What should a foreign patient keep before leaving Korea?
A foreign patient with a medical dispute in Korea can ask for copies of their medical records, which the institution may not refuse without a justifiable reason, and can apply for mediation from abroad by e-mail or fax.
Korea Patient Rights Guide lists what the law and the official bodies say. It does not file cases, translate documents or refer anyone.
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Can a foreign patient get copies of medical records in Korea?
Yes. A patient may ask to view or copy their own records, and the institution may not refuse without a justifiable reason (Medical Service Act, Art. 21(1)).
The right covers all or part of the records, including added or corrected entries together with the originals before correction. Others, including family, need the patient’s consent and the documents set by ministry rule (Art. 21(3)).
What should a foreign patient keep for a medical dispute?
Records, receipts, any written explanations or consent forms, and a dated timeline of what happened.
| Item | Why it matters | Where to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of medical records | The agency and any court look at the records first | The institution, under Medical Service Act Art. 21 |
| Receipts and payment records | Show what was paid and to whom | The institution, your card or bank |
| Consent forms and written explanations | Show what you were told before treatment | Your own copies or the institution |
| A dated timeline in your own words | Helps with the 3-year limit and the application form | Write it yourself while you remember |
| Facilitator contract, if you used one | Facilitators must carry guarantee insurance | The facilitator |
Can a foreign patient apply for medical dispute mediation from abroad?
Yes. The agency’s English guidance says people living abroad apply by e-mail or fax, and residents of Korea can also apply online.
Forms are written in Korean; an English form needs a Korean translation attached. A Korean bank account is needed to receive money, and the agency does not cover exchange or remittance losses. A foreign party may be represented by a person with written authority (Enforcement Rule, Art. 7(4)).
Which official desks help foreign patients with a medical dispute?
The agency’s English counsellor (+82-2-6210-0080) and the Medical Korea Information Center (+82-2-1577-7129, daily 09:00–18:00 Korea time).
The Medical Korea Information Center lists consultation on medical complaints and disputes and help with transfer to the agency among its services. The agency’s general line 1670-2545 works within Korea. The 1330 travel hotline (+82-2-1330 from abroad) handles general travel questions.
What insurance protects foreign patients in Korea?
Registered facilitators must carry guarantee insurance of at least ₩100 million, and registered institutions must carry malpractice liability insurance or join a mutual-aid fund.
These requirements come from Article 6 of the foreign patient act and Article 4 of its enforcement rule. The compensation programmes article lists the minimum limits by institution type.
What else do people ask about foreign patient medical dispute?
Can a clinic refuse to give me my medical records because I am leaving?
It may not refuse without a justifiable reason (Medical Service Act, Art. 21(1)). Leaving the country is not listed as a reason in the article.
Can I apply for mediation after I go home?
Yes, by e-mail or fax, according to the agency’s English guidance.
Do I need a Korean bank account?
The agency’s English guidance says a Korean bank account is needed to receive money.
Does the agency provide interpreters?
The agency recorded a three-way interpretation service in 2012. Korea Patient Rights Guide could not confirm that it runs today, so ask the English counsellor.
Can Korea Patient Rights Guide help me file?
No. It does not file, translate or refer.