X-Ray Cost in South Korea
What you actually pay under NHIS and at private clinics. Last reviewed April 2026.
Quick Overview
South Korea runs a single-payer national health insurance system — NHIS — that covers all residents. Employees contribute 3.545% of monthly remuneration (matched by employer). NHIS covers 60–70% of most medical services; patients pay the balance as a co-pay. A chest X-ray at a clinic typically costs ₩5,000–15,000 out-of-pocket after NHIS. The biennial national health screening (for NHIS members) includes a chest X-ray at no cost.
🏥 NHIS Co-pay
- Typical out-of-pocket for a chest X-ray
- NHIS covers 60–70%
- Varies with facility tier (clinic < hospital < tertiary)
- Same-day access typical
🏥 Private Self-pay
- Full fee without NHIS coverage
- Or when NHIS doesn't cover the service
- Premium hospitals (Asan, Samsung, Severance) higher
- International patient desks at major hospitals
🆓 Biennial Screening
- National health check every 2 years for ages 20+
- Includes chest X-ray, blood, urine, basic measurements
- Free for all NHIS members
- Book via NHIS portal or approved providers
Typical Korean X-Ray Prices
Prices depend on facility tier, complexity, and whether the service is NHIS-covered. The table gives indicative April 2026 figures — co-pay assumes standard 30–40% NHIS share, full fee for non-covered / self-pay patients.
| X-Ray Service | NHIS co-pay (KRW) | Full self-pay (KRW) | USD (≈) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chest (PA) | 5,000–12,000 | 20,000–50,000 | $4–$35 |
| Chest PA + lateral | 8,000–18,000 | 30,000–70,000 | $6–$50 |
| Limb / joint | 6,000–15,000 | 25,000–55,000 | $5–$40 |
| Spine — single segment | 8,000–20,000 | 30,000–70,000 | $6–$50 |
| Spine — multi-view / full | 15,000–35,000 | 60,000–150,000 | $11–$105 |
| Abdomen | 6,000–15,000 | 25,000–60,000 | $5–$42 |
| Dental panoramic (OPG) | 8,000–20,000 | 30,000–70,000 | $6–$50 |
Indicative ranges. USD conversions at approximately ₩1,400 = $1. Premium hospital pricing (Asan, Samsung, Severance) sits at the top of each range. Always verify current pricing with the facility.
How NHIS Coverage Works
Who is covered
- All residents registered on Korean territory
- Employees (automatic with Employee Insured status)
- Self-employed (Regional Insured — means-tested contribution)
- Foreign residents after 6 months of registration
- Dependents on the same household
What it costs (2026)
- Employees: 3.545% of monthly wage
- Employers: 3.545% matching (total 7.09%)
- Long-term care insurance: 12.81% of NHIS contribution
- Self-employed: income + property-based contribution
- Co-payment: 30–40% of fee (varies by facility tier and service)
How to get an X-ray
- Visit any clinic or hospital — no gatekeeper required for most services
- Show NHIS card (or RRN) at reception
- Doctor orders X-ray, imaging done on-site
- Pay co-pay at checkout
- Results typically same day
Where to Get an X-Ray
🏥 Tertiary / University Hospitals
- Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH)
- Samsung Medical Center
- Asan Medical Center
- Severance Hospital (Yonsei University)
- Korea University Hospital
- Catholic University of Korea Hospitals
🏥 Clinics / Mid-Tier Hospitals
- Local clinic network (ui-won) — widespread
- Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine
- Private orthopaedic and imaging clinics
- Hyundae Hospital, Wooridul Spine Hospital
- International patient desks at major hospitals
💡 Practical tips
- Clinics are cheaper than tertiary hospitals for routine X-rays
- NHIS covers referrals — but clinics are usually fine without
- Free biennial health screening worth booking regardless
- Digital imaging delivered via hospital app or USB
Guide by Patient Type
🇰🇷 Korean residents
- NHIS covers most care — co-pay usually ₩5,000–15,000
- Use local clinics for routine X-rays — tertiary hospitals cost more
- Book biennial screening — free chest X-ray + basic labs
- Private supplemental insurance (silson) can cover the co-pay
💼 Foreign residents / expats
- Automatic NHIS enrolment after 6 months of residence
- Pay the same co-pay as Korean nationals
- D-visa holders, students, and workers all eligible
- English-speaking international clinics at major hospitals
✈️ Tourists / short-term visitors
- No NHIS — pay full self-pay rates
- Private chest X-ray ₩25,000–80,000
- Emergency care provided at public hospitals regardless
- Travel health insurance recommended
Practical Details
📋 What to bring
- Korean Resident Registration Number (RRN) or ARC
- Passport (visitors)
- NHIS card (physical or mobile app)
- Previous imaging on CD/USB
- Card for co-pay
⏰ Typical wait times
- Emergency: immediate
- Clinic same-day: minutes to hours
- Tertiary hospital OPD: days to weeks for appointment
- Results: same day
💡 How to save money
- Use local clinics (ui-won) — co-pay is lower than at tertiary hospitals
- Book free biennial health screening
- Consider silson supplemental insurance — covers the 30% co-pay
- Premium hospital pricing only makes sense with good insurance
FAQ
Is a chest X-ray free in Korea?
Only the biennial national health screening includes a free chest X-ray (for NHIS members ages 20+). Outside screening, you pay the NHIS co-pay — typically ₩5,000–15,000 at a clinic.
How much is NHIS contribution in 2026?
Employees pay 3.545% of monthly wage; employers match — total 7.09%. Long-term care insurance adds about 12.81% of the NHIS contribution on top. Rates reviewed annually.
Do foreigners pay the same NHIS co-pay as Koreans?
Yes. After 6 months of registered residence, foreign residents are enrolled in NHIS (mandatory) and pay the same co-pay percentages as Korean nationals.
What is silson (실손) insurance?
Private supplemental indemnity insurance that reimburses most of the out-of-pocket portion left after NHIS. Very popular in Korea — often covers the 30–40% co-pay for imaging, prescriptions, and more.
Can I just walk into a clinic?
Yes. Korean primary care is walk-in friendly. Most local clinics (ui-won) see patients same-day. Tertiary hospital OPDs generally require appointments and often a referral for non-emergency care.
Do I need an NHIS card with me?
Technically you can use your RRN, but the NHIS mobile app makes check-in faster. Carry a physical NHIS card or have the app installed.
Compare X-Ray Costs Across Countries
Sources
- NHIS (National Health Insurance Service) — 2026 contribution rate
- NHIS — biennial national health screening coverage
- Student Insurance Korea / OK Recruiting — foreign resident enrolment guide
- Ministry of Health and Welfare — co-payment rules by facility tier
Last reviewed: April 2026. Rates change annually; confirm on nhis.or.kr.