Korean clinics often quote a price, add a few items, and hand you a receipt full of Korean terms. Knowing the handful of words on it, and which charges the national insurance does not cover, lets you compare estimates and catch surprises before you pay.
Covered and non-covered: the one distinction that sets your price
Korea’s national health insurance pays part of the cost of covered treatments (급여, geubyeo). Treatments outside that scheme are non-covered (비급여, bigeubyeo), and the clinic sets its own price for them. Most cosmetic and aesthetic skin treatments fall in the second group. Most short-term visitors are also not enrolled in the national scheme, so expect to pay the full fee either way. Ask the clinic which category each item on your estimate belongs to.
Words you will see on a Korean clinic receipt
| Korean | Romanised | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 진료비 영수증 | jinryobi yeongsujeung | Medical expense receipt |
| 급여 / 비급여 | geubyeo / bigeubyeo | Insurance-covered / not covered |
| 진찰료 | jinchallyo | Consultation fee |
| 시술료 / 처치료 | sisullyo / cheochiryo | Procedure / treatment fee |
| 마취료 | machwiryo | Anaesthesia fee |
| 재료대 | jaeryodae | Materials (for example a filler, thread or device tip) |
| 약제비 | yakjebi | Medication |
| 본인부담금 | bonin budamgeum | The part you pay yourself |
| 부가세 / 부가가치세 | bugase | Value-added tax (VAT) |
| 과세 / 면세 | gwase / myeonse | Taxable / tax-exempt |
| 합계 / 총액 | hapgye / chongaek | Total |
VAT: check whether it is already in the price
Insured medical treatment is exempt from VAT, but treatments done for cosmetic purposes are generally taxed at 10%. Ask whether a quoted price includes VAT (부가세 포함) or adds it on top (부가세 별도). The difference is 10% of the price.
One change to know about: Korea’s refund of VAT to foreign patients for cosmetic and dermatological procedures, in place since 2016, ended on 31 December 2025. If an older guide, ad or agent mentions a tourist refund on these treatments, treat it as out of date and ask the clinic in writing.
Check the price against the public list
Since 3 September 2026 the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) publish non-covered prices for 753 items, reported by 74,449 institutions. You can look them up on the HIRA website or in the Health e-Eum app. The list covers specific procedures, materials and certificate fees, so your treatment may not be on it. Where it is, it gives you a benchmark to compare against.
Before you pay: a short checklist
- Get the estimate in writing, itemised by consultation, procedure, anaesthesia, materials and medication.
- Ask whether VAT is included.
- Ask how many sessions the price covers and what a repeat session costs.
- Ask what is not included, such as follow-up visits, numbing cream, take-home products and prescriptions.
- Ask about refunds and cancellation before paying any deposit.
- After the visit, ask for the receipt (진료비 영수증) and the itemised statement, and keep both with your photos and messages.
Red flags
- A single package price with no breakdown.
- A price that changes after the consultation, with no written reason.
- Pressure to buy a package of sessions on the first day.
- A cash-only discount with no receipt.
- Claims that a treatment is “covered” or “refundable” with no written confirmation.
Frequently asked questions
Why do two clinics quote different prices for the same treatment?
Non-covered prices are set by each clinic. Differences can reflect the device or product used, the number of units or shots, the doctor and what is included. Ask for the product or device name.
Can I use travel insurance?
Possibly, but cosmetic treatment is often excluded. Check your policy and ask your insurer what documents it needs. An itemised receipt is usually required.
Is a deposit normal?
Some clinics ask for one. Ask for the refund terms in writing and pay by a traceable method.
General information, not medical, legal or financial advice. Prices and rules change; confirm with the clinic. See the About page for our sources and corrections policy. Before you book, check the clinic on our map and read how to check if it is registered for foreign patients.