The short version
If you have an ARC and you're enrolled in NHIS, you're covered exactly like a Korean patient.
There is no separate "foreigner rate" at the dentist. National Health Insurance (국민건강보험, NHIS) treats you the same as anyone else once you're enrolled — same covered treatments, same co-payment. What changes your bill is which treatment you need, not which passport you hold.
Enrolled in NHIS?
Bring your Alien Registration Card. We look up your coverage on the spot and bill insurance directly. You pay only the co-payment.
Not enrolled?
You can still be treated — you'll simply pay the full fee. Tell us before we start and we'll give you the total up front.
Most foreign residents staying six months or longer are enrolled automatically — either through your employer (직장가입자) or as a local subscriber (지역가입자). If you're not sure whether you're enrolled, call NHIS on 1577-1000 (English support available) or just bring your ARC and we'll check.
Coverage
What insurance covers at the dentist — and what it doesn't.
The dividing line in Korea is roughly health versus appearance. If a treatment keeps your teeth working, insurance usually helps. If it makes them look better, it usually doesn't.
| Treatment | Covered? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Examination & X-ray | Yes | Consultation and diagnostic imaging. |
| Scaling | Yes | Once per year, age 19 and over. Resets each calendar year. |
| Cavity fillings | Partly | Coverage depends on the filling material and your age. We'll tell you which applies before we start. |
| Root canal treatment | Yes | Covered. The crown placed afterwards may not be, depending on material. |
| Extractions | Yes | Including wisdom teeth. |
| Gum (periodontal) treatment | Yes | Covered. |
| Implants | Age 65+ | Partially covered from age 65, limited to a small number per lifetime. Under 65, not covered. |
| Dentures | Age 65+ | Partially covered from age 65. |
| Orthodontics (braces, aligners) | No | Not covered. |
| Teeth whitening | No | Cosmetic — not covered. |
| Veneers & laminates | No | Cosmetic — not covered. |
Coverage rules and age limits are set by the government and change from time to time. This table is a general guide, not a quote. Your actual coverage depends on your enrolment status, your age, and your clinical situation — we confirm all of it before treatment begins. For official details see the NHIS English website or call 1577-1000.
How we handle cost
You get the number before we pick up an instrument.
- We examine first, quote second. No treatment plan without a diagnosis to justify it.
- We separate covered from uncovered. You'll see which part insurance pays for and which part you pay for.
- We explain it in English. Our director walks you through the plan and the price himself.
- Nothing starts until you agree. If you want to think about it or get a second opinion, that's a completely reasonable thing to do.
Ask us anything about cost
It is not rude to ask what something costs before agreeing to it. If any dental clinic makes you feel awkward for asking, that is a problem with the clinic.
Still not sure what you'd pay?
Call us, describe the problem, and ask. We'd rather answer the question over the phone than have you avoid the dentist because you're worried about the bill.