Cost Ranges (Out‑of‑Pocket / Self‑Pay for International Patients)
Based on typical urology clinic data in Korea, these are approximate cost ranges for diagnosis and treatment of prostatitis when paying out-of-pocket (i.e., for international or uninsured patients):
| Service / Scenario | Typical Price (KRW) | Approx. USD* |
|---|---|---|
| Initial urology consultation | ₩50,000 – ₩120,000 | ~$35 – $90 |
| Basic diagnostics (urinalysis, urine culture, simple labs) | ₩30,000 – ₩70,000 | ~$20 – $50 |
| Advanced diagnostics (ultrasound, flow tests, TRUS) | ₩120,000 – ₩250,000 | ~$90 – $185 |
| Outpatient antibiotic / medication course | ₩50,000 – ₩250,000 | ~$35 – $185 |
| Pelvic‑floor therapy / physio (per session, if recommended) | ₩60,000 – ₩150,000 per session | ~$45 – $110 |
| Inpatient care (for acute bacterial prostatitis requiring hospital stay) — general ward, per night + IV meds | ~₩600,000 – ₩1,500,000 per day | ~$440 – $1,100 |
| TRUS-guided procedures (e.g., abscess drainage), if needed | ₩800,000 – ₩2,000,000 | ~$590 – $1,480 |
*USD conversion roughly assumes 1 USD ≈ 1,350 KRW; actual rate may vary.
What Affects the Cost
- Severity & type of prostatitis — simple outpatient cases cost much less than acute bacterial prostatitis requiring IV antibiotics or hospital stay.
- Diagnostics required — basic urine tests are inexpensive, but if advanced imaging or multiple lab tests are needed, cost increases.
- Medications & duration — stronger or longer courses of antibiotics raise costs.
- Need for therapies beyond medication — physical therapy, pain management, or procedures (for example drainage) add extra charges.
- Use of hospital vs. private clinic — large university hospitals or specialized urology centers tend to be more expensive than small clinics.
- International patient “self-pay” rates — foreigners or patients without Korean national insurance often pay the full listed price.
Example Cost Scenarios
- Mild chronic prostatitis requiring only consultation, urine test, and a short course of oral antibiotics: total around ₩150,000–₩300,000 (~US $110–$220).
- Moderate case needing imaging, extended medication, and pelvic‑floor therapy: total outpatient costs around ₩500,000–₩800,000 (~US $370–$600).
- Severe acute bacterial prostatitis requiring hospital admission, IV antibiotics, labs, and a 2–3 night stay: total cost may be ₩1,200,000–₩3,500,000 (~US $890–$2,600), depending on room type and procedures.
Tips for International Patients
- Request an itemized quote before treatment to know exactly what is included.
- Clarify international patient rates and what services are covered.
- Compare clinics and hospitals to balance cost and quality of care.
- Consider total costs beyond treatment, including travel, accommodation, and post-treatment medications.
- Ask about follow-up care and recurrence prevention, especially for chronic prostatitis.
Key Takeaway
Prostatitis treatment in Korea is feasible and often more affordable than in many Western countries. Costs vary significantly depending on severity, diagnostics, and care setting, with complex or severe cases being the most expensive. Proper planning and consultation help international patients manage both health outcomes and expenses effectively.
