Physicians shortage may limit the access to healthcare in South Korea

TRAVELING ABROAD

Over the past year, the shortage of English-speaking physicians and dentists in South Korea has caused major teaching hospitals to postpone surgeries and cancel medical appointments, including the hospitals with international clinics listed on the U.S. Embassy website at https://shorturl.at/h1ckF.

Reports show that American citizens have trouble accessing emergency care, which can also be delayed or denied for non-life threatening or urgent cases. Before traveling to South Korea, consider taking the following actions: 1. Visitors can purchase emergency travel insurance including medical evacuation (MedEvac) coverage.

2. U.S. citizens in the Republic of Korea are encouraged to monitor local news media for any updates.

—Man C. Cho M.D., Former U.S. Army Medical Officer, Mutual 4