Paying for Orthodontic and Dental Care in Korea as a Foreigner
Quick answer
In Korea, orthodontic treatment is generally not covered by National Health Insurance, apart from limited cases such as some cleft or surgical situations, so most patients pay privately or claim from another insurer. At Isu Yonsei Baro Orthodontics, fees depend on complexity, appliance and duration, and Dr. Sally Lee provides a written English estimate after examination.
How orthodontic fees are set
Orthodontic fees vary because cases vary. The main factors are:
- Complexity: mild crowding differs from a skeletal bite problem.
- Appliance: metal, ceramic or lingual braces, or clear aligners such as Invisalign or Angel Aligner.
- Duration: limited front-teeth treatment is usually shorter than comprehensive treatment, which typically takes roughly 12 to 30 months.
- Extra procedures: some cases involve temporary anchorage devices, coordination with jaw surgery, or retainers after treatment.
Because of this, the clinic does not quote fees from photos. An accurate figure needs an examination with scans and imaging.
National Health Insurance and orthodontics
Foreign residents enrolled in Korean National Health Insurance can use it for many medical and dental services. Orthodontic treatment, however, is generally not covered, apart from limited cases such as some cleft or surgical situations. Rules can change and individual circumstances differ, so if you think you may qualify, ask at your consultation and confirm with the National Health Insurance Service.
Private, employer and overseas insurance
Some international, employer or home-country plans include orthodontic benefits, while many do not or have strict limits. We cannot tell you what any plan covers. Before starting, ask your insurer:
- Is orthodontic treatment covered for me or my child?
- Is treatment in Korea eligible?
- Is pre-approval or a pre-treatment estimate required?
- Which documents and formats do you accept?
Documents the clinic provides
On request, the clinic issues English receipts, itemized statements, medical certificates and doctor's letters describing diagnosis and treatment. The written estimate from your first visit can also support a pre-approval request.
What to expect at Isu Yonsei Baro
The first visit takes about 60 minutes and includes digital intraoral scans, X-rays or a 3D CBCT scan, a 3D facial scan and photos. Dr. Lee examines your teeth, bite and jaw and explains findings, options and a likely timeline in English. You then receive a written estimate in English before you decide, so you can compare options without pressure.
In Dr. Lee's practice, patients tend to feel more confident about cost when each option in the estimate is explained alongside its clinical trade-offs, rather than as a single figure.
Comparing estimates fairly
If you are comparing clinics, check that estimates cover the same things: records, the appliance, adjustment or check visits, refinements, emergency visits, and retainers after treatment. Ask whether the doctor who examines you is the one who will treat you; at this clinic, Dr. Lee personally treats every patient.
Planning for a move
If you might leave Korea before treatment ends, ask how fees would be handled at that point and what records you would receive. The clinic prepares complete English records so an orthodontist abroad can continue, with their own plan and fees.
Individual results and side effects vary; treatment is decided after examination.
At a glance
- Orthodontics is generally not covered by Korean National Health Insurance
- Fees depend on complexity, appliance and duration
- Written English estimate after an in-person examination
- Fees cannot be quoted from photos
- English receipts, itemized statements and doctor's letters for claims
Your orthodontist
Dr. Sally Chaekyung Lee, DDS, PhD
- MOHW-certified orthodontic specialist
- PhD in Orthodontics, Yonsei University; Severance Hospital residency
- Member, Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists
- 2026 AJO-DO peer reviewer
- Consults in fluent English and treats you herself, start to finish
Isu Station Exit 2 · 1-minute walk
Mon & Thu until 9 PM · Sat 9 AM–2 PM
+82 2-592-2080
Frequently asked questions
Does Korean National Health Insurance cover braces for foreigners?
Generally no. Orthodontic treatment in Korea is usually not covered by National Health Insurance, apart from limited cases such as some cleft or surgical situations. If you think you may qualify, ask at your consultation and confirm with the National Health Insurance Service.
Can I get a price for braces from photos?
No. Fees depend on complexity, appliance and duration, which can only be assessed properly with an examination, scans and imaging. After the first visit, which takes about 60 minutes, you receive a written estimate in English before you decide anything.
What documents can I get for my insurance claim?
The clinic provides English receipts, itemized statements, medical certificates and doctor's letters describing diagnosis and treatment. Ask your insurer in advance which documents and formats they accept so the clinic can prepare what you need.
What should an orthodontic estimate include?
A useful estimate explains the diagnosis, the appliance, the expected duration and what is included, such as records, check visits, refinements and retainers. When comparing estimates, make sure they cover the same items so you are comparing like with like.
Related reading
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Individual results and side effects vary; treatment is decided after an in-person examination. See our editorial and medical review policy .
Talk to Dr. Lee in English
Send your concern and preferred dates. You'll get an examination, your options, a timeline and a written estimate before you decide anything.