Dental Costs Covered by Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS)

Dental treatment costs covered by the Korean National Health Insurance vary depending on the type of procedure, the patient’s age, and the type of medical facility. In most cases, patients are responsible for approximately 30% of the total treatment cost, while the remaining amount is covered by insurance.

Major dental treatments such as scaling, resin fillings, dentures, and dental implants are covered, significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
For example, patients aged 65 and older typically pay around KRW 400,000 out of pocket for insured dentures.

Initial consultation fees range from approximately KRW 4,000 to KRW 30,000, depending on whether the visit is to a dental clinic, hospital, or tertiary medical center. Exact costs vary based on the NHIS coverage amount and the patient’s copayment rate.

Examples of NHIS-Covered Dental Treatment Costs

• Dental Checkup / First Visit
• Dental clinics: approximately KRW 4,400
• General hospitals and tertiary hospitals: higher fees depending on facility level
• Scaling (Tartar Removal)
• Adults: approximately KRW 18,000–22,000
• With insurance: patient pays around KRW 5,000 or more
• Resin Fillings (Cavity Treatment)
• Covered for permanent teeth in children aged 12 and under
• Patient copayment: approximately 30%
• Root Canal Treatment (Endodontic Treatment)
• Copayment varies by age
• Patients aged 65 and older: 10–30% copayment for costs exceeding KRW 15,000
• Dentures (Aged 65 and Older)
• Full and partial dentures covered
• Coverage frequency: once every 7 years
• Patient copayment: 30–40% (approximately KRW 400,000)
• Dental Implants (Aged 65 and Older)
• Coverage limit: up to 2 implants per lifetime
• Patient copayment: 30–40%

Patient Copayment Rates

• Standard NHIS copayment: 30% of total covered medical costs
• Certain treatments for patients aged 65 and older may qualify for a reduced 15% copayment