South Korea Tops the OECD in Doctor Visits: A Sign of a Healthy System?
A recent OECD report reveals a striking fact: South Koreans lead the developed world in the number of times they see a doctor each year. With an average of 18 in-person consultations per person annually, the figure is significantly higher than the second-placed country, Türkiye (11.4).
What's Behind the High Number?
This high frequency isn't necessarily negative. It points to several positive aspects of the South Korean healthcare system:
• Excellent Access: South Korea's National Health Insurance system provides universal coverage with low out-of-pocket costs, making it easy for people to seek care.
• Preventive Culture: There is a strong cultural emphasis on regular health check-ups and addressing minor health issues promptly before they become serious.
A Look at the Global Ranking
The table below summarizes the in-person doctor consultation rates across OECD countries.
Rank Country Visits/Year Rank Country Visits/Year
1 South Korea 18.0 11 Belgium 7.9
2 Türkiye 11.4 12 Poland 7.7
3 Netherlands 10.1 13 Colombia 7.3
4 Germany 9.7 14 Israel 6.8
5 Hungary 9.7 15 Australia 6.0
6 Italy 9.4 16 Spain 5.9
7 Lithuania 8.6 17 France 5.4
8 Czech Republic 8.2 18 Slovenia 5.3
9 Belgium 7.9 19 Luxembourg 5.3
10 Poland 7.7 20 Denmark 5.0
A Double-Edged Sword?
While high access is positive, it also raises questions about system sustainability and potential overutilization. In contrast, countries like Finland (4.1) and Chile (4.2) show that high-quality healthcare can exist with far fewer consultations, possibly relying more on other medical staff or a different public health approach.
In conclusion, South Korea's top ranking highlights a robust and accessible healthcare system driven by a proactive population. The challenge now is to ensure this high volume is managed efficiently to maintain quality and sustainability for the future.
