Navigating Healthcare

A Guide for Foreign and Multicultural Families

By Vibhanshu Maurya

Navigating a foreign healthcare system can be a complex experience, especially for expatriates and multicultural families. This is particularly true in South Korea, where differences in language, cultural perceptions, and system structure can greatly influence healthcare experiences. This article presents findings and recommendations from a study by Madeline Miller.¹ an American researcher who has lived in Korea for almost eight years, focusing on the health communication dynamics that affect foreigners in Korean hospitals.

In Korea, there’s a clear distinction between foreigner families, who have non-Korean parents, and multicultural families, which include at least one Korean parent. This distinction is important because social welfare and benefits often favor families with Korean heritage, influencing how healthcare services are accessed and delivered.

One of the primary challenges that foreigners face in the Korean healthcare system is the language barrier. This barrier not only affects communication with doctors but also impacts the understanding of the healthcare system itself. Interestingly, the perception of one’s own language ability can influence their healthcare experience more significantly than their actual language skills. Moreover, cultural differences in how healthcare is perceived can add another layer of complexity. Some expatriates may find Korean doctors to be efficient yet impersonal, a stark contrast to the healthcare practices they are accustomed to in their home countries.

The Korean healthcare system is uniquely structured. Doctors are compensated per consultation rather than for prescribing medications or conducting tests, which helps to curb profit-driven practices among physicians. The healthcare facilities themselves vary, ranging from small clinics that handle basic ailments to large, specialized research hospitals.

Understanding the different levels of hospitals is crucial for navigating the system effectively. Level 1 clinics, il-cha (일차), offer quick services and short wait times but often lack multilingual staff. Level 2 hospitals, i-cha (이차), provide more comprehensive services and some language support, while Level 3 hospitals, sam-cha (삼차), are equipped for complex cases and usually have interpreters available. It’s generally advisable to start at a Level 1 clinic for faster and more affordable care, escalating to higher levels as necessary based on referrals.

Specifically for foreigners, there are clinics that offer free primary care services in languages, such as one targeting Russian speakers every Tuesday evening in Wolgok-dong (월곡동) and another one is in Gwangsan-gu (광산구), serving mostly Vietnamese speakers on Sundays, both catering to uninsured migrants. These services are crucial given that general healthcare often requires insurance, with free services being infrequent and not regularly scheduled.

Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine is integrated into the healthcare system and is supported by insurance, providing a cost-effective alternative for those who prefer it over Western medicine. Although it’s not commonly chosen as the primary treatment, some find it beneficial and enjoyable.

Technology also plays a vital role in healthcare navigation in Korea. Map apps like Naver and Kakao are invaluable tools for finding healthcare services, with Naver being particularly English-friendly. These platforms allow users to search for specific treatments, view clinic options, and read reviews from other patients, which can help in making informed choices.

The role of community support cannot be overstated. Networks such as the Gwangju International Center and the Universal Cultural Center offer cultural and social support, which can be beneficial although their direct connection to healthcare services may be limited.

Self-triage is another important strategy recommended for foreigners by Madeline. It involves assessing the urgency of a medical issue to decide the appropriate time to seek care, thus avoiding unnecessary costs and long wait times at emergency rooms. It’s also advisable to call ahead to check the emergency room’s capacity.

For expatriates in Korea, utilizing preventative healthcare services is emphasized for its cost-effectiveness and the benefits of early medical intervention. Taking a friend along on hospital visits can enhance communication and overall understanding during medical appointments.

In conclusion, while navigating a foreign healthcare system like Korea’s can be challenging, understanding its nuances, and utilizing available resources can significantly improve the experience for foreigners. This comprehensive approach not only helps in receiving timely and effective care but also in integrating into the healthcare system more seamlessly.

¹ You can view a detailed discussion with Madeline on this topic by visiting her talk at RealTalkKorea on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7O2larM7N4). Here, you’ll find in-depth information and hear stories from some migrants who participated in her interviews.

The Author

Vibhanshu Maurya, originally from India, is pursuing his PhD at Chonnam National University. He leads a vibrant lifestyle, directing the Gwangju Hikers group and creating podcasts that explore the challenges of residing in Korea and strategies for overcoming them. Follow his activities on Instagram and check out his podcasts on YouTube at @realtalkkorea.