Dental Treatment with Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS) in Dongdaemun Seoul
Enrolled in Korea's National Health Insurance as a student or resident? Many basic dental treatments are partly covered. Here is what is covered, what is not, and how paying works.
Send a photo or X-ray and our team usually replies within 24 hours.
Can foreigners use Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS) at the dentist in Seoul?
Yes. NHIS (국민건강보험공단) applies to international students and foreign residents once enrolled, and most regular dental clinics accept it. Insured treatments such as exams, X-rays, scaling once a year, simple extractions, medically needed wisdom tooth removal, basic root canal treatment and basic fillings are partly covered, so you usually pay 30–50% out of pocket.
Cosmetic or premium treatments such as crowns, veneers, implants, cosmetic orthodontics and cosmetic white fillings on front teeth are not covered. At Dongdaemun SeoulOneTop Dental Clinic, bring your ARC and your eligibility is checked at reception.
Covered and not covered
A general guide. Your dentist confirms what applies to your treatment before you start.
Exam & X-rays
Dental consultation, basic exam and X-rays are insured treatments.
Dental check-up →Scaling
Scaling once per year is covered.
Deep cleaning →Extractions
Simple extractions and medically needed wisdom tooth removal.
Wisdom teeth →Root Canal & Basic Fillings
Root canal treatment with basic materials, and amalgam or basic resin fillings.
Root canal →Not covered: Crowns & Veneers
Zirconia, gold or ceramic crowns and veneers are paid out of pocket.
Dental crowns →Not covered: Implants & Cosmetic Orthodontics
Implants and cosmetic orthodontics are paid out of pocket.
Dental implants →NHIS coverage for common dental treatments
Prices and coverage vary by clinic and case. Ask for a quote before treatment.
| Treatment | NHIS | What you usually pay |
|---|---|---|
| Exam, X-rays | Covered (partially) | 30–50% co-pay |
| Scaling (once a year) | Covered (partially) | 30–50% co-pay |
| Simple or medical wisdom tooth extraction | Covered (partially) | 30–50% co-pay |
| Root canal (basic materials) | Covered (partially) | 30–50% co-pay |
| Crowns, veneers, implants | Not covered | Full cost |
Insured treatments
- Dental consultation and basic exam
- X-rays
- Scaling (once per year)
- Simple tooth extractions
- Wisdom tooth removal (medical cases)
- Root canal treatment and amalgam or basic resin fillings
Paid out of pocket
- White cosmetic resin fillings on most front teeth
- Crowns (zirconia, gold, ceramic)
- Veneers
- Implants
- Cosmetic orthodontics
How paying with NHIS works
-
Bring your ARC
Bring your Alien Registration Card to the appointment.
-
Eligibility check
Reception checks your NHIS eligibility.
-
Exam & plan
Your dentist explains which parts of the treatment are insured.
-
Treatment
Treatment is carried out as agreed.
-
Pay your co-pay
Pay your share on the spot by credit card, debit card or bank transfer.
-
No paperwork later
There are no separate insurance claims to file for NHIS-covered care.
Comfortable, modern everyday dental care
- X
Digital X-rays and 3D CT Accurate diagnosis for cavities, wisdom teeth and infections.
- NHIS
Korean health insurance National Health Insurance (NHIS) accepted for covered treatments.
- ZZ
Sleep sedation available For dental anxiety, wisdom teeth and longer procedures.
- PM
Evening hours Open until 8 PM on Wednesdays and Fridays, and Saturday mornings.
Care led by board-certified dentists
Each treatment is handled by the dentist certified in it, and the whole team reviews patient records together every morning.
Korean Health Insurance (NHIS) for foreigners in Seoul
Expats & students
Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS) accepted, with evening appointments until 8 PM on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Travelers
Toothache or broken filling on your trip? Message us on WhatsApp for the earliest appointment.
Dental anxiety
Sleep sedation is available, and every step is explained in English before we start.
Korean Health Insurance (NHIS) questions
Still unsure? Message us on WhatsApp at +82 10-2762-3828.
Do international students get NHIS dental coverage?
International students enrolled in NHIS can use it at most regular dental clinics for insured treatments.
How much will I pay for insured treatment?
Usually 30–50% of the cost for insured treatments. Your dentist explains costs before treatment.
Are implants or veneers covered?
No. Implants, veneers, crowns and cosmetic orthodontics are not covered and are paid out of pocket. Read about dental implants.
What do I need to bring?
Your ARC (Alien Registration Card). Payment by credit card, debit card or bank transfer.
Do the dentists speak English?
Yes. Consultations and treatment explanations are given in English, with support in Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian and Mongolian.
Where is the clinic and when is it open?
5F, 1050 Jegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, a 2-minute walk from Jegi-dong Station Exit 2 on Subway Line 1. Open Mon, Tue and Thu 9:30 AM–6:30 PM, Wed and Fri until 8:00 PM, and Saturday until 2:00 PM.
Ask what NHIS covers for you
Message us on WhatsApp with your treatment question. We'll tell you what is likely covered and what it costs.
