Two kinds of fee
Korean medical fees fall into two groups. For treatment covered by national health insurance (급여), the fee is set by the government. Most of what international patients come for, such as aesthetic dermatology, cosmetic surgery, vision correction, implants and many check-up packages, is non-covered (비급여), and each clinic sets its own price.
Covered 급여One fee, set by the government
Non-covered 비급여Each clinic sets its own
Without Korean national health insurance, you will generally pay the full fee for covered treatment as well.
What a quotation ought to include
Ask for the quotation in writing before you travel, and keep it. A price quoted through an agent may differ from the clinic’s own.
- The procedure, and the device, product or material to be used
- The doctor, who will carry it out
- Anaesthesia, medicines and tests, each priced, not bundled out of sight
- Follow-up, every visit, and the removal of stitches
- Cancellation, what becomes of the fee if treatment is cancelled or postponed
- VAT, whether it is included
Comparing prices fairly
- 1
Like with like
Compare the same procedure, the same product and the same number of sessions.
- 2
Beware the bargain
Treat very large discounts, “today only” prices and free extras offered to secure a booking with caution.
- 3
The whole plan
A modest price for a first visit can lead to a far larger plan. Ask for the full plan before agreeing to anything that cannot be undone.
The official figures
Korea’s Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) publishes the non-covered fees that hospitals report, item by item. We are drawing those figures into this guide, with the reporting date shown beside every number.
Paying
- International credit cards are widely accepted in hospitals. Smaller clinics may not accept foreign mobile wallets.
- Keep itemised receipts and your medical records for any claim on your own insurance.
Sources
- HIRA Non-covered Medical Fee Information — public data portal
- Medical Service Act (Korean Law Information Center)
Last reviewed on 25 October 2026. See our editorial policy.