VHS Hospital Medical Care System

The Korea Veterans Health Service has established an integrated “persons of distinguished service to the state” healthcare delivery system, allowing patients to receive primary care at nearby contracted hospitals, secondary care at regional persons of distinguished service to the state hospitals, and tertiary care at the VHS Medical Center, which is equipped with specialized medical facilities. Through coordinated collaboration among these hospitals, patient-centered, integrated medical services are provided, ensuring both high-quality care and convenient access for veterans.

Patient Categories

Government-Funded Patients

Patriots, soldiers and police officials wounded in action or on active duty, individuals injured in the April 19 Revolution, public officials wounded on active duty, June 18 Wounded Freedom Seekers, patients suffering from defoliant-related conditions, persons injured in the course of performing special missions, individuals injured in the May 18 Democratization Movement, voluntarily wounded military and public officials, as well as military personnel and public officials injured in disasters while on duty

View Detailed Eligibility and Reduction Rates

Patients Eligible for Reduced Fees

• Self: War veterans and war service merit recipients, recipients of the Military Merit Award, recipients of the National Service Merit Award, persons of merit for the April 19 Revolution, persons of distinguished service for special missions, other victims of the May 18 Democratization Bereaved Family: Spouses or other primary survivors who are eligible for medical support under the relevant laws

View Detailed Eligibility and Reduction Rates

General Patients

Government-funded patients, patients eligible for reduced fees, patients covered by health insurance, and medical aid patients

Patients approved after December 7, 2012 (Grade 7 soldiers and police officials wounded in action or on active duty, individuals injured in the April 19 Revolution, public officials wounded on active duty, and special contributors wounded on active duty) are responsible for 10% of medical costs when receiving treatment outside the designated injury site.

Patients approved after June 23, 2016, including patients suffering from defoliant-related conditions (including second generation), individuals injured in the May 18 Democratization Movement Rated Grade 12 to 14, and Grade 7 persons injured while performing special missions, are responsible for 10% of medical costs when receiving care outside the designated injury site.

Following June 23, 2016, the scope of eligible family members for May 18 Democratization Movement merit recipients and special mission merit recipients was revised (in accordance with follow-up legislation on the “Veterans Eligibility and System Reform”) so that only one spouse or primary survivor is recognized for medical support and related benefits.