Korea to Implement ID Verification for Medical Visits Starting May 20, 2024

Starting May 20, 2024, Korea will introduce new identity verification requirements for all medical services to enhance the security and integrity of health insurance usage. Under this new system, all patients including foreign residents visiting medical institutions, including hospitals and clinics, must present valid identification to receive treatment covered by health insurance.

The primary goals of this new verification system are to:

• Ensure the safety of medical services provided to patients.
• Prevent unauthorized individuals from fraudulently using health insurance benefits, thereby protecting the financial sustainability of the health insurance fund.
• Prevent the misuse of medications resulting from the lending or misuse of health insurance cards.

Upon visiting a medical institution for treatment, patients must present valid identification at the time of registration. The institution will then verify the patient's identity and health insurance eligibility using the provided identification.

The acceptable forms of identification include:

• Driver’s license
• Foreign registration card
• Mobile ID

Note: Passports may not be acceptable if they do not include a resident registration number or foreign registration number.

There are certain situations where patients will be exempt from this new ID requirement. These exemptions include:

• Individuals under the age of 19
• Patients who have been admitted to the same institution within the past six months
• Situations where medication is dispensed at a pharmacy or the Korea Orphan Drug Center based on a prescription
• Cases referred or transferred for treatment in accordance with the National Health Insurance Medical Service Standards
• Emergency patients as defined by the Emergency Medical Services Act
• Individuals with significant mobility issues or other cases as specified by the Minister of Health and Welfare

This new system aims to provide a safer and more secure environment for medical services, ensuring that only eligible individuals benefit from health insurance coverage and preventing potential misuse.