The Best Travel Insurance Plans for South Korea in 2025
- The best travel insurance plans for South Korea
- Is it currently safe to travel to 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 can you pay less for your travel insurance to South Korea?
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in South Korea?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for South Korea: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for South Korea covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost personal belongings.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended to cover potential high medical costs.
3. Healthcare cost: Healthcare is excellent but expensive; a hospital stay can cost over AUD 500 per night.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for South Korea typically costs between AUD 40 and AUD 80.
5. Good to know: Monitor regional tensions with North Korea and consider downloading the 'Emergency Ready' safety app.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 38 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share 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 | 1.6M AUD | Our top pick for safe travel to South Korea. - high medical cover - strong repatriation and emergency support - simple claims process |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.6M AUD | Good choice for efficient assistance and reliability. - 24/7 medical advice - baggage and trip delay cover - cancellation option |
| Tourist Card | 0.8M AUD | Ideal for tourism with solid basic coverage. - emergency medical - medical evacuation - affordable for short stays |
| Travel Pass Monde | 1.1M AUD | Balanced for longer stays or higher risks in South Korea. - strong hospital cover - repatriation covered - wide international acceptance |
| Globe Partner | 0.5M AUD | Valuable for basic needs and budget travellers. - covers medical expenses - repatriation included - civil liability cover |
| Globe Traveller | 0.8M AUD | Good for simple, essential coverage with practical limits. - quick reimbursement - moderate ceilings - medical and evacuation included |
- high medical cover
- strong repatriation and emergency support
- simple claims process
- 24/7 medical advice
- baggage and trip delay cover
- cancellation option
- emergency medical
- medical evacuation
- affordable for short stays
- strong hospital cover
- repatriation covered
- wide international acceptance
- covers medical expenses
- repatriation included
- civil liability cover
- quick reimbursement
- moderate ceilings
- medical and evacuation included
Is it currently safe to travel to South Korea?
As of June 2025, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade rates South Korea as a destination where normal safety precautions apply, with no specific areas under travel advisory for Australians.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: South Korea is generally safe, but ongoing tensions with North Korea can lead to sudden military exercises or missile launches. For example, air-raid drills in Seoul may disrupt local transport and require immediate compliance with official instructions.
- Health risks: No vaccinations are legally required, but outbreaks of diseases such as Japanese encephalitis and malaria occur in rural and border areas. Air pollution, especially during spring from yellow dust, may also impact respiratory health.
- Legal considerations: Photographing military installations, such as at the Demilitarised Zone, is strictly prohibited and can result in confiscation of equipment or questioning by authorities.
- Environmental and urban risks: Emergency preparedness drills are common, and all arriving travellers are fingerprinted on entry. Be alert to possible transport delays from protests, especially in central Seoul.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 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 Australian travellers entering South Korea for tourism or business purposes.
However, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Australian Government because medical treatment and hospital admission in South Korea can be expensive and often require upfront payment. Insurance is important for covering unforeseen health issues, medical evacuation, or travel disruptions.
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to South Korea. This high percentage reflects the quality and cost of medical care, as well as the additional support insurance provides during emergencies.
Why take out travel insurance for South Korea?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to South Korea.
In South Korea, leading hospitals such as Asan Medical Center in Seoul or Samsung Medical Center offer high-quality care, but fees are significant and payment is required upfront. Public hospitals can also be expensive for foreigners, with international clinics often directing patients to private care for major procedures.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia 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 | 3,500,000 KRW (approx 4,000 AUD) | up to 1,000,000 AUD |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 2,800,000 KRW (approx 3,200 AUD) | up to 1,000,000 AUD |
| I need to be repatriated | 40,000,000 KRW (approx 46,000 AUD) | up to 1,000,000 AUD |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 10,000,000 KRW (approx 11,500 AUD) | up to 1,000,000 AUD |
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
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers doctor’s fees, hospital care, surgery, and prescription drugs. We recommend a limit of at least 500,000 AUD per insured person. |
| ✈️ Medical evacuation and repatriation | Transport to Australia or another country for treatment in case of serious illness or injury. Minimum recommended limit: 500,000 AUD. |
| 🛌 Hospital daily allowance | Pays a daily benefit if you are hospitalised abroad, to cover extra accommodation and food costs. At least 150 AUD per day for 30 days. |
| 💼 Luggage and personal effects | Compensation for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and personal items. We suggest a minimum cover of 5,000 AUD per trip. |
| 🚑 Emergency assistance 24/7 | Round-the-clock multilingual helpline for medical, legal, or administrative issues. Included with most comprehensive policies, no specific limit should apply. |
| ⛔ Trip cancellation or interruption | Reimbursement for non-refundable bookings in case of unforeseen events (illness, accident, family emergency). Recommended limit: 10,000 AUD for trip costs. |
| 🚗 Personal liability | Covers damage or injury you cause to others during your stay. Recommended minimum: 1,000,000 AUD. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance and advance of bail expenses | Assistance if you face legal proceedings, including advance of bail and legal fees. Minimum recommended cover: 15,000 AUD. |
We recommend a limit of at least 500,000 AUD per insured person.
Minimum recommended limit: 500,000 AUD.
At least 150 AUD per day for 30 days.
We suggest a minimum cover of 5,000 AUD per trip.
Included with most comprehensive policies, no specific limit should apply.
Recommended limit: 10,000 AUD for trip costs.
Recommended minimum: 1,000,000 AUD.
Minimum recommended cover: 15,000 AUD.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards rarely offers comprehensive protection and typically comes with low limits or many exclusions. For your security, compare the best options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification and proper coverage.
The Cost of Travel Insurance for South Korea
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | 30 AUD |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | 52 AUD |
| 1 month | 35 years old | 75 AUD |
| 1 month | 70 years old | 190 AUD |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
When getting travel insurance for South Korea, the price is influenced by your age, trip duration, chosen level of cover, and any optional extras like cancellation protection. Medical costs can be high, so keeping these factors in mind is crucial to select the right policy and avoid unexpected bills on your travels.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
How can you 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 🌏 Destination | Medical care in South Korea can be expensive and private clinics may require advance payment. | Check for Asia-specific policies as regional plans are often cheaper than global options. |
| 📅 Length of stay | Premiums increase with trip duration, so matching your policy to your stay is important. | Only cover the exact dates of your trip and avoid unnecessary extra days. |
| 🧑🦳 Traveller’s age | Premiums usually rise with age, particularly after 60 years old. | Compare policies by age group. Heymondo maintains prices for those aged 62 and above. |
| 🧳 Level of coverage | Basic hospital and emergency medical cover meets most needs for South Korea. | Prioritise essential medical cover and opt out of add-ons you do not require. |
| 👪 Family or group insurance | Group policies may include discounts for families or friends travelling together. | Consider group policies if travelling with others to reduce per-person costs. |
| 🚴♂️ Activities planned | Adventure sports or high-risk activities increase insurance price due to extra risk. | Exclude high-risk options if not necessary and check what is already covered by default. |
| 💳 Excess amount | The higher your excess, the lower your premium. | Choose a moderate excess that reduces cost without causing financial strain in emergencies. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in South Korea?
It is completely legitimate to wonder if your existing coverage, such as public health insurance or credit card insurance, will protect you during your trip to South Korea. Unfortunately, these options are often 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 | Never | No coverage abroad, including no health expenses, hospitalisation, emergency, or repatriation. | Travel insurance can offer up to 1.6M AUD for medical expenses and repatriation, plus baggage loss and trip interruption. |
| Private health insurance | Limited coverage | Some health expenses, strict annual limits (often 10k-100k AUD), no baggage or cancellations. | Travel insurance pays higher limits for emergencies such as medical evacuation, as well as trip delays and lost luggage. |
| Classic credit card (e.g., Commonwealth Bank, NAB, ANZ) | Limited coverage | Accident and hospitalisation only if trip paid with card, cover caps (about 20k-50k AUD), excess high. | Travel insurance covers up to 1.6M AUD, no payment method restriction, and includes liability, evacuation, and extra travel. |
| Premium credit card (e.g., Amex Platinum, Visa Signature) | Limited coverage | Overseas medical and luggage (up to 250k AUD), often excludes pandemics and pre-existing conditions. | Travel insurance can pay full costs for hospital care and includes pre-existing illness if declared, unlike most cards. |
Example
While hiking in Bukhansan National Park, Liam slipped, suffering a severe ankle fracture. The surgery and hospital stay in Seoul cost AU$45,000. His CommBank credit card's complimentary insurance had a low limit, and Medicare offered no cover. Without proper travel insurance, he was left with a massive out-of-pocket medical bill.
Expert advice
Your credit card or private health cover often excludes crucial situations like trip interruption for a family emergency. Always read the fine print to avoid nasty surprises overseas. For complete peace of mind, it's always safer to get dedicated travel insurance tailored specifically for your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to South Korea?
Australian passport holders do not need a visa to visit South Korea for stays of up to 90 days for tourism purposes. Additionally, Australians are temporarily exempt from the K-ETA (electronic travel authorisation) until 31 December 2025. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date.
How do I purchase travel insurance for South Korea?
First, compare policies using a tool such as the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison platform. Next, carefully check the cover and exclusions, paying attention to specifics related to South Korea, such as medical evacuation, air pollution, or adventure activities. Then, buy your chosen policy online and you will receive your insurance certificate by email, which you should keep with you while travelling.
Are medical services expensive for Australians in South Korea?
Medical care standards are high in South Korea, but foreign travellers, including Australians, are usually required to pay upfront or prove coverage before receiving treatment. Costs can be significant—for example, a simple emergency consultation can exceed 300 AUD, and hospital stays can quickly rise above 2,000 AUD.
Does travel insurance cover air pollution issues in South Korea?
Many travel insurance policies exclude conditions related to air pollution or respiratory issues unless you are hospitalised due to a sudden event. It is essential to read the policy details and check whether air pollution or related respiratory illnesses are covered, especially if you have a pre-existing condition.
What should I do if I require emergency evacuation from South Korea?
If you encounter a serious medical or security emergency, contact your travel insurer's emergency assistance hotline immediately. Travel insurance can cover ambulance transport and medical evacuation to Australia if necessary, but you must follow the procedures set by your insurer, as unauthorised evacuations are usually not reimbursed.
Is it possible to get travel insurance for adventure or sports activities in South Korea?
Certain travel insurance plans offer optional cover for adventure sports or high-risk activities such as hiking, skiing, or cycling in South Korea. Always declare the activities you plan to undertake when purchasing your policy, and ensure that these are listed in your cover to avoid claim issues later.
Do I need a visa to travel to South Korea?
Australian passport holders do not need a visa to visit South Korea for stays of up to 90 days for tourism purposes. Additionally, Australians are temporarily exempt from the K-ETA (electronic travel authorisation) until 31 December 2025. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date.
How do I purchase travel insurance for South Korea?
First, compare policies using a tool such as the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison platform. Next, carefully check the cover and exclusions, paying attention to specifics related to South Korea, such as medical evacuation, air pollution, or adventure activities. Then, buy your chosen policy online and you will receive your insurance certificate by email, which you should keep with you while travelling.
Are medical services expensive for Australians in South Korea?
Medical care standards are high in South Korea, but foreign travellers, including Australians, are usually required to pay upfront or prove coverage before receiving treatment. Costs can be significant—for example, a simple emergency consultation can exceed 300 AUD, and hospital stays can quickly rise above 2,000 AUD.
Does travel insurance cover air pollution issues in South Korea?
Many travel insurance policies exclude conditions related to air pollution or respiratory issues unless you are hospitalised due to a sudden event. It is essential to read the policy details and check whether air pollution or related respiratory illnesses are covered, especially if you have a pre-existing condition.
What should I do if I require emergency evacuation from South Korea?
If you encounter a serious medical or security emergency, contact your travel insurer's emergency assistance hotline immediately. Travel insurance can cover ambulance transport and medical evacuation to Australia if necessary, but you must follow the procedures set by your insurer, as unauthorised evacuations are usually not reimbursed.
Is it possible to get travel insurance for adventure or sports activities in South Korea?
Certain travel insurance plans offer optional cover for adventure sports or high-risk activities such as hiking, skiing, or cycling in South Korea. Always declare the activities you plan to undertake when purchasing your policy, and ensure that these are listed in your cover to avoid claim issues later.
