Medical and Dental Care in Korea

Service Members and their families stationed in Korea have access to high-quality medical and dental services through both U.S. military treatment facilities (MTFs) and approved host-nation providers. Care is administered in accordance with Department of Defense and TRICARE policies, ensuring all eligible beneficiaries receive consistent and dependable support.

Access to care is structured to support the readiness of Service Members across all U.S. military branches, while also addressing the needs of their family members. Referral processes and coverage eligibility may vary depending on the beneficiary category and enrollment status in TRICARE Prime or other TRICARE plans.

Priority of Medical Care Access

Medical care access is prioritized as follows:

1. Active-duty Service Members
   
   

2. Active-duty family members enrolled in TRICARE Prime
   
   

3. Retirees, their family members, and survivors enrolled in TRICARE Prime
   
   

4. Active-duty family members not enrolled in TRICARE Prime
   
   

5. All other eligible TRICARE beneficiaries

Expected Appointment Wait Times

While the U.S. medical system in Korea strives to meet patient needs promptly, access to specialty care may be limited in some areas. The following timelines represent standard expectations:

• Acute/Same-Day Care (Open Access): Within 24 hours
  
  

• Routine Appointments: Within 7 calendar days
  
  

• Preventive & Wellness Exams (e.g., physicals, well-woman exams): Within 28 calendar days
  
  

• Specialty Care Referrals: Within 28 calendar days
  
  

• Routine Dental Appointments: Within 21 calendar days
  
  

• Emergency Care: Available 24/7 at designated U.S. or host-nation emergency departments

TRICARE Interpreter Support

Language differences can present challenges when receiving care at Korean hospitals. TRICARE offers a 24/7 language interpretation service to assist with communication at host-nation medical facilities. Beneficiaries can call and request assistance from a live interpreter to help bridge any language gaps.

TRICARE Overseas Mobile Support