Gynecomastia Surgery Covered by Korean National Health Insurance

Many foreigners residing in Korea are automatically enrolled in Korean National Health Insurance (NHI) through their employer or educational institution. If you’re unsure whether you’re covered, you can check your status with your employer or the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS).

You may be eligible for gynecomastia surgery coverage if you:

• Are legally employed or enrolled as a student in Korea

• Have contributed to the national insurance system for a qualifying period

• Have been medically diagnosed with gynecomastia of Grade 2 or higher

⚠️ For patients under the age of 16, Korean National Health Insurance requires a minimum of 6 months of observation and medical documentation before coverage can be approved. This ensures that the condition is persistent and not part of normal adolescent development.

For patients who qualify for insurance coverage, the out-of-pocket cost is significantly reduced.

• With Korean National Health Insurance: approx. ₩1.8 million KRW (~$1,300 USD)
  This includes consultation, surgery, anesthesia, and necessary follow-up care.

Additionally, postoperative medications prescribed after surgery (such as antibiotics, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory drugs) are also covered under Korean health insurance.
Patients can purchase these medications at nearby pharmacies at reduced, insured prices.

Without Insurance

For those without insurance, the total cost varies depending on the severity of gynecomastia and the surgical method used:

• Without insurance: ranges from ₩3.5 million to ₩5 million KRW (~$2,500–$3,800 USD)

⚠️ Please note that these are estimates and may vary slightly depending on individual needs. A personal consultation is recommended to confirm the final quote.

If you have private indemnity insurance in Korea (실비보험), you may be able to claim reimbursement even after paying the surgery cost upfront.

Evita Clinic provides all required medical documents such as:

• Medical certificate

• Surgical report

• Receipts with insurance codes

• Treatment summary

These documents can be submitted to your private insurance provider, and depending on your plan, you may receive partial or full reimbursement for the surgery and medication costs.

Korean health insurance doesn’t typically cover cosmetic surgeries—but gynecomastia is often considered a medical condition when it causes pain, discomfort, or psychological distress. That’s why Grade 2 or higher cases can qualify for partial or full coverage.