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.
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- Overview: Key requirements and essential steps for Healthcare & Safety
- Source Authority: Based on South Korean government and ministry public guidelines
- Action: Review key details below before submitting applications or visiting
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).
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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.
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 ↗ |
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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.
References & Official Sources
※ This guide is drafted in adherence to official notices from South Korean ministries and authorized public agencies.
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