- The best travel insurance plans for South Korea
- Current travel safety in South Korea
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter South Korea?
- Why take out travel insurance for South Korea?
- What travel insurance for South Korea should cover
- The cost of travel insurance for South Korea
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to South Korea
- Will my current insurance cover me in South Korea?
- FAQ
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Travel insurance for South Korea: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for South Korea covers medical emergencies, repatriation, and unexpected travel disruptions.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory, but it is essential for covering upfront medical payments.
3. Healthcare cost: Healthcare is excellent but expensive; a hospital stay can cost over $500 CAD per night.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for South Korea typically costs between $25 and $50 CAD.
5. Good to know: Canadians are exempt from the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) until December 31, 2025.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for South Korea.
The best travel insurance plans for South Korea
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1M CAD | Our best choice for South Korea due to its wide coverage and flexibility. - high medical reimbursement - repatriation included - modern guarantees |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1M CAD | Suitable for all types of trips to South Korea. - 24/7 multilingual medical helpline - cancellation protection - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | $0.5M CAD | Good balance for tourists seeking value and core protection in South Korea. - solid emergency coverage - rapid assistance - competitive pricing |
| Travel Pass Monde | $0.7M CAD | Reliable overall coverage for Canadian travelers. - hospital costs included - repatriation - wide acceptance in Asia |
| Globe Partner | $0.3M CAD | Basic contract for international stays with straightforward support. - essential medical protection - covers repatriation - civil liability |
| Globe Traveller | $0.5M CAD | Affordable plan for short, low-risk stays in South Korea. - essential health benefits - quick refunds - suitable for urban travel |
- high medical reimbursement
- repatriation included
- modern guarantees
- 24/7 multilingual medical helpline
- cancellation protection
- no deductible
- solid emergency coverage
- rapid assistance
- competitive pricing
- hospital costs included
- repatriation
- wide acceptance in Asia
- essential medical protection
- covers repatriation
- civil liability
- essential health benefits
- quick refunds
- suitable for urban travel
Current travel safety in South Korea
As of June 2025, the Government of Canada advises travellers to South Korea to take normal security precautions. Official guidance does not discourage travel.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: General crime rates are low, but petty theft occurs in busy areas such as Seoul’s Myeongdong or markets. Women should be vigilant in nightlife districts like Itaewon, where incidents of harassment have been reported.
- Health risks: Medical care is excellent but expensive. Vaccines like hepatitis A and B, and Japanese encephalitis for long stays, are recommended. Air pollution, including yellow dust, spikes in spring and can pose health challenges, especially for those with respiratory conditions.
- Legal and entry procedures: At entry, all foreigners must register fingerprints and facial scans. Penalties for drug possession are severe, and medication rules are strict, with some over-the-counter drugs banned.
- Environmental and civil preparedness: Civil emergency exercises are held regularly, with all citizens and foreigners expected to participate. Sirens may sound and public transport may pause during drills, especially in Seoul and Busan.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Government of Canada, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in South Korea.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter South Korea?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Canadian travellers to enter South Korea for tourism or business stays of up to 180 days.
While not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Government of Canada because medical care in South Korea is high quality but can be extremely expensive. Emergency costs, hospitalization, and repatriation are rarely covered without private insurance.
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to South Korea. This is mainly because of the expensive health system and the need for financial protection in case of emergencies.
Why take out travel insurance for South Korea?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to South Korea.
Healthcare costs can be high in South Korea, especially for foreigners treated at private hospitals like Seoul National University Hospital or Asan Medical Center in Seoul. Payment is required up front for most treatments, and daily hospital stays, emergency care, and surgeries can all be expensive even in major cities.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Canada in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in South Korea.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Asan Medical Center | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 3,600,000 KRW (3,600 CAD) | Up to 1,000,000 CAD |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 2,600,000 KRW (2,600 CAD) | Up to 1,000,000 CAD |
| I need to be repatriated | 25,000,000 KRW (25,000 CAD) | Up to 1,000,000 CAD |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 5,700,000 KRW (5,700 CAD) | Up to 1,000,000 CAD |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What travel insurance for South Korea should cover
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for South Korea.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers hospital, clinic, doctor and emergency treatment costs in case of accident or illness. We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least 1,000,000 CAD. |
| 🚑 Repatriation and medical evacuation | Covers the cost to return you to Canada in a medical emergency or after accident. Minimum recommended limit is 500,000 CAD. |
| 🏨 Hospitalization fees | Covers daily room, surgery, and inpatient care in private or public hospitals. Choose coverage up to 1,000,000 CAD. |
| 💊 Medications and outpatient care | Covers prescription medicines, tests, follow-up consultations, and outpatient expenses. Ensure up to 25,000 CAD is included. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation or interruption | Reimburses prepaid travel costs if you must cancel or cut short your trip for covered reasons. Look for at least 5,000 CAD coverage. |
| 🛄 Luggage and personal effects | Covers loss, theft, or delay of luggage and valuables during your trip. Recommended minimum is 2,500 CAD. |
| 🦴 Accident and disability benefits | Provides compensation for accidental injury, disability, or death during the trip. Seek a limit of 50,000 CAD or higher. |
| 🏄♂️ Sports and outdoor activities | Extends coverage for common leisure, outdoor or winter sports (check policy exclusions). A minimum of 100,000 CAD is advisable for such activities. |
We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least 1,000,000 CAD.
Minimum recommended limit is 500,000 CAD.
Choose coverage up to 1,000,000 CAD.
Ensure up to 25,000 CAD is included.
Look for at least 5,000 CAD coverage.
Recommended minimum is 2,500 CAD.
Seek a limit of 50,000 CAD or higher.
A minimum of 100,000 CAD is advisable for such activities.
Travel insurance from local providers or included with your bank card is often limited, with low reimbursement caps and exclusions. For your safety, choose a trusted insurer with full coverage. Compare top plans on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for South Korea
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | 35 CAD |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | 52 CAD |
| 1 month | 35 years old | 70 CAD |
| 1 month | 70 years old | 130 CAD |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of travel insurance for your trip to South Korea is based on several elements. Be sure to consider your age, the duration of your stay, your destination, the amount of coverage, and any add-ons like trip cancellation. Keeping these factors in mind will help you choose the right plan for your needs and budget.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for your travel insurance to South Korea
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to South Korea while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🧑 Age of the traveller | Premiums typically rise with age, especially for travelers over 60. | Compare insurers for seniors. Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| ✈️ Trip duration | The longer the trip, the higher the total premium. | Choose a plan that matches your precise trip length, not standard monthly packages. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Number of travelers | Family or group plans can help reduce per-person costs. | Opt for family or group policies for better rates instead of individual plans. |
| 🏨 Level of coverage | Extremely high coverage limits are not always necessary for every traveler. | Select only the coverage amounts you truly need for South Korea’s health costs. |
| 🚵♂️ Risk activities | Activities like skiing or hiking may raise your premium. | Exclude adventure sports coverage if not planning these activities during your trip. |
| 📅 Purchase timing | Buying insurance in advance can offer better options and deals. | Buy your insurance as soon as your trip is booked to access early booking discounts. |
| 🌎 Coverage area | Worldwide plans are often more expensive than regional ones. | Select a plan focused on Asia or just South Korea rather than worldwide coverages. |
Will my current insurance cover me in South Korea?
It is completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage—such as credit card insurance or your provincial health plan—can protect you during a trip to South Korea. Unfortunately, this coverage is often very limited or insufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in South Korea? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (provincial health plan) | Never | No coverage for emergency medical care or hospitalization abroad. | Travel insurance can cover up to $1 million or more in emergency medical costs, including hospital and evacuation. |
| Private health insurance | Limited coverage | May reimburse some medical costs after return, up to $50,000; rarely includes direct payment abroad. | Travel insurance usually covers direct payment up to $1 million+, with 24/7 local assistance and repatriation. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard, Amex Blue) | Limited coverage | Emergency medical: up to $15,000; excludes pre-existing conditions, baggage, or trip cancellation. | Travel insurance typically offers up to $1 million or more, plus baggage, cancellation, and pre-existing coverage. |
| Premium credit card (Visa Infinite, Gold Mastercard, Amex Platinum) | Limited coverage | Medical: up to $100,000; some limited baggage/trip delay cover, but trip cancellation is restricted. | Travel insurance covers up to $1 million, includes trip cancellation up to $5,000 and better support on the ground. |
Example
After a scooter accident in Seoul, Maya needed emergency surgery for a complex fracture, costing $25,000 CAD. Her RBC Avion Visa's included insurance had a low limit, and her provincial plan offered minimal coverage abroad. Since Korean hospitals require upfront payment, she faced a huge out-of-pocket expense without comprehensive travel insurance.
Expert advice
Your credit card or provincial health plan may not cover key situations like trip interruption for a family emergency. Always read the fine print to understand your policy's limitations and avoid costly surprises abroad. For peace of mind, it's always best to purchase dedicated travel insurance for your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to South Korea?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business stays in South Korea of up to 180 days. You must have a valid passport and may be required to provide biometrics at entry, but K-ETA is not required until at least January 1, 2026.
How do I purchase travel insurance for South Korea?
First, compare available travel insurance options using the HelloSafe comparison tool for Canada. Next, review coverages and exclusions, especially those specific to traveling to South Korea. Purchase your selected plan securely online, then receive your insurance certificate, usually by email, for your trip.
What medical costs could I face in South Korea without insurance?
Medical care in South Korea is high-quality but expensive, with payment expected up front even in emergencies. Without insurance, you could pay hundreds or thousands of Canadian dollars for hospital treatment, making insurance highly advisable for all travelers.
Are there particular health or safety risks to consider in South Korea?
You should check that your routine and recommended vaccinations are current before departure. Air pollution can affect respiratory health, and rare disease outbreaks or civil emergency drills may disrupt your routine, so monitor official alerts during your stay.
Does Canadian government insurance cover me in South Korea?
Government health insurance from Canada does not cover medical expenses in South Korea. International travel medical insurance is needed to pay for doctor, hospital, or emergency costs while abroad, as Korean providers require payment at time of service.
Can travel insurance be purchased after leaving Canada?
Most insurers require you to purchase travel insurance before your departure from Canada, but a few may allow coverage if already abroad, with waiting periods or exclusions. Always check insurer terms and buy insurance well in advance of your trip.
Do I need a visa to travel to South Korea?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business stays in South Korea of up to 180 days. You must have a valid passport and may be required to provide biometrics at entry, but K-ETA is not required until at least January 1, 2026.
How do I purchase travel insurance for South Korea?
First, compare available travel insurance options using the HelloSafe comparison tool for Canada. Next, review coverages and exclusions, especially those specific to traveling to South Korea. Purchase your selected plan securely online, then receive your insurance certificate, usually by email, for your trip.
What medical costs could I face in South Korea without insurance?
Medical care in South Korea is high-quality but expensive, with payment expected up front even in emergencies. Without insurance, you could pay hundreds or thousands of Canadian dollars for hospital treatment, making insurance highly advisable for all travelers.
Are there particular health or safety risks to consider in South Korea?
You should check that your routine and recommended vaccinations are current before departure. Air pollution can affect respiratory health, and rare disease outbreaks or civil emergency drills may disrupt your routine, so monitor official alerts during your stay.
Does Canadian government insurance cover me in South Korea?
Government health insurance from Canada does not cover medical expenses in South Korea. International travel medical insurance is needed to pay for doctor, hospital, or emergency costs while abroad, as Korean providers require payment at time of service.
Can travel insurance be purchased after leaving Canada?
Most insurers require you to purchase travel insurance before your departure from Canada, but a few may allow coverage if already abroad, with waiting periods or exclusions. Always check insurer terms and buy insurance well in advance of your trip.
On the same topic
