Asian International Students’ Health Status and Its Policy Implications for South Korea

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the health status of international students from Asia, specifically China, Vietnam and other Asian countries, enrolled in tertiary education in South Korea. Specifically, it closely looks at their health insurance, mental health and access to health care systems. This paper utilized the data obtained from an online survey conducted by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs in 2021. The policy implications were drawn from the findings. The current method insurance fee calculation needs to be revised, in consideration of several factors. Also, efforts should be made to raise an awareness of the health insurance system for Asian students who have had barely experienced or heard of it in their home country. Lastly, the existing medical interpretation services also need to be augmented, so that students can easily access to the hospitals.