Telemedicine with Korean Cancer Centers: What the New Law Changes — and What It Doesn't
In May 2026, Korea passed a law that formally permits telemedicine for foreign patients, including first-time consultations. The law takes effect in May 2027. Until then, a small number of major hospitals — Asan Medical Center most notably — already offer remote consultations. This page explains the legal timeline, what is actually available now, and what to ask before you rely on any remote service.
Quick Answer
Korea's telemedicine law for foreign patients was promulgated on May 26, 2026, and takes effect one year later (May 2027) [citation:1][citation:17]. Until then, telemedicine availability depends on the individual hospital. Asan Medical Center has offered remote consultations to international patients since 2021 and has conducted 866 remote consultations across 57 countries [citation:4][citation:9]. Other major centers may offer written second opinions but not full video consultations. If you need remote input now, ask the hospital directly — do not assume the law has already made it universally available.
The Legal Timeline: Passed, Not Yet in Force
| Date | Event | What It Means for Patients |
|---|---|---|
| May 26, 2026 | Amendment to the Medical Overseas Expansion Act promulgated [citation:1][citation:15] | Legal framework established, but not yet operational |
| May 2027 (expected) | Law takes effect — one year after promulgation [citation:17] | Registered hospitals will be able to offer telemedicine to foreign patients, including first-time consultations |
| Currently (2026) | No universal legal right to telemedicine for foreign patients | Access depends on the hospital; Asan is the main established provider |
The law covers a broader scope than simple video calls: continuous observation, counselling and education, diagnosis, and prescription [citation:1][citation:3]. It explicitly includes first-time patients — not just follow-ups — which is significant, because Korea's domestic telemedicine rules (for Korean citizens) are more restrictive [citation:17].
What Is Already Available: Asan Medical Center
Asan Medical Center has been the most active Korean hospital in remote international care. Since 2021, it has conducted 866 remote consultations across 57 countries, primarily for severe conditions including liver cancer, brain tumors, pancreatic cancer, and lung disease [citation:4][citation:9].
Two Distinct Services
| Service | What It Is | Requirements | Cost & Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video Consultation | Real-time video between patient, local physician, and AMC physician | A local physician must be present during the consultation [citation:11] | 370,000 KRW (~$270); 7–14 business days [citation:11] |
| Written Second Opinion | Written report based on submitted medical records; no video meeting | Records in English or Korean [citation:11] | 320,000 KRW (~$235); 5–10 business days [citation:11] |
Radiology and pathology review are not included in these prices. If imaging needs to be re-read, additional fees apply (e.g., CT 70,000–90,000 KRW; MR 300,000–450,000 KRW; PET-CT 350,000–440,000 KRW) [citation:11].
Asan also launched an AI-integrated platform that allows international patients to register, upload records, book pre-consultations, and receive remote care through a single website. The platform supports automatic translation in eight languages including English, Russian, Arabic, Vietnamese, and Mongolian [citation:4].
Other Hospitals: Written Opinions Are More Common
Most major Korean hospitals with international patient centers offer written second opinions based on submitted records. Full video telemedicine is less common. Samsung Medical Center, SNUH, and others have international clinics that review records and provide treatment estimates, but real-time video consultation with the treating specialist may not be available before travel.
What this means practically: You can usually get a written assessment of whether a hospital is willing to accept your case and what the approximate treatment pathway would be. You may not be able to have a face-to-face video conversation with the oncologist before you arrive.
What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do
| Telemedicine CAN | Telemedicine CANNOT |
|---|---|
| Review existing records and imaging | Replace a physical examination |
| Provide a written or verbal opinion on treatment options | Confirm final eligibility for a procedure |
| Help you decide whether traveling to Korea is worth pursuing | Guarantee admission or scheduling |
| Offer continuity of care after you return home | Manage acute complications remotely |
| Reduce the risk of traveling for a case the hospital will not accept | Substitute for an in-person specialist consultation |
The most realistic use of telemedicine is decision support before travel: does this hospital have the capability for my case, and is it worth the trip? It is less useful as a substitute for the actual clinical encounter.
What to Ask Before Relying on Any Remote Service
2. Who will actually review my records — a coordinator, or the specialist who would treat me?
3. Is a local physician required to be present? (Asan requires this for video consultations [citation:11])
4. What records do you need, and in what language?
5. Does the fee include radiology or pathology re-review?
6. Will the consultation produce a written report I can share with my local oncologist?
7. If the hospital decides my case is not suitable, will I be told clearly — and will I still be charged?
Related Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a telemedicine consultation with a Korean hospital right now?
It depends on the hospital. The law permitting telemedicine for foreign patients was passed in May 2026 but does not take effect until May 2027 [citation:17]. Asan Medical Center has offered remote consultations since 2021 and is the most established option [citation:4]. Other hospitals may offer written second opinions but not video consultations. Contact the hospital's international patient center directly to ask what is currently available.
Does the new law mean I can get a prescription from a Korean doctor without traveling?
Once the law takes effect in May 2027, the scope includes diagnosis and prescription [citation:1][citation:3]. However, practical details — such as how prescriptions would be filled in your home country, and whether controlled substances are included — are not yet clear. For now, assume that any prescription issued remotely would need to be discussed with your local physician and pharmacist.
How much does a remote consultation with Asan Medical Center cost?
A video consultation costs 370,000 KRW (~$270) and takes 7–14 business days. A written second opinion costs 320,000 KRW (~$235) and takes 5–10 business days. Radiology and pathology re-review are billed separately [citation:11]. A local physician must be present for video consultations.
Can telemedicine replace traveling to Korea for treatment?
No. Telemedicine can review records and give an opinion on whether traveling is worth pursuing. It cannot confirm final eligibility, perform procedures, or manage complications. The most realistic use is decision support before travel — helping you avoid a trip for a case the hospital will not accept.
What if the hospital says my case is not suitable — do I still pay?
At Asan, the fee is for the review and consultation, not for a positive answer. If the specialist reviews your records and concludes that treatment at Asan is not appropriate, you have still received a professional opinion — and you are still charged. Ask about this explicitly before submitting records.
Remote Review Is a Filter, Not a Substitute
Telemedicine is most useful when it helps you avoid an unnecessary trip. If you are considering Korea, start by asking whether a remote review is available for your specific case — not by assuming it is.