Is Pain Treatment Covered by Korean National Health Insurance? (Uijeongbu, Korea)

Which spine and joint treatments are usually covered by NHIS, which are non-covered, and how private (실손) insurance helps.

In short: Which spine and joint treatments are usually covered by NHIS, which are non-covered, and how private (실손) insurance helps.

Usually covered

Consultations, X-rays, many image-guided spinal injections and nerve blocks, nerve conduction studies and basic physical therapy (heat, electrical stimulation) are generally covered when medically indicated.

Usually non-covered

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy, prolotherapy, stretch-spray myofascial therapy, IV nutrient drips, the autonomic nervous system test and many vaccines are non-covered. Yonsei Leaders publishes its non-covered fees.

Private indemnity insurance

Korean 실손보험 policies often reimburse part of non-covered treatment such as doshu therapy and shockwave. Ask for a detailed receipt (진료비 세부내역서) and medical certificate.

Car accidents and work injuries

Car accident care is billed to auto insurance; work injuries can be claimed through workers' compensation.

Book: call 031-874-7500. Yonsei Leaders Neurosurgery Clinic, 3F Yugyeong Bldg II, 181 Hoeryong-ro, Uijeongbu, Korea, 1 minute from Balgok Station Exit 2. Open Mon–Fri 09:00–20:00, Sat 09:00–14:00. See directions and international patient help.

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