Dental Insurance
for Expats in Korea
We accept international insurance and provide all documentation for reimbursement. English-speaking billing staff — no insurance headaches.
Dental Insurance in Korea —
Simplified for Expats
Navigating healthcare insurance as a foreigner in Korea can be confusing. The good news: at Seoul Michigan Dental Clinic, we've helped hundreds of international patients use their private insurance coverage, and our English-speaking staff will walk you through the entire process.
Korea's national health insurance (NHIS/건강보험) covers some dental procedures for residents, and most international residents also carry private insurance through their employer or independently. We work with both — and for everything that isn't covered, we offer clear, affordable self-pay pricing and flexible payment plans.
How to Use Your Insurance at Our Clinic
Book & Inform Us
Tell us your insurance provider when booking. We'll confirm what documentation you'll need.
Receive Treatment
Pay for your treatment at the clinic. We provide a detailed English-language receipt immediately.
Request Documents
Ask our staff for any additional forms: diagnosis codes, treatment descriptions, X-rays, or clinical notes.
Submit to Insurer
Submit documents to your insurer. Most international plans process claims within 2–4 weeks.
Which Insurance Do You Have?
Different insurance types work differently in Korea. Here's a guide to the most common situations for expats and international residents.
International Private Insurance
Most expats on company postings carry private international health insurance through their employer (Cigna, Aetna, Allianz Care, AXA, BUPA, etc.). These plans typically use a reimbursement model — you pay upfront and claim back.
- Pay at clinic, claim reimbursement from insurer
- We provide English receipts and clinical documentation
- Diagnosis codes (ICD-10) available on request
- Most plans cover preventive, restorative & surgical care
- Pre-approval may be required for major work
Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS)
Foreign residents registered in Korea for 6+ months are enrolled in Korean national health insurance. NHIS covers some dental procedures at a standard rate, though coverage is more limited than private insurance.
- Applies to foreign residents registered with NHIS
- Covers scaling (cleaning) once per year
- Partial coverage for extractions, fillings, dentures (65+), implants (65+)
- Most cosmetic procedures not covered
- Co-payment applies (typically 30–50%)
Short-Stay / Travel Insurance
Visitors, tourists, and short-term business travelers often carry travel insurance with dental emergency coverage. We can provide all necessary documentation for emergency dental claims.
- Covers dental emergencies (pain, infection, trauma)
- Typically not for elective or cosmetic treatment
- English emergency documentation provided
- We can contact your insurer on your behalf if needed
Self-Pay / No Insurance
No insurance? No problem. Our pricing is 30–50% lower than comparable care in North America, Europe, or Australia — and we offer interest-free payment plans for larger treatment cases.
- Transparent pricing — full quote before starting
- Interest-free instalment plans available
- No hidden fees or surprise charges
- Competitive rates even without insurance
What Is Typically Covered?
Coverage varies by plan — but here's a general guide to what most international private insurance plans and Korean NHIS cover at our clinic.
Using Your Company's International Insurance
If your employer provides international health insurance as part of your Korea posting package, dental coverage is very likely included. The most common providers we see at our Songdo clinic include:
- Cigna Global / Cigna International
- Aetna International
- Allianz Care
- AXA Global Healthcare
- BUPA International
- MetLife International
- Zurich International
- Samsung Life / DB Insurance (Korean employer plans)
Don't see your insurer listed? Contact us — we work with most major international plans and can advise on documentation requirements for your specific provider.
Reimbursement Checklist
Keep your receipt — we provide an itemized English receipt for every procedure immediately after treatment.
Request a clinical summary — our staff can prepare a treatment description with ICD-10 and CDT procedure codes on request.
Request supporting records — X-rays, clinical photographs, and lab reports are available for all cases.
Check pre-approval requirements — some plans require pre-authorization for major work (crowns, implants, orthodontics). Contact us in advance.
Submit to your insurer — most international plans accept claims via email or online portal within 90 days of treatment.
Flexible Payment for Every Situation
We believe cost shouldn't be a barrier to dental health. Whether you're insured, uninsured, or waiting for reimbursement — we have a payment option that works for you.
Credit & Debit Cards
Visa, Mastercard, and all major Korean cards accepted. Foreign-issued cards welcome. Currency is Korean Won (₩).
Interest-Free Instalment Plans
For treatment over ₩500,000, we offer 3–12 month interest-free payment plans. Ask our staff for details.
Bank Transfer
International wire transfer accepted for large cases. We provide bank details and a proforma invoice on request.
Insurance FAQ
Answers to the insurance questions our international patients ask most often.
Do I need to pay upfront and claim back?
Can I use Korean national health insurance (건강보험) at your clinic?
What documents do you provide for insurance claims?
Do I need pre-authorization for major treatment?
What if my insurance doesn't cover the full amount?
I don't have insurance. Is dental care affordable without it?
Questions About Your Coverage?
Contact our English-speaking billing staff — we'll help you understand your benefits and prepare your claim documentation.
