependent Visa is granted to those who are accompanying a patient traveling to Sount Korea for medical treatment on a Medical Visa. This visa can be given to a close relative/family member or a friend of the patient. Please note that relevant letters/documents explaining details of the treatment, signed and stamped by the concerned hospitals/doctors, a declaration from the patient or an immediate family member is also required confirming the escort travel along with the patient.

What support services does MediGence provide in South Korea?

MediGence enables you to plan and manage your medical decisions better. These are some of our services offered:

Expert Opinion
We help you seek an Expert Opinion on your diagnosis and treatment from an experienced team of doctors at MediGence and specialists from a reputable hospital.
Hospital Recommendation
We recommend a hospital or a healthcare institution that is best suited for you, based on your ailment and its criticality.
360-degree Hospital Review
We give you a transparent and holistic view of the hospital and its infrastructure, accreditation, facilities, and expertise to give you confidence.
Doctor Validation and Communication
We share a comprehensive profile of the treating doctor and also arrange a call to clear queries regarding treatment if needed.
Options to Choose From
Based on your choice of destination and other preferences, we provide you multiple options with respect to hospitals and doctors to choose from.
24X7 Patient Care Support
A dedicated patient case manager stays in constant touch with you to help you at every step of the decision-making process and resolve queries that you may have.
Transparent Treatment Cost and Other Expenses
We give a clear and accurate indication of the total cost of treatment including treatment, stay, meals, and other expenses.
Visa Assistance
We provide and help prepare documentation for visa approval and coordinate with the embassy to expedite the visa process.
Accommodation Arrangements
We propose to you a choice of accommodation based on your preference such as long stay, short stay, or luxury properties.

Which are the best cities in South Korea for medical treatment?

Treatment in South Korea is affordable. Seoul is the capital of South Korea and one of the main cities for healthcare. Seoul and Daegu have some of the best hospitals in South Korea. Busan, Incheon, and Ulsan also have developing healthcare facilities.