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National Health Insurance and Cosmetic Care in Korea
The short answer
Korea's national health insurance generally covers treatment of medical conditions, but purely cosmetic care is usually paid by the patient as a non-covered item, so check the current rules for your case. Shinebom Clinic does not describe insurance billing as a service on this page, so ask the clinic about anything specific.
Key facts
- General rule: cosmetic care is typically non-covered
- Official source: the National Health Insurance Service
- Clinic fees: published fees exclude VAT
- Private or travel insurance: read your own policy
- Rules change: check the current rules
What does national health insurance cover?
Korea's national health insurance is a public scheme that most residents, including many long-term foreign residents, are enrolled in. It generally covers medically necessary treatment, such as consultation for illness, at set rates. Who is enrolled, and on what terms, depends on your visa and residence status and changes over time. The National Health Insurance Service is the official source, and you should check its English information rather than rely on a summary here.
What is a non-covered item?
In Korean medicine billing, services outside the insurance scheme are called non-covered. Many aesthetic procedures fall here, and the clinic sets its own prices for them. Shinebom Clinic's published fees for non-covered prescriptions are KRW 10,000 for up to one month, KRW 20,000 for up to three months and KRW 35,000 for up to six months, excluding VAT. Treatment prices are quoted after consultation.
Can any skin care be covered?
Sometimes a skin condition is medical rather than cosmetic, and some care may be treated differently. This depends on the diagnosis, the treatment and the rules at the time. The doctor can explain how a given item is classified, so ask at your consultation. Do not assume either way.
What about private or employer insurance?
Many expats hold private international cover or employer plans. Cosmetic procedures are commonly excluded, but policies differ. Check your policy wording or ask your insurer before you pay. This page does not offer insurance billing or claims help. Ask the clinic what documents it can provide.
What should you do next?
Read the official source, check your policy, then ask about costs at consultation. See fees and payment and prices, and Korea tax refund basics for the VAT side.
Frequently asked questions
Will my national insurance pay for filler or botox?
Generally not, because they are cosmetic. Check the current rules with the National Health Insurance Service.
Does the clinic bill my insurer?
This page does not describe such a service. Please ask the clinic.
What does non-covered mean?
It means the service is outside the national scheme and is paid by the patient at the clinic's own price.
Related pages
General information from Shinebom Clinic, not personal medical advice. Results and recovery vary between individuals, and all procedures carry possible risks and side effects. A doctor will confirm what suits you at consultation.
Bloom yourself, in your own way
Tell us your skin concerns and dates in English. Shinebom Clinic is a 3-minute walk from Jamsil Station, exits 8 and 9.