Korea’s National Health Insurance (NHI) significantly reduces the cost of many essential dental treatments for eligible residents. However, not all dental procedures are covered, and understanding what is insured versus non-insured is key to avoiding confusion when visiting a dental clinic.



Below is a clear, clinic-ready explanation of dental costs in Korea with National Health Insurance, written for easy copy and paste.

Who Is Covered by National Health Insurance?

National Health Insurance applies to:

Korean citizens

Foreign residents with valid long-term visas who are enrolled in NHI

Short-term visitors and tourists are not covered and must pay full private clinic rates.

Coverage level and eligibility may vary depending on age, residency status, and specific policy conditions.

Dental Treatments Commonly Covered by NHI

National Health Insurance focuses on basic, medically necessary dental care, rather than cosmetic or elective procedures.

Dental Examination and Consultation

Basic dental consultations are partially covered, resulting in a relatively low out-of-pocket cost after insurance is applied.

Patients typically pay only a small portion of the consultation fee.

Dental X-Rays

Standard dental X-rays such as panoramic or periapical images are usually partially covered when clinically necessary.

Patients still pay a reduced copayment, rather than the full private cost.

Teeth Cleaning (Scaling)

Professional scaling is one of the most well-known NHI-covered dental services.

Coverage usually applies once per year for adults, with patients paying a significantly reduced fee compared to private pricing.

Deep periodontal treatments may involve additional costs depending on severity.

Tooth Fillings (Basic Materials)

Basic fillings using standard materials may be partially covered, especially for medically necessary treatment.

However, aesthetic composite materials or premium options are often not covered, resulting in higher out-of-pocket costs.

Tooth Extractions

Simple tooth extractions are generally covered under NHI, with patients paying a reduced fee.

More complex or surgical extractions may involve higher copayments or partial coverage only.

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal therapy is partially covered when deemed medically necessary.

The patient’s share depends on the tooth type and complexity of treatment, but coverage significantly lowers overall cost compared to private pricing.

Dental Implants (Limited Coverage)

For eligible seniors (usually age 65 and above), National Health Insurance may partially cover dental implants.

Coverage is typically limited in number and applies only under specific conditions, with the patient paying a portion of the total cost.

Dental Treatments NOT Covered by NHI

National Health Insurance does not cover cosmetic or elective dental treatments.

Common non-insured procedures include:

Dental veneers

Teeth whitening

Cosmetic bonding

Orthodontic treatment (braces, clear aligners)

High-end crown materials such as zirconia or premium ceramics

Implants for non-eligible patients

Sedation dentistry, IV sedation, or general anesthesia

Smile makeover or aesthetic-focused treatments

These treatments are paid fully out of pocket at private clinic rates.

How Much Do Patients Typically Pay With NHI?

With National Health Insurance, patients generally pay only a portion of the total dental cost, depending on the procedure.

For insured treatments:

Out-of-pocket costs are usually significantly lower than private fees

The remaining amount is billed directly to the insurance system

Exact patient responsibility varies by procedure and clinic

Dental clinics typically explain insured versus non-insured items clearly before treatment begins.

Important Things to Know Before Treatment

Insurance coverage applies only to insured procedures, even if they are done during the same visit as non-insured treatments.

If a visit includes both insured and non-insured services, the bill will be divided accordingly.

Patients should always ask:

Which parts of treatment are insured

What portion is self-paid

Whether alternative insured options are available

Foreign Residents vs Tourists

Foreign residents enrolled in NHI receive the same dental insurance benefits as Korean citizens.

Tourists and short-term visitors must pay full private dental fees, even for basic procedures such as exams, cleanings, or extractions.

Final Thoughts

Dental care in Korea is affordable and accessible, especially for patients covered under National Health Insurance. Basic treatments such as examinations, scaling, fillings, extractions, and root canal therapy are partially covered, significantly lowering out-of-pocket costs.

However, cosmetic dentistry and premium materials are not insured and require private payment.

Understanding the difference between insured and non-insured treatments helps patients plan their dental care more confidently and avoid unexpected costs.