For example: Korean medical fees are controlled by the government, to the point some doctors may struggle to make a living. And Korea offers pretty high quality healthcare.
I thought I broke a rib so I got two x-rays. This only cost $15 including consultation with the doctor. Without insurance.
Later when I got insurance, I had 5 x-rays of my knee taken. Only cost $5. The non-insurance rate would have been about $20. (Korean public health insurance generally covers 70% of covered fees.)
Another example: I can get a 6-month supply of generic Accutane for about $50 (not covered by Korean health insurance). This would likely cost thousands of dollars in the US.
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Finally, if you plan to be abroad for only about a year, traveler's health insurance for non-US countries is usually very reasonably priced.