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HIFU Cost in Korea

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-surgical treatment for uterine fibroids and adenomyosis. In Korea it is billed as non-covered care, so costs are set by each hospital and can be significant. Here is what drives the price.

Insurance status

According to a 2022 Medigate News report, HIFU for fibroids was briefly covered by National Health Insurance when introduced in 2015, then reclassified as non-covered (비급여) later that year. The same report describes growing disputes with private indemnity insurers (실손보험), some of which have refused to pay HIFU claims. If you plan to claim on private insurance, check your policy and ask the insurer before treatment.

What drives the cost

  • Size, number and location of fibroids , or extent of adenomyosis, which affect treatment time.
  • Imaging: MRI before treatment (to check suitability) and after (to assess results) is often a separate charge.
  • Sedation and medicines used during treatment.
  • Hospital stay: some centers treat as day cases, others keep you overnight.
  • Hospital type and pricing: each facility sets non-covered fees.
  • Repeat treatment if symptoms return.

We could not verify a reliable current price range from HIRA or independent news sources, so we do not list numbers here. Ask for an itemized quote, and check HIRA's non-covered fee information on its website or 건강e음 app.

Compare with alternatives

Medical treatment, a hormonal IUD, myomectomy, hysterectomy and uterine artery embolization are alternatives. Some of these are covered under NHI with a copayment, which may make them less expensive overall. Ask your gynecologist to compare options for your situation. See HIFU in Busan , uterine fibroids and adenomyosis .

How to ask for a quote

  • "What is the total cost including MRI before and after, sedation and any stay?"
  • "What is the charge if I need a second session?"
  • "Can you provide documents for a private insurance claim?"

Tips for foreigners

Bring your ARC or passport and any previous scans. Ask whether imaging done elsewhere can be used. See international patients .

Related

When to get help sooner

Go to an ER for very heavy bleeding (soaking a pad an hour), dizziness or fainting, or sudden severe pelvic pain. After HIFU, seek care for fever, skin burns or worsening pain.

HIFU cost FAQ

  • Is HIFU covered by NHI?

    No. HIFU for fibroids is non-covered (self-pay) in Korea.

  • Will private insurance pay?

    It depends on your policy. News reports describe insurers refusing some HIFU claims, so confirm with your insurer before treatment.

  • Is MRI included?

    Often not. Ask whether pre- and post-treatment MRI are in the quote.

  • Is surgery cheaper?

    Some surgical options are covered under NHI with a copay, which can lower out-of-pocket cost, but recovery time is longer. Discuss the trade-offs with your doctor.