Cost Guides › Pregnancy Checkup Cost

Pregnancy Checkup Cost in Korea

Prenatal care in Korea is largely supported by National Health Insurance, and insured pregnant women receive a medical expense voucher on top. Here is how coverage works, what still costs extra, and what uninsured patients should expect.

The pregnancy medical voucher

According to the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), pregnant women enrolled in NHI (as members or dependents) can receive a pregnancy and childbirth medical expense voucher of 1,000,000 won for a single pregnancy, and 1,000,000 won per baby for twins or more (the per-baby rule has applied since January 2024), with an extra 200,000 won for residents of designated areas with limited obstetric services. It is loaded onto a National Happiness Card (국민행복카드) and can pay out-of-pocket costs, both covered and non-covered, for pregnancy- and birth-related care and prescribed medicines. Unused balance expires at the end of the usage period. Once your clinic confirms the pregnancy, it can issue the confirmation form you need to apply.

What NHI covers

Routine prenatal visits and many standard tests are covered with a copayment. Since a 2016 expansion, pregnancy ultrasounds are covered on a schedule: in reporting at the time, this included two general scans in the first trimester, one detailed scan at 11–13 weeks, one general scan in each later period (14–19, 20–35, and 36+ weeks) and one detailed scan from 16 weeks, with more allowed when the doctor finds a problem. Ask your clinic how current rules apply to you.

What usually costs extra

  • NIPT and some genetic screening (NIPT in Korea)
  • 3D/4D ultrasound beyond the covered schedule
  • Some blood panels and vaccines (pregnancy vaccinations)
  • Private room charges if hospitalized

Many of these can be paid with the voucher until it runs out. We could not verify reliable current price ranges for individual items, so ask clinics for their posted non-covered (비급여) prices. HIRA also publishes non-covered fee comparisons.

If you are uninsured

Without NHI, every visit, scan and test is self-pay, and costs add up across a pregnancy. Foreign residents usually join NHI after six months of residence (or immediately through employment), so check your status early. See international patients.

How to ask for a quote

  • Ask for a visit-by-visit schedule of tests and which are covered.
  • Ask the price of optional tests before agreeing to them.
  • Bring your ARC or passport and your National Happiness Card.

Related

When to get help sooner

Go to a hospital with obstetric care or an ER right away for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, fluid leaking, reduced baby movements later in pregnancy, severe headache or vision changes.

Pregnancy checkup cost FAQ

  • Can foreigners get the pregnancy voucher?

    Yes, if you are enrolled in NHI as a member or dependent. Uninsured patients are not eligible.

  • What can the voucher pay for?

    According to NHIS, out-of-pocket costs for pregnancy- and birth-related care and prescribed medicines, including non-covered items. It cannot be used for supplements or non-medical purchases.

  • Is NIPT covered?

    NIPT is generally self-pay, though the voucher can be used toward it. Ask the clinic for the current price.

  • How many ultrasounds are covered?

    NHI covers ultrasounds on a set schedule through pregnancy, with additional scans when medically needed. Your clinic can explain which visits include covered scans.