ID Required for Medical Treatment Starting May 20!

According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the "Strengthened Identity Verification System for Medical Institutions" will be implemented starting May 20. Under this system, when receiving treatment at medical institutions such as hospitals and clinics through National Health Insurance, identity must be verified using a resident registration card or other means.

Accordingly, when receiving treatment at hospitals or clinics with National Health Insurance going forward, you must present a certificate or document that has a photo, such as a resident registration card or driver’s license, and includes either your resident registration number or alien registration number so that your identity can be confirmed.

This system was reportedly introduced to prevent cases of improper reimbursement, such as receiving treatment by lending or misusing a health insurance card in someone else’s name in order to obtain psychotropic drugs without National Health Insurance eligibility.

So please don’t forget—if you have to visit a hospital, make sure to bring your ID!