Private Supplemental Health & Dental Insurance in Korea (Silbi) for Expats
How foreigners in Korea can apply for private Actual Expense Health Insurance (Silson / Silbi) and supplemental dental policies to cover out-of-pocket medical costs.
Access checklists, phone numbers & hotel address guides without internet.
📌Table of Contents[접기 / 펼치기]
01 Why Expats Purchase Silbi (Actual Loss) Insurance
While Korea's National Health Insurance (NHIS) provides robust baseline coverage, non-insured treatments (Bi-geub-yeo) such as specialized MRI scans, physical therapy, advanced cancer therapies, and private hospital rooms require substantial out-of-pocket payment.
Private Actual Loss Insurance (Silson Uiryobi, commonly known as Silbi) reimburses 70% to 80% of actual out-of-pocket medical expenses incurred during clinic visits and inpatient hospital stays.
02 Eligibility Requirements for Foreign Applicants
Foreigners holding valid long-term registration (ARC) and active enrollment in NHIS are eligible to purchase private Korean insurance policies.
Insurers typically review your visa type (F-2, F-4, F-5, F-6 visas have seamless access; E-7 and D-8 holders are eligible subject to remaining visa duration). Underwriting requires medical history disclosure (Goji Uimu).
03 Dental Insurance vs NHIS Dental Benefits
NHIS covers annual ultrasonic scaling (once per year at approx. 15,000 KRW) and basic fillings (amalgam/GI).
However, prosthetic dental work (implants, crowns, porcelain inlays, orthodontics) is largely non-reimbursable. Supplemental dental insurance covers crown replacements and implant allowances up to designated annual limits.
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Official Procedures & Guide
Check the Financial Supervisory Service (fss.or.kr) portal to verify licensed domestic insurance providers.
Detailed Information Matrix
| Item / Parameter | Category / Scope | Details & Criteria | Official Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actual Expense Medical Insurance (실손보험) | Private Insurance Carriers | Reimburses 70-80% of out-of-pocket medical bills | Official Link ↗ |
| Annual Dental Scaling (스케일링) | NHIS Covered Dental Clinics | Annual benefit (Jan 1 - Dec 31) ~15,000 KRW | Official Link ↗ |
| Insurance Consumer Advisory Board | Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) | Foreigner insurance claim dispute mediation | Official Link ↗ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
QHow do I submit an insurance claim for reimbursement after a clinic visit?
Request a Medical Fee Receipt (Jinryobi Yeongsujeung) and Detailed Statement of Medical Fees (Jinryobi Sebu-naeyeokseo) from the hospital billing counter. Upload photos of the documents via your insurance mobile app for reimbursement within 1-3 business days.
QWill pre-existing conditions be covered under a new Korean private policy?
Pre-existing chronic conditions treated in the past 3 to 5 years may be subject to a temporary coverage waiver (Budam-bo) or specialized simplified underwriting (Yuyeongja insurance) with slightly higher premiums.
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Editorial Disclosure: Living in Korea is an independent, reader-supported publication. When you select and register through our verified partner links, we may receive an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. We exclusively recommend services rigorously vetted for regulatory compliance and everyday expat utility in South Korea.
References & Official Sources
※ This guide is drafted in adherence to official notices from South Korean ministries and authorized public agencies.
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