Dental Treatments Covered by the Korean National Health Insurance

Check Coverage Limits in Advance and Make the Most of Your Benefits

Dental treatments such as dentures, dental implants, scaling (tartar removal), and orthodontic treatment for patients with congenital oral and maxillofacial deformities are covered by the National Health Insurance, with specific limits on the number of times each treatment can be applied.

Because each dental procedure has a defined coverage frequency, it is important for patients to check these limits in advance and use their benefits strategically.

To help patients manage their coverage eligibility, the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) operates a Dental Treatment Registration System, which allows eligible dental procedures to be registered in advance so that patients can confirm and apply their insurance-covered treatment limits appropriately.


Health Insurance Coverage by Treatment Type

Dentures

Eligibility

  • National Health Insurance subscribers or dependents aged 65 and older (based on date of birth)

Covered Cases

  • Complete dentures for patients with complete edentulism of the upper and/or lower jaw
  • Resin complete dentures
  • Metal complete dentures
  • Partial dentures for patients with partial edentulism of the upper and/or lower jaw
  • Clasp (metal hook) partial dentures

Patient Copayment

  • 30% of the total covered medical cost

Coverage Frequency

  • Once every 7 years for each jaw (upper / lower)

Denture Maintenance

Eligibility

  • National Health Insurance subscribers or dependents aged 65 and older

Covered Cases

  • Resin complete dentures, metal complete dentures, and clasp partial dentures

Patient Copayment

  • 30% of the total covered medical cost

Coverage Frequency

  • Annual covered visits for denture repairs and adjustments
  • Includes 11 maintenance items (e.g., relining, adjustments), with 1–4 covered visits per year depending on the item

Dental Implants

Eligibility

  • National Health Insurance subscribers or dependents aged 65 and older

Covered Cases

  • Patients with partial tooth loss (excluding complete edentulism)

Patient Copayment

  • 30% of the total covered medical cost

Coverage Limit

  • Lifetime limit of 2 implants per person

Maintenance Coverage

  • Unlimited maintenance visits within 3 months after prosthesis placement
    (Only consultation fees apply)

Dental Scaling (Plaque & Tartar Removal)

Eligibility

  • National Health Insurance subscribers or dependents aged 19 and older

Covered Cases

  • Patients whose treatment is completed with scaling only, without additional periodontal treatment

Patient Copayment

  • Statutory copayment rate

Coverage Frequency

  • Once per year (January 1 – December 31)

Patients with Rare Intractable Oral & Facial Conditions

Covered Conditions

  • Cleft lip with alveolar cleft
  • Cleft palate with alveolar cleft
  • Sjögren’s syndrome
  • Systemic sclerosis
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Behçet’s disease
  • Other conditions registered under the Rare Disease Registration Program (including prior registrations)

Patient Copayment

  • Statutory copayment rate
  • 10% copayment if registered under the Rare Disease Program and treated within the registration coverage period

Coverage Frequency

  • Varies by condition