[THE INVESTOR] The government will draw up support measures for local medical institutions that enter overseas markets, and allow insurance schemes for foreign medical tourists, the government revealed on July 5.

The plans were included in the government’s strategy for boosting Korea’s service industry. 


Support for medical institutions’ overseas expansion will include funding and tax benefits. As part of the plans for luring medical tourists to Korea, insurance companies will be allowed to sell plans designed specifically for medical tourists.

The government hopes that these and other measures that will be announced at a later date will help raise the number of medical tourists to 1 million by 2020. The figure last year was 280,000.

In addition, regulations will be changed to allow treatment data to be shared and utilized, and a comprehensive R&D strategy drawn up to help develop DNA-based treatment methods.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare also plans to increase the number of over-the-counter medicines sold at convenience stores. At present, 13 drugs such as selected painkillers and indigestion medicines are designated as emergency supplies that can be sold at convenience stores. All other medical supplies are only available at pharmacies.

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)