Korean Clinic Payment Guide: Insurance, Cards, and Refunds 2026

Most international travelers visiting Korean clinics can pay using major international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard), cash (Korean Won or USD), or wire transfers. However, coverage by international insurance is rare for outpatient cosmetic procedures, meaning you will likely pay upfront and claim reimbursement later. Importantly, tourists are eligible for a 10% VAT tax refund on cosmetic surgeries if the clinic is a registered medical tourism provider.

The short answer: You should bring a Visa or Mastercard with no foreign transaction fees, but carrying cash (USD or ₩) can often secure a 5-10% discount on non-insured procedures. Always ask for a tax refund slip for cosmetic treatments.

Understanding the Korean Medical Payment Ecosystem

South Korea boasts one of the most sophisticated healthcare systems in the world, ranking consistently in the top 5 globally for efficiency. However, the financial logistics for a foreigner—whether a short-term medical tourist or a long-term resident—can be a labyrinth of regulations, exchange rates, and insurance tiers.

In 2026, the medical tourism sector in Korea has fully rebounded, expecting over 500,000 international patients annually. With this influx comes a strict set of payment protocols. Unlike some countries where you might negotiate payment plans after the fact, Korean clinics operate on a strict pay-before-treatment or pay-immediately-after model.

This guide covers everything from the "cash discount" culture in Gangnam plastic surgery clinics to the specific banking codes required for wire transfers, ensuring you don't get stuck with a declined card 5,000 miles from home.

Payment Methods: What is Accepted?

When you walk into a clinic in Apgujeong or a general hospital in Jongno, you need to know exactly how to settle your bill. The infrastructure is highly digital, but gaps exist for foreign instruments.

1. International Credit and Debit Cards

South Korea is nearly a cashless society for locals, with credit card penetration exceeding 90%.

• Accepted Networks: Visa and Mastercard are accepted at 99% of clinics. JCB is widely accepted due to the high volume of Japanese tourists.
• American Express/Discover: Acceptance is hit-or-miss. Major university hospitals (Samsung Medical Center, Severance) accept Amex, but smaller dermatology or dental clinics often do not due to higher merchant fees (around 2.5-3%).
• DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion): When you hand over your foreign card, the terminal may ask if you want to pay in won (₩) or your home currency (e.g., USD, EUR). Always choose won (₩). Paying in your home currency triggers DCC, which allows the merchant's bank to set a terrible exchange rate, often costing you an extra 3-5% on top of your bank's fees.

2. Cash Payments (₩ vs. USD)

Cash remains king in the medical tourism districts.

• Korean Won (₩): This is the safest and most standard method.
• US Dollars/Euros/Yen: Many plastic surgery and dermatology clinics in tourist zones (Gangnam, Myeongdong) accept foreign currency directly. They will apply the day's exchange rate, which is usually fair but verify it against a live source like XE.com.
• The "Cash Discount": It is an open secret that paying in cash can sometimes yield a discount. Clinics save on credit card processing fees (2-3%) and may pass that savings to you. However, ensure you still receive a receipt.

3. Wire Transfers

For major surgeries (orthopedic, comprehensive plastic surgery) costing over ₩5,000,000 ($3,800 USD), clinics often prefer wire transfers beforehand to secure the booking.

• Swift Transfers: Traditional bank transfers take 3-5 business days. You must cover the "intermediary bank fees" so the clinic receives the full amount.
• Fintech Apps (Wise/Remitly): These are increasingly accepted and offer much better exchange rates than traditional banks. However, you need the clinic's specific business registration number to process these transfers in Korea.

The Tax Refund System for Medical Tourists

One of the biggest financial incentives for getting procedures done in Korea is the VAT Refund system. Since 2016, the Korean government has allowed foreign tourists to claim back the 10% Value Added Tax (VAT) on eligible medical services.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, you must meet all the following criteria:

1. You are a foreigner (non-resident) staying in Korea for less than 6 months.
2. The clinic is registered with the Ministry of Health and Welfare as a "Medical Tourism Institution."
3. The medical expense exceeds ₩30,000 (approx. $23 USD).
4. You depart Korea within 3 months of the procedure.

Covered Procedures

Not all medicine is tax-free. The refund specifically targets cosmetic and aesthetic procedures, which are usually not covered by insurance.

• Eligible: Double eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, liposuction, facelifts, dermatology (laser, botox, fillers), dental scaling/whitening/laminates.
• Not Eligible: Essential medical treatments (cancer treatment, appendicitis surgery), postpartum care, internal medicine.

For those looking to explore more about cosmetic procedures, check our guide on Best Plastic Surgery Clinics for Foreigners in Seoul to find registered institutions.

Insurance: Travel vs. NHIS vs. Private

The insurance landscape in Korea is strictly divided between residents and visitors. Understanding which category you fall into is critical for managing costs.

1. International Travel Insurance (For Tourists)

Most Korean clinics do not do direct billing with international insurance companies (e.g., Cigna Global, Aetna International), with the exception of the International Healthcare Centers at "Big 5" hospitals (Asan, Samsung, Seoul National, Severance, St. Mary's).

• Process: You must pay the full bill upfront out-of-pocket.
• Documentation: The clinic will provide an English invoice and a detailed medical report (sometimes for a fee of 10,000 - ₩20,000).
• Claim: You submit these documents to your insurer back home for reimbursement.
• Exclusions: Travel insurance almost never covers elective cosmetic procedures (Botox, Lasik, Plastic Surgery). It covers accidents and acute illnesses.

2. National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) (For Residents)

If you are living in Korea on a visa (E-2, F-4, F-6, etc.) for more than 6 months, enrollment in the NHIS is mandatory.

• Cost: The average monthly premium for foreigners is roughly ₩150,000 ($115 USD) as of 2026, though this varies by income and visa type.
• Coverage: NHIS covers roughly 50-80% of medical costs. A doctor's visit might cost you only ₩5,000 ($4 USD) out of pocket.
• Dental: Basic dental (scaling once a year, extractions) is covered. Implants are generally not covered for those under 65.

For expats settling in, our article on Credit Cards in Korea: Which Banks Accept Foreigners is essential reading for setting up your financial life to pay these premiums.

Deposits and Cancellation Refunds

When booking surgery, clinics will require a deposit (Ye-yak-geum), typically 10% of the total surgery cost. This locks in your surgery date and the doctor's time.

Disputes over deposit refunds are the #1 complaint among medical tourists. However, the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has standard terms for resolving consumer disputes.

Standard Refund Policy (KFTC Guidelines)

While clinics may try to have their own policies, the KFTC guidelines act as the legal baseline. If a clinic refuses a refund that aligns with these rules, you can report them to the Korea Consumer Agency or the Medical Mediation & Arbitration Board.

Important Note: This applies to the deposit (contract fee), not the full surgery amount. If you paid the full amount in advance, the refund calculations apply to the total, but clinics will fight harder on this. Never pay the full surgery amount until you are physically at the clinic on the day of the procedure, except for the deposit.

"Foreigner Pricing" vs. Local Pricing

Is it true that foreigners pay more? Yes, usually. Before you get angry, understand the "Dualism" of the market. This isn't necessarily a scam; it's a difference in service tiers.

The extra 20-30% often covers:

1. Interpretation: Professional medical translators cost money.
2. Agency Fees: If you booked through a medical tourism agency, they take a 15-20% commission (legal and standard).
3. Marketing: The cost of acquiring an international patient is higher.
4. Tax Refund: The clinic has to handle the VAT refund administration.

If you speak fluent Korean and hold an Alien Registration Card (ARC), you can often access the local price, but you forfeit the VAT refund.

Dealing with Agencies and Brokers

Many tourists use agencies (like Docfinderkorea, Eunogo, etc.) to book appointments.

• Pros: They handle all payments, translations, and disputes. You usually pay the agency, and they pay the clinic.
• Cons: You might not see the itemized bill from the clinic.
• Illegal Brokers: Unregistered brokers (often met on WeChat or KakaoTalk) may inflate prices by 50-100%. Always check if the agency is registered with the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI).

Practical Tips for Your Visit

1. Currency Exchange Strategy

Do not exchange all your money at your home airport; the rates are terrible.

• Best Rate: Exchange a small amount ($100) at Incheon Airport for transport, then exchange the rest at money changers in Myeongdong or Insadong. The spread there is often less than 1%.
• ATMs: Global ATMs are everywhere (look for the "Global" sign). The withdrawal limit is usually ₩1,000,000 ($760) per transaction and ₩6,000,000 ($4,600) per day.

2. Using Pre-paid Cards

Services like NAMANE or WOWPASS are incredibly popular in 2026. You can load these cards with foreign currency cash, and they act like a local Korean debit card. This is excellent for paying for smaller treatments (facials, skincare) without incurring multiple foreign transaction fees on your home credit card.

3. Splitting Payments

It is very common to split payments. You can pay the deposit by wire transfer, 50% of the balance on Credit Card A, and the remaining on Credit Card B or in cash. Just inform the reception desk before they run the card.

If you are recovering from a procedure, you might want to look into comfortable accommodations. Read our guide on Airbnb vs Recovery Hotels for Medical Tourists to decide where to rest.

Potential Scams and Pitfalls to Avoid

While Korea is safe, financial misunderstandings occur.

• The "Additional Treatment" upsell: You go in for a $100 laser, and they pressure you into a $500 package. Payment is demanded immediately. Solution: Be firm. Say "I only have budget for what I booked."
• Shadow Doctors: In surgery, a different doctor performs the operation than the one you consulted. This is illegal. Solution: Ask for CCTV footage guarantees (many clinics now offer this).
• Receipt Refusal: If a clinic refuses to give a receipt for a cash payment, they are likely dodging taxes. Do not proceed. You have no recourse if something goes wrong.

How to Handle a Dispute

If you feel you were overcharged or the result was malpractice:

1. Keep all receipts: Credit card slips, tax refund slips, and consultation agreements.
2. Contact the Medical Mediation & Arbitration Board: +82-2-6210-0114. They offer services in English.
3. Emergency Police: 112 (for fraud/theft).

For those interested in specific treatments, our deep dive into Anti-Aging Treatments in Korea: Botox, Fillers, and More 2026 offers price benchmarks so you know if you are being overcharged.

FAQ: Common Payment Questions

Conclusion

Navigating the financial side of Korean medical tourism is all about preparation. By ensuring you have a high-limit credit card, understanding the tax refund process, and knowing your rights regarding cancellations, you can focus on your recovery and results rather than stressing over the bill.

Remember, the Korean medical system is fast-paced. Decisions are made quickly in the consultation room, and payment is expected immediately after. Being financially prepped allows you to make calm, rational decisions about your health and beauty.

If you are planning a trip soon, don't forget to check the Best Time to Visit Korea to align your recovery with pleasant weather.