Prescription Drug Benefit: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Understand how the Prescription Drug Benefit works in South Korea to help you manage the costs of essential medications.
The Prescription Drug Benefit is a system designed to help reduce the financial burden of essential medications for those who need them.
Who it's for
This benefit is available to anyone who has been issued a formal prescription by a doctor. If a medical professional determines that you require specific medication to treat a health condition and provides you with a prescription (처방전), you qualify to access this support.
What you get
The primary benefit of this scheme is that it provides lower costs for essential medications. Instead of paying the full retail price for your medicine, the system helps subsidize the cost, making it much more affordable for citizens to maintain their health and manage long-term or acute medical needs.
What it costs you
While the benefit reduces the overall price of your medicine, it is not entirely free. You are responsible for paying a standard co-pay at the pharmacy when you pick up your medication. This co-pay is the portion of the cost that the individual must cover, while the rest is handled through the national system.
The catch to know
One way to manage your healthcare spending effectively is to be aware of your medication options. Generic drugs—which are medicines that have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs but are often produced more cheaply—are usually less expensive. To ensure you are getting the most cost-effective treatment, you should always ask your pharmacist about generic alternatives.
How to apply
- Visit a medical professional to receive a health consultation and diagnosis.
- Request a formal prescription (처방전) if the doctor determines medication is necessary.
- Take your prescription to a local pharmacy to process your claim.
- Pay the required co-pay at the pharmacy to receive your medication.