Travel Insurance for South Korea

South Korea is a well-known tourist destination, but even the best-laid plans can go wrong. Seasonal typhoons, sudden illnesses, or travel delays are all situations where travel insurance can offer support and assistance. It’s a practical step to ensure you’re prepared for the unexpected, no matter where your journey takes you in this fascinating country. 

In this guide, we’ll explain how travel insurance for South Korea works, what it typically costs, and why it’s a valuable addition to your travel plans.  
 

Is Travel Insurance a Mandatory Requirement for a South Korean Visa? 

Travel insurance isn’t mandatory to enter South Korea, but it’s a good idea to get one to cover yourself for unexpected expenses and hassle during your trip.  

South Korea is a modern and safe country with good infrastructure, but you never know when and how your plans may get distorted. For example, unexpected weather conditions like a typhoon can disrupt your plans, or you may lose your bag at some busy public transit system. Or you may never know when you may slip on a scenic hike in the South Korean mountains.  

In such situations and more, having travel insurance with the right set of coverages will let you travel with confidence, knowing that you will get support when need be 
 

What Travel Insurance Coverages Do You Need for South Korea 

Here are some essential coverages to include in your trip insurance when traveling to South Korea. 

Urgent Healthcare Costs 

For certain unwarranted situations like getting food poisoning after trying South Korean seafood or twisting your ankle while hiking Bukhansan National Park in Seoul, you may require immediate medical care. Though South Korea has an extensive healthcare system, treatment for foreign visitors may not be a piece of cake. So, in this case, travel insurance with emergency medical expenses can help cover hospital visits, treatments, prescriptions, and more.  

Emergency Medical Transport 

South Korea has great medical facilities in the cities, but specialized care may require a transfer. For example, if you fall ill while visiting the remote Andong Hahoe Folk Village or skiing at Yongpyong Resort, emergency medical evacuation coverage can help transport you to a better hospital in Seoul or back home for further treatment. 

Lost or Delayed Luggage 

Lost or delayed baggage is a common travel problem, especially when flying through busy international airports like Incheon or Gimhae. Travel insurance may help cover the cost of essential items like clothes and toiletries if your luggage is misplaced.  

Evacuation for Non-Medical Reasons 

Non-medical evacuation is another coverage to consider when traveling to South Korea. Although the country is safe, events like typhoons during summer or rare political tensions can disrupt your plans. For example, if a typhoon hits Busan, non-medical evacuation coverage will help you secure alternative transportation or book an early flight home. 

How does Travel Insurance Work for South Korea 

Travel insurance for South Korea covers you for unforeseen events. Once you’ve purchased a policy, you’ll be covered for specific situations such as medical emergencies, trip disruptions, or baggage issues, as outlined in the policy details. 

If something happens during your trip, you’ll need to contact your travel insurance provider as soon as possible. For example, if you need medical attention in South Korea, contact the insurer’s emergency assistance hotline for guidance on finding local medical care and how to pay. Depending on your policy, you may need to pay upfront for medical services and submit receipts for reimbursement, or the insurer may pay the hospital directly. 

For trip disruptions such as delayed flights or lost luggage, you’ll usually need to provide documentation such as delay reports from the airline or receipts for replacement items when making a claim. The process is designed to pay out quickly, so it’s important to keep records of incidents and costs. 

Many travel insurers, like AXA Travel Insurance, offer 24/7 assistance services, which can be very useful when you’re in a foreign country. Whether you need to replace a lost passport, find a hospital, or rebook a canceled flight, these services provide real-time support to get things sorted. 

Read your policy so you know how to use your travel insurance. Check the terms, limits, and exclusions before you go. That way, if things go wrong on your South Korean trip, you’ll know who to call and what to expect. 

What’s Covered in AXA Travel Insurance for South Korea 

AXA Travel Insurance for South Korea come with a range of benefits that can suitably match the specific requirements of your travel. 

AXA Silver: This is the basic entry-level policy covering trip cancellation and interruption, emergency accident and sickness medical expenses, and emergency medical evacuation. It is good enough to cover the basics while traveling.  

AXA Gold: This goes one step further than the Silver with limits and benefits, including non-medical emergency evacuation. Having the option for a rental car damage waiver.  

AXA Platinum: This is the highest limit travel insurance option, which includes "Cancel For Any Reason," lost cut skier days, and golf rounds. This is usually appropriate for high-value trips. 

Other advantages of AXA travel policies include their 24/7 travel assistance. Whether you need to find a hospital in Seoul, replace a lost passport, or navigate flight cancellations at Incheon International Airport, the team is available 24/7 to help. Handle any emergency situation anywhere within South Korea.  

AXA simplifies the claims process for customers, making it faster reimbursement of covered events. Travelers can solve issues quickly using user-friendly tools and responsive customer service. 

AXA Travel Insurance policies are flexible; you can add appropriate coverages to your travel insurance. If you have a cultural tour, outdoor adventure, or business trip, on expenses, you can build the right plan for your moves. 

What is the Typical Cost of Travel Insurance for South Korea 

Travel insurance for South Korea generally ranges from 3% to 10% of your non-refundable travel costs. So, the cost of your policy will depend on how much you’ve paid for flights, accommodation, and tours.  

One of the main factors that affects the cost of travel insurance is the total cost of your trip. The more you’ve paid for non-refundable bookings like luxury hotels, guided tours, or event tickets (e.g., a K-pop concert in Seoul), the higher the premium as the potential payout amount increases. 

Another factor can be your age. Senior travelers may have to pay more as they are more likely to need medical assistance while abroad. The timing of your purchase also matters. Buying travel insurance early, ideally when you book your trip to South Korea, will give you access to pre-departure cancellation cover, and you’ll be covered before you even start packing. 

Are there any COVID-19 requirements for travelers to South Korea 

As of February 24, 2021, all travelers to South Korea must present a pre-departure negative COVID-19 PCR test result upon arrival. The test must be taken within a specific time frame before departure (usually 48-72 hours, but check the exact time frame as it may vary). Travelers without a valid negative PCR test result will be denied boarding by the airline. 

Also, depending on your vaccination status and government updates, you may be required to undergo additional testing upon arrival and quarantine. Always check official sources for updates, as these rules change with the pandemic. 
 

FAQs About Travel Insurance for South Korea 

1. Will travel insurance cover COVID-19 expenses in South Korea? 

Many travel insurance policies now cover COVID-19 medical treatment and trip cancellations. However, check your policy to see if it covers COVID-19, including quarantine costs if needed. 

2. Can I buy travel insurance after arriving in South Korea? 

While it’s best to buy travel insurance before your trip, some insurers do allow you to purchase after arrival. However, coverage may be limited, and pre-existing conditions or incidents that occur before you buy may not be covered. 

3. Can I extend my travel insurance if I decide to stay in South Korea longer? 

Yes, most insurers allow you to extend your trip insurance policy if you decide to stay longer. Contact your provider before your current policy expires to ensure continuous coverage.