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Medical Services

Emergency Referral

Overview of Emergency Referral

In the event of an unforeseen accident or other urgent condition where immediate treatment is necessary to preserve life or prevent serious complications, patients may receive care through the emergency room of a medical institution in accordance with Article 3 of the Medical Service Act and subsequently apply for reimbursement of the medical expenses.

Emergency Referral Beneficiaries: Government-funded beneficiaries

How to Request Emergency Treatment

Unless there are unavoidable reasons, the patient or their guardian must notify the relevant Regional Office of Patriots and Veterans Affairs within 14 days from the date of the emergency room visit. If the emergency hospitalization is expected to exceed 14 days, an extension request may be submitted to the relevant Regional Office of Patriots and Veterans Affairs within the same period.

Scope of Support for Medical Expenses

Medical expenses for emergency treatment, including both insurance-covered and non-covered (statutory non-covered) services, under the National Health Insurance Act

Not Covered Medical Expenses

Medical expenses not classified as emergency treatment
Arbitrary non-covered medical expenses not specified under the Rules on Standards for Health Care Benefits Covered by National Health Insurance
All costs related to the donor incurred during organ transplant surgery
Room rate difference for using a higher-level hospital room (only recognized for up to 7 days from the start of hospitalization when the standard room is unavailable; excludes special/private rooms)
Items classified as non-covered under Article 9(1) of the Rules on Standards for Health Care Benefits Covered by National Health Insurance
Costs for dental prosthetic materials, assistive devices, issuance fees for medical certificates, nursing care fees, telephone charges, medical supplies purchased from specialized medical supply companies or shops, and materials purchased outside domestic medical institutions or pharmacies

Higher-level hospital room charges exceptionally covered by the government (excluding special/private rooms)

When a higher-level hospital room is used for the purpose of sterile treatment or isolation treatment
The cost of using a higher-level hospital room for up to 7 days from the initial date of hospitalization, if a standard room is not available

Medical Expense Claim Procedure

The patient must first pay the medical institution or pharmacy, then prepare the required documents—including the detailed statement of medical expenses, payment receipt for medical expenses (including pharmacy/prescription costs), first emergency treatment records, and certificate of higher-level hospital room usage (if applicable)—and apply for reimbursement to the relevant Regional Office of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.

Responsible Officials by Jurisdiction

Responsible Officials by Jurisdiction : Jurisdiction, Contact Information(Designated Contracted Services, Contracted Fee-Reduction Services, Specialized Referral, Emergency Referral)
Jurisdiction	Contact Information
Jurisdiction	Designated Contracted Services	Contracted Fee-Reduction Services	Specialized Referral	Emergency Referral
VHS Medical Center	+82-2-2225-1511	+82-2-2225-1961	+82-2-2225-1196	+82-2-2225-1903
Busan	+82-51-601-6720	+82-51-601-6150	+82-51-601-6132	+82-51-601-6155
Gwangju	+82-62-602-6062	+82-62-602-6071	+82-62-602-6065	+82-62-602-6934
Daegu	+82-53-630-7034	+82-53-630-7045	+82-53-630-7032	+82-53-630-7026
Daejeon	+82-42-939-0187	+82-42-939-0204	+82-42-939-0186	+82-42-939-0287
Incheon	+82-2-2225-1511	+82-2-2225-1961	+82-32-363-9703	+82-32-363-9709