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Patient Rights

Your Rights as an International Patient & How to Resolve Disputes

International patients treated in Korea have the same rights as Korean patients. Here is what is useful to know before choosing a clinic, during treatment and if a problem comes up.

Your rights

Respect without discrimination

You are entitled to proper care regardless of age, gender, nationality or religion, and you may ask for interpretation, religious needs, special meals and similar support.

Explanations in a language you understand

You can be told about your diagnosis, treatment options, expected results, risks, side effects and alternatives in a language you understand where possible, and you can know the names of the staff treating you.

To decide, and to refuse

You can take part in decisions about your care and, within the law, refuse recommended treatment. If you decide against medical advice you are responsible for the outcome, and you will be told what to expect.

Privacy and protection of your records

Your medical information is kept confidential and is not shared without your consent except as the law requires. You can request copies of your records under the hospital’s policy.

To know the cost in advance

You can ask for a cost estimate before treatment and ask about charges during treatment. The estimate may change if the treatment plan changes.

Written aftercare instructions

When you leave you can receive written self-care instructions. Keeping your doctor’s, hospital’s and pharmacy’s contacts in one place makes questions easier after you fly home.

Check before you book and before treatment

  • Get a written cost estimate and check what is and is not included, and the currency.
  • Read the treatment agreement and consent forms in a language you understand, and ask questions before you sign.
  • Confirm the deposit, cancellation and refund terms in advance.
  • Bring your passport, existing medical records and imaging, and a list of your current medicines.
  • Tell the clinic your flight home date so recovery and follow-up visits fit your schedule.

Your responsibilities

  • Give accurate information about current and past illnesses, medicines, allergies, surgeries and any infectious disease.
  • Arrive on time and follow the hospital’s safety rules, such as visiting hours and no smoking.
  • Pay the charges you were told about on time, and avoid bringing valuables.
  • Follow prescriptions and treatment instructions, do not adjust medical devices yourself, and respect other patients and staff.

Admission and discharge

On admission: check in at your scheduled time and tell staff about personal items and medicines you brought, which are kept separately. During your stay the hospital prepares and gives your medicines.

On discharge: get written instructions on medicines, wound care, warning signs and follow-up, and request receipts, itemized bills and record copies in advance if you need them.

If you will claim from insurance at home, check with the clinic whether English diagnosis documents and receipts are available, and their cost.

If something goes wrong — how to resolve a dispute

  1. 1. Talk to the clinic first

    Raise concerns with the clinic’s staff or international coordinator first. If you booked through MediQueen, we will help with interpretation and communication.

  2. 2. Medical Korea Information Center

    Guides you through complaint and dispute procedures in several languages. Seoul Station (Airport Railroad) center: 1577-7129 (from abroad +82-2-1577-7129, weekdays 08:00–18:00). Incheon Airport Terminal 1 center: 032-743-3506/3507 (daily 09:00–21:00). Support in English, Chinese, Russian, Japanese and more.

  3. 3. Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency

    A public agency that assesses medical incidents (whether there was negligence) and mediates compensation. Call 1670-2545; for foreign-language help, use the Ministry of Justice immigration contact center 1345 for three-way interpretation. www.k-medi.or.kr

  4. 4. Insurers and court

    You can contact the clinic’s liability insurer or mutual aid association, and if no agreement is reached, international patients can also bring civil or criminal proceedings in Korean courts.

Questions? Ask MediQueen

MediQueen

Based on the Korea Health Industry Development Institute’s 2025 Multilingual Forms for Attracting International Patients (patient rights and responsibilities, admission guide, discharge instructions and dispute resolution notice), rewritten by MediQueen for clarity. Contact details are as published and may change. KHIDI