Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
chase private insurance since their co-payments are likely to be fairly high. Treatment costs
for chronic diseases such as cancer can also stack up quickly, even though they're at least
partially covered by the national insurance scheme, and many locals purchase supplement-
ary insurance for this reason. Additional insurance is available from local companies such
as Samsung Life as well as international insurers like Bupa, who offer a range of plans ca-
tering to expatriates.
Pharmacies and Prescriptions
There are well-stocked pharmacies ( yakguk ) on virtually every South Korean street corner.
Not long ago just about any medication would be handed out over the counter, but these
days prescriptions are required for anything stronger than common cold remedies or paink-
illers. Many large hospitals have pharmacies on-site to fill prescriptions; every hospital will
have a few in the immediate vicinity. Despite years of strident opposition by pharmacists, a
few household drugs, including painkillers, antiseptic lotions, and fever remedies for kids,
have started to appear in convenience stores, but many still don't stock them.
Pharmacists typically speak little or no English, but with a little miming will usually be
able to recommend something for common gripes; well-known drug names such as Tylenol
or aspirin are also widely understood. It's a good idea to hang on to the packaging for any
medication you use regularly so you can simply bring it back to the pharmacy and ask for
more.
Unfortunately, dosage information and instructions for local drugs usually appear in
Korean only; if you are taking prescription medication, make sure your doctor briefs you
on how much you should be taking and possible side effects.
AVAILABILITY OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
Drug manufacturers have a substantial presence in South Korea, and there are very few
medications that aren't available here. Brand names may differ, however, and you may have
to settle for a local equivalent, which any doctor should be able to recommend. If it's abso-
lutely imperative that you stick to a medication from back home, it's probably safest to im-
port it with you; remember to bring your prescription information along to avoid any hassle
with customs officials.
 
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