Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the USA

[Important Notice] New Regulation on All Foreigners Diagnosed with COVID-19 

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea informs the following regarding hospitalization and treatment cost of foreign nationals entering the Republic of Korea with COVID-19 infection.

Until recently, the Republic of Korea has paid for the cost of hospitalization and treatment of all foreigners who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 virus. However, in accordance with the August 12, 2020 amendment to the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act(Article 69-2) and in accordance with the principle of reciprocity, all hospitalization and treatment expenses of US nationals who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 within 14 days of entry to the Republic of Korea, but will be the responsibility of the US nationals who have been infected. This new regulation will enter into effect beginning with those who enter the Republic of Korea in August 24, 2020.

Also, the cost of hospitalization and treatment of all foreigners, including US nationals, who are infected with COVID-19 due to their violation of COVID-19 preventive measures implemented by the Korean government such as quarantine measures and limits on group activities, and those who submit false COVID-19 examination (PCR) results, will not be provided by the Korean government beginning August 17, 2020.

Therefore, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea recommends to US nationals, when possible, to be appropriately insured with COVID-19 treatment coverage before trip to Korea. 

​

​