Cost is one of the first questions people ask, and it deserves a clear answer. Because fees depend on your diagnosis, insurance eligibility and the treatment you choose, we do not list prices on this website. Instead, we explain costs in person and give you an estimate before any treatment starts. This page explains how insurance and fees generally work at our clinic in Sanbon, Gunpo, so you know what to expect when you come in.
Does National Health Insurance cover dental treatment?
Yes, for many basic treatments. Korea's National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) covers part of the cost of a range of essential dental care, and the patient pays the remaining co-payment. Commonly covered items include:
- Oral examinations and standard X-rays
- Annual scaling for adults, within the limits set by NHIS
- Many root canal treatments
- Most tooth extractions, including many wisdom tooth extractions
- Certain fillings and gum treatments
- For eligible older adults, partial coverage for some implants and dentures, subject to age and quantity limits
Coverage rules, age thresholds and limits are set by NHIS and can change. We will check your eligibility at the clinic and explain how it applies to your treatment.
What is not covered?
Treatments that are mainly aesthetic, or that use certain materials or techniques, are typically not covered by NHIS. Depending on your situation, these may include:
- Most implants for patients outside the NHIS eligibility criteria
- Zirconia crowns, ceramic inlays and other cosmetic restorations
- Teeth whitening
- Some advanced procedures such as bone grafting or sinus lifts in certain cases
What is the non-covered fee schedule?
Under Korean law, medical and dental clinics must make the fees for non-covered (비급여) services available to patients. Our non-covered fee schedule is posted at the clinic, and you are welcome to ask to see it at any time. This allows you to see the standard fee for each non-covered item before you decide.
How do I get an estimate?
- Book a consultation by phone or WhatsApp. See our contact page.
- Attend an examination. An accurate estimate needs a diagnosis, and sometimes imaging such as a 3D CBCT scan.
- Review your options. Where there are alternatives, for example a bridge, a denture or an implant, we explain the cost and trade-offs of each.
- Receive a written estimate before treatment begins. Nothing is started without your agreement.
Can you explain why a treatment is needed now?
Yes. Part of our care philosophy is explaining whether a treatment must be done now or can be safely monitored. This helps you plan financially and avoid unnecessary work.
Private insurance and receipts
If you have private medical insurance in Korea, or travel or international insurance, we can provide receipts and treatment details for your claim. Requirements differ between insurers, so please check with your provider which documents they need and let us know when booking. Foreign residents should also read our international patients guide.
Payment
Please ask our coordinators about accepted payment methods and about planning payments for longer treatments. If you are preparing for your first appointment, our first-visit guide lists what to bring, including the ID needed to apply insurance coverage.