Are Installment Payments Allowed at Dental Clinics in Korea?

Are Installment Payments Common at Dental Clinics in Korea

Yes, installment payments are allowed at many dental clinics in Korea, but they are not universal and depend on the clinic, the treatment type, and the total cost. Installments are far more common for high-cost, non-insured procedures than for basic NHIS-covered treatments.

How Dental Payments Usually Work in Korea

Most dental clinics in Korea follow a simple payment system.

Patients typically:

• Pay immediately after each visit or procedure
• Pay only the co-payment for NHIS-covered treatments
• Pay 100 percent upfront for non-insured treatments

For routine care such as exams, scaling, fillings, root canals, or extractions, payment is usually expected in full on the same day.

When Installment Payments Are Usually Allowed

Installment payments are most commonly offered for expensive, non-insured treatments, such as:

• Dental implants
• Full-mouth rehabilitation
• Extensive prosthetic work
• Cosmetic dentistry with high total costs

In these cases, clinics may allow card-based installment payments or split payments across treatment stages.

Installments for NHIS-Covered Treatments

NHIS-covered dental treatments generally do not qualify for installment plans.

Because insured procedures already have low, standardized co-payments, clinics usually require full payment on the day of treatment. Installments are rarely offered for:

• Dental exams
• Teeth cleaning (scaling)
• Amalgam fillings
• Root canal treatment
• Tooth extractions

How Installment Payments Usually Work

When installments are available, they are typically handled through credit card systems rather than clinic financing.

Common formats include:

• Credit card installment plans over several months
• Split payments aligned with treatment stages
• Partial upfront payment with remaining balance later

The clinic does not act as a lender. Installments depend on the patient’s card issuer and card eligibility.

Credit Card Installments and Foreigners

Installment availability can differ for foreign patients.

Important points to know:

• Korean-issued credit cards are more likely to support installment plans
• Foreign credit cards may or may not allow installments in Korea
• Many clinics require full payment if installment approval is not possible

It is strongly recommended to check with both the clinic and your card issuer in advance.

Treatments That Usually Require Full Upfront Payment

Most clinics require full payment upfront for:

• Single-visit treatments
• Low- to mid-cost procedures
• Emergency dental care
• NHIS-covered services

Installments are less likely when the total cost is relatively low.

How to Ask About Installment Payments

Before starting treatment, patients should ask clearly:

• Whether installment payments are available
• Which payment methods are accepted
• Whether installments apply to their specific treatment
• If partial payments are allowed across visits

Asking in advance helps avoid misunderstandings at checkout.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

Installment policies vary widely by clinic. Some clinics advertise installment options openly, while others do not offer them at all. Interest-free installments may depend on promotional periods set by card companies.

Always request a full cost estimate and payment explanation before beginning treatment.

Summary

Installment payments are allowed at some dental clinics in Korea, mainly for high-cost, non-insured treatments like dental implants or extensive cosmetic work. Routine and NHIS-covered dental treatments usually require full payment on the day of service.

Foreign patients should confirm installment eligibility in advance, especially when using non-Korean credit cards.