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Health screening procedures in Korea

by MEDIGRACE

Korean Citizens in Korea

Health screening procedures in Korea include general checkups offered by the National Health Insurance Service, which are conducted every two years for those over 20, and specialized cancer screenings for high-risk groups. Basic screenings include physical measurements, blood pressure, vision, hearing, electrocardiogram, blood tests, urinalysis, and abdominal ultrasound, while enhanced packages can include advanced tests like MRI, CT scans, and detailed cancer marker tests. Basic screening preparation requires a 12-hour fast, and the duration can range from a few hours to a full day, depending on the package.

Korean Citizens in foreign countries

Korean citizens abroad can access health screening procedures by visiting their local embassy for guidance or by traveling to Korea for specialized services offered at hospitals and health centers, which are known for their fast and comprehensive checkups. To get a checkup in Korea, they must bring their passport and other identification, schedule an appointment, and follow pre-checkup instructions like fasting, as outlined on websites like KMI GLOBAL. The specific health screenings available range from basic blood and urine tests to more advanced options like CT and MRI scans, depending on the program selected.

What to do before going to Korea

Contact the local Korean Embassy: They can provide information on specific procedures and requirements for returning citizens, especially regarding health screenings.

Plan your trip: You may need to bring a passport and other identification to the clinic.
Schedule an appointment: While some general checkups may not require one, it is often best to book an appointment to ensure the best experience.

What to do in Korea

Go to a specialized hospital or health center: These facilities often have separate departments for locals and foreigners and offer comprehensive programs.

Choose your program: Programs are available in different levels, from basic to premium, with varying levels of tests included.
Follow pre-checkup instructions: For most checkups, you will need to fast for at least eight hours.

Example of health screening procedures

Basic checkups: These include blood pressure, ECG, blood tests, and urine tests.

Comprehensive checkups: These may include more advanced tests like CT scans, MRIs, or specialized tests like colonoscopies or gastroscopies.
Optional tests: You may have the option to add other tests, such as a colonoscopy, mammography, or ultrasound.

Key considerations

Fast and efficient: Korean health checkups are known for being fast, often taking around four hours for comprehensive checkups.

Medical tourism: Hospitals in Korea are equipped for both domestic and international patients, and some offer luxury facilities for a more comfortable experience.
Language assistance: Many hospitals provide translation services and coordinators for foreign patients.
Specialized clinics: Some hospitals have specialized clinics for specific needs, such as travelers going abroad.

Health screening procedures in Korea - For foreigners

Foreigners in Korea can access health screenings through both government-funded community health centers for basic checkups or private hospitals for comprehensive packages. Basic screenings at community centers often include a chest X-ray, blood, and urine test, requiring fasting beforehand and an appointment. Private hospitals offer a wide range of packages from basic to advanced, which can include a physical exam, blood and urine tests, ultrasounds, endoscopies, and specialized tests for cancer and other conditions.
Basic screenings

Who can get them: Foreign residents.
Where to go: Community Health Centers.
What's included: Typically includes a chest X-ray, blood test, and urine test.
Procedure: Make an appointment and fast from 10 PM the night before. Bring your foreign resident registration card and photos.
Cost: Generally free or low-cost under the national health insurance program.

Comprehensive screenings

Who can get them: Foreigners, including tourists, who want a more thorough checkup.
Where to go: Private hospitals and clinics that offer global or foreigner checkup programs.
What's included: Can vary from basic packages to advanced options that include:
• Physical measurements (height, weight, BMI).
• Blood tests for various functions (liver, kidney, diabetes, cholesterol) and cancer markers.
• Imaging (chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, endoscopy, CT, MRI).
• Specialized tests (e.g., mammography, prostate ultrasound, gynecological exams).
• Procedure: Schedule an appointment. Most require you to fast for a set period (e.g., 8-12 hours) before the tests.
• Cost: Varies significantly depending on the package, ranging from approximately $500 to over $1,700 USD.
For more information about Health Checkups in Korea, please visit https://medigracekorea.com/collections/health-checkups for details.

Important considerations

Fasting: Many comprehensive and basic checkups require you to fast for a specific amount of time before the tests.
Identification: You will need to bring your foreign resident registration card (ARC) or passport.
Photos: You may need 2 ID photos for your application.
Specialty services: Specialized exams for women (like breast or cervical screenings) or men (like prostate screenings) can often be added to packages.

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