Rep. Kim Yoon: 3 National University Hospitals Apply International Rates to Undocumented Migrants

National university hospitals in South Korea are applying high international medical rates typically reserved for medical tourists to undocumented migrants, according to data released on the 5th by Representative Kim Yoon of the Democratic Party. The practice, identified in records from 16 national university hospitals and their branches submitted to the National Assembly’s Health and Welfare Committee, exposes vulnerable patients to medical bills three to four times higher than insurance rates.

International Rates Applied to Undocumented Migrants

Medical treatment fees in South Korea are categorized into insurance rates set by government statutes and notices, general rates determined independently by medical facilities, and international rates designed for foreign patients visiting the country for medical tourism.

Exclusion From Government Support Programs

Beyond high rate classifications, several national university hospitals do not participate in the government-backed Medical Support Project for Foreign Workers and Others. That state-supported initiative applies medical aid rates to eligible foreign residents in South Korea, covering 90 percent of total medical expenses up to 3 million KRW per instance and 6 million KRW annually.

Treatment Cost Disparities Across Facilities

The combination of international rate classifications and non-participation in support programs generates severe financial burdens for undocumented patients. Across the top 20 injury and disease categories supported by the government project from 2023 to 2025, the average medical cost per patient was approximately 1,236,000 KRW. By contrast, the average medical cost per undocumented migrant treated at national university hospitals reached approximately 2,026,000 KRW, marking a 1.6-fold difference. For acute appendicitis specifically, the average cost per patient at national university hospitals stood at approximately 602,000 KRW, compared to roughly 34,000 KRW for patients under the government support program—a 17.5-fold gap. Similar disparities appeared for pneumonia, gallstones, and lower leg fractures, with costs running 11.1 times, 6.0 times, and 4.1 times higher, respectively.

Ministry of Health Directs Hospitals to Limit International Rates

In response to these findings, the Ministry of Health and Welfare issued official notices on the 1st, directing all national university hospitals to participate in the medical support project and to exercise restraint in applying international rates to vulnerable populations. Representative Kim Yoon addressed the policy implications of the findings, stating If hospitals mechanically apply international rates uniformly to all foreigners, there is a possibility that vulnerable groups burdened by high medical costs will suffer. and adding The criteria for applying international fee schedules should be further subdivided to consider the purpose of medical utilization and economic conditions..