Costs & Insurance for Medical Tourism in Korea
How payment works, what insurance covers, and why Korean hospital bills are transparent and predictable.
Will My Insurance Cover Treatment in Korea?
Most US insurance plans don't cover treatment abroad - but even paying out-of-pocket in Korea, the total is often less than US costs with insurance.
Generally not covered. Employer plans, ACA marketplace, Medicare, and Medicaid typically exclude treatment outside the US. Some international plans are exceptions.
A US health checkup with insurance: $2,500-$4,000 out-of-pocket. Korea out-of-pocket (including flights and hotel): $1,750-$2,600 for a more comprehensive screening.
Covers complications from planned procedures, emergency evacuation, and trip cancellation. Typically $100-$500. Recommended for major surgeries.
All Korean medical institutions treating international patients carry mandatory malpractice insurance (law since 2016). Financial protection regardless of your personal insurance.
Direct Billing at Our Hospitals
If your insurer has a direct billing agreement with the hospital, you pay only your co-pay - no upfront costs. We verify your coverage before you travel.
| Insurer | Severance | Seoul St. Mary's | Korea Univ. Anam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna International | |||
| Cigna Global Health | |||
| United Healthcare Global | |||
| TRICARE Overseas | - | ||
| Bupa International | - | - | |
| AXA | - | - | |
| AFSPA (Foreign Service) | - | ||
| HTH / GeoBlue | - | ||
| MSH China | |||
| MetLife Expatriate | - | - | |
| International SOS | - | ||
| Euro-Center | - | - | |
| Henner GMC | - | - | |
| GBG / Tiecare | - |
Coverage varies by policy type and treatment. We confirm direct billing eligibility before your trip.
All direct billing requires a Guarantee of Payment (GOP) from your insurer before treatment. InKoreaNow handles this process for you.
Don't see your insurer? Contact us - we'll check directly with the hospital. Talk to Our Team →
Transparent Pricing, No Surprises
Korean hospitals provide detailed cost estimates upfront. We help you understand every line item before you travel.
How InKoreaNow Helps With Insurance
As a licensed medical facilitator, we handle the insurance coordination so you can focus on your health.
Coverage Verification
We review your insurance policy and check if your insurer has a direct billing agreement with your chosen hospital. If not, we map out the pay-and-claim reimbursement process.
Pre-Authorization & GOP
We initiate pre-authorization with your insurer and obtain the Guarantee of Payment letter that hospitals require for direct billing - before you arrive in Korea.
Documentation & Records
Partner hospitals provide English medical records, itemized bills, and diagnosis reports. We compile everything into a complete claims package before you leave Korea.
Claims Assistance
For pay-and-claim patients, we help compile documentation, guide you through your insurer's claim form, and provide follow-up support during the reimbursement process.
How Korean Hospital Billing Works
Korean hospitals quote straightforward prices. No charge masters, no negotiated rates, no facility fees, no surprise bills.
When a hospital quotes $1,200 for a checkup, that's what you pay. Includes consultation, tests, imaging, lab work, and follow-up review.
Detailed estimate itemizing the procedure, anesthesia, hospital stay, pre-op tests, medications, and follow-up visits - before you commit.
Bone grafting for implants ($300-$1,000), extended hospital stay ($100-$500/day), or additional imaging. Good facilitators flag these before you arrive.
Some hospitals require 30-50% deposit for major procedures. Payable by card or transfer, applied to final bill, refundable within cancellation policy.
Payment Methods at Korean Hospitals
| Method | Accepted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa / Mastercard | Yes, widely | Confirm international spending limit with your bank before travel |
| Debit Card | Usually | Check international withdrawal limits with your bank |
| Cash (Korean Won) | Yes | Exchange in Seoul (Myeongdong), not at airport. Better rates in the city. |
| International Bank Transfer | Yes | Send 1 week early; allow 3-5 business days; bank fees apply |
| American Express | Sometimes | Less widely accepted than Visa/MC |
| Apple Pay / Google Pay | Growing | Available at major hospitals, not yet universal |
Plan Your Budget With Confidence
From flights to follow-up care, we help you estimate total trip costs so there are no financial surprises.
The Total Trip: What It Really Costs
Real total costs including procedure, flights, accommodation, food, and transport - not just procedure price in isolation.
Health Checkup Trip (3-5 Days)
Budget: $1,230-$1,975. Mid-range: $2,250-$3,550. Premium: $4,400-$9,800. Compare to a comprehensive US screening: $4,000-$12,000.
Dental Implant Trip (Two Trips)
Total for two trips: $2,460-$6,200 (including flights, hotel, treatment). Compare to a US dental implant: $3,000-$7,000 - without the crown or CT included.
Plastic Surgery Trip (2-3 Weeks)
Rhinoplasty example: $4,600-$13,900 total. Compare to US rhinoplasty: $8,000-$15,000 - surgery alone, no travel costs.
Cancer Treatment Trip
Proton therapy: $17,800-$38,500 total (including 4-6 weeks accommodation). Compare to US proton therapy: $150,000-$200,000. Save $110,000+.
Insurance Documentation Checklist
Whether you plan to use insurance or pay out-of-pocket, having these documents ready ensures smooth treatment and faster reimbursement.
Before You Travel
- Insurance policy details (policy number, coverage summary, insurer contact)
- Pre-authorization approval from your insurer (if applicable)
- Medical records in English (lab results, imaging, medication list)
- Passport valid for 6+ months with digital copies
- Travel medical insurance (recommended for all patients)
After Treatment (For Claims)
- Itemized hospital bill with patient name and service dates
- Payment receipts (credit card statements, wire transfer confirmations)
- Diagnosis and discharge reports from treating physician
- Medical records in English (our hospitals provide these)
- Currency conversion documentation showing exchange rates
InKoreaNow compiles all post-treatment documentation for you before you leave Korea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay in installments?
Most Korean hospitals expect full payment at time of treatment. Some plastic surgery clinics may offer payment plans for larger procedures. Ask InKoreaNow about options for your specific situation.
What if my treatment costs more than the estimate?
Reputable hospitals honor written estimates. If complications arise requiring additional procedures, the hospital discusses costs before proceeding. Mandatory malpractice insurance covers complications from medical error.
Should I bring cash or use cards?
Cards are recommended for primary payment - they provide transaction records and fraud protection. Bring $200-$300 worth of Korean Won in cash for daily expenses.
Are there hidden fees?
Not at the hospitals we work with. InKoreaNow reviews every estimate and flags potential additional costs. If a hospital can't provide clear, upfront pricing, we don't work with them.
What about exchange rate changes?
Estimates are typically in Korean Won (KRW). For a difference of a few percent, this isn't significant. For very large procedures ($20,000+), consider locking a rate through an international wire transfer.
Can I combine a medical trip with vacation?
Absolutely - and many patients do. The cost of extending your trip by a few days is minimal (hotel + food). Korea offers world-class sightseeing, food, and culture. We help plan the tourism portion.