Korean National Health Insurance dental coverage

Understanding the Basics

In Korea, the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) is a public system that covers nearly all residents — including registered foreigners staying long-term. Every month, you pay a premium (often deducted from your salary), and in return, you get partial coverage for most medical and dental care.

But when it comes to dental treatment, the rules are a little different. The NHIS only covers certain procedures that are considered “medical necessity.” Cosmetic or aesthetic dental work? That’s usually all on you.

What’s Covered Under NHIS Dental Insurance

Here’s what you can expect to get partial coverage for:

✅ Basic Dental Care

• Tooth extraction
• Cavity treatment (fillings)
• Root canal therapy
• Gum disease treatment (scaling, periodontal cleaning)
• X-rays for diagnosis

✅ Prosthetics for Seniors
If you’re 65 or older, NHIS covers:

• Partial and full dentures (with a co-payment)
• Dental implants, limited to two per lifetime for seniors

✅ Preventive Care

• Basic scaling (once a year for adults aged 20+)
• Oral exams when visiting a registered dental clinic

🧾 Important: Even if covered, you still pay a portion of the bill (called a co-payment), usually between 30% to 50% depending on the procedure.

What’s NOT Covered

Now for the fine print — NHIS doesn’t cover any treatment that’s considered cosmetic, elective, or not medically required. That includes:

🚫 Teeth whitening
🚫 Veneers or laminates
🚫 Orthodontics (braces) for aesthetic reasons
🚫 Crowns made from premium materials (zirconia, gold, ceramic)
🚫 Implant upgrades (beyond the basic NHIS option)

These treatments are completely out-of-pocket — and clinics will usually show you both NHIS and private prices during consultation.

How to Use NHIS at a Dental Clinic

When you visit a dental clinic in Seoul or anywhere in Korea:

1. Show your NHIS card or give your resident registration number (ARC if you’re a foreigner).
2. Ask: “Is this treatment covered by NHIS?” (보험 적용돼요?)
3. The clinic staff will explain your out-of-pocket portion and any NHIS discounts.
4. Pay your co-payment after treatment and request a receipt (진료비 영수증) for your records.

💡 Most clinics in Seoul — especially in Gangnam, Hongdae, and Itaewon — accept NHIS and are used to treating international patients.

Tips for Saving on Dental Care

💬 Ask before treatment: Always confirm which materials or options are NHIS-covered — small upgrades (like composite vs. ceramic fillings) can change your cost dramatically.

💬 Check your eligibility: Seniors (65+) get expanded coverage for dentures and implants, while younger adults mainly get preventive and restorative benefits.

💬 Compare clinics: NHIS coverage is standardized, but non-covered items (like whitening or veneers) can vary widely in price.

💬 Keep receipts: For tax deductions or if you need to file an additional claim, keep your NHIS dental receipts organized.

For Foreign Residents

If you’re a foreign resident with an Alien Registration Card (ARC) and enrolled in NHIS, you’re entitled to the same dental benefits as Korean citizens.

However, you must:

• Be registered under NHIS (not just private insurance).
• Ensure your premiums are up to date.
• Use a clinic that accepts NHIS billing (almost all local dental clinics do).

Final Thoughts

Korea’s National Health Insurance is a fantastic system — but when it comes to dental care, it’s designed mainly for basic and necessary treatments, not cosmetic makeovers.

If you’re planning to visit the dentist in Seoul, always ask what’s covered under NHIS and what’s private. For most people, regular checkups, scaling, and fillings will be quite affordable under insurance — while whitening, veneers, and premium implants will remain self-paid luxuries.

✨ Pro tip: If you’re over 65 or planning long-term dental care, choose a clinic that clearly explains NHIS vs. non-NHIS options in English — this helps you get the most out of your coverage without surprises.

Thinking about dental treatment in Korea?
Visit an NHIS-accredited clinic in Seoul and ask about coverage options — from cleanings and cavities to implants and dentures, there’s always a way to make your treatment more affordable.