Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery is quickly becoming a top vision correction choice for international patients seeking long-term results with minimal downtime. While Korea offers some of the most competitive pricing globally for EVO Visian ICL surgery, the upfront cost can still be a significant investment for many travelers.
Fortunately, there are multiple financing options and payment support programs available to help international patients manage the cost of ICL surgery in Korea. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from typical pricing to flexible payment plans, clinic-provided financing, and credit card options.
💸 How Much Does ICL Surgery Cost in Korea?
ICL surgery in Korea is known for being significantly more affordable than in countries like the U.S., Australia, or the U.K., while maintaining world-class quality.
Average cost in Korea (2025):
- KRW 3.5 million – 5.5 million per eye
(~USD $2,500 – $4,000 depending on clinic and lens type)
By comparison:
- U.S.: USD $6,000 – $8,000 per eye
- Australia: AUD $5,000 – $7,500 per eye
- UK: £3,000 – £5,000 per eye
✅ Savings of 40–60% are common when choosing Korea for ICL surgery.
🏥 Do Korean Clinics Offer Financing to International Patients?
Many leading ICL clinics in Korea understand the financial considerations of medical tourists. While traditional monthly financing (as for locals) may not apply, several clinics offer flexible payment options and support, such as:
✅ 1. Split Payments (Installments Before Surgery)
- Some clinics allow international patients to pay in 2–3 installments over a few weeks.
- Ideal for patients planning their trip 1–2 months in advance.
- Commonly structured as:
- 30% deposit to reserve your surgery date
- 70% final payment on the day of the procedure
Ask your clinic:
“Can I pay in installments before arriving in Korea?”
✅ 2. International Medical Tourism Packages
Certain Korean clinics partner with medical travel coordinators to bundle ICL surgery with:
- Airport pickup
- Accommodation
- Translation services
- Transportation
- And, in some cases, discounted pricing or package financing
This can be arranged in your home country with pre-payment or staged payments.
Tip: Look for clinics listed under Medical Korea or KHIDI-approved programs.
✅ 3. Clinic Discounts for International Patients
To encourage global patients, many Korean clinics offer:
- 10–20% discounts on ICL for foreigners
- Seasonal promotions or event pricing
- Referral or group discounts if traveling with a friend/family
Ask about:
“Do you offer a discounted price for international patients or medical tourists?”
💳 Payment Methods Accepted at Korean Eye Clinics
Nearly all ICL clinics in Korea accept a wide range of payment methods from international patients:
| Method | Notes |
|---|---|
| Credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) | Most commonly used; may have foreign transaction fees |
| Cash (KRW or USD) | Some clinics offer extra discounts (3–5%) for cash payments |
| Bank transfer (international) | Must be arranged before arrival; check processing time |
| Mobile payments (KakaoPay, Apple Pay) | Mostly for locals; may not work with foreign accounts |
Tip: Notify your bank before traveling to Korea to avoid card declines during payment.
🌍 Financing from Your Home Country
Even if Korean clinics don’t provide long-term financing, you can often finance your procedure through your local bank or healthcare credit provider:
💼 Options Include:
- Medical loans from private lenders or banks
- Healthcare credit cards (e.g., CareCredit in the U.S.)
- Low-interest personal loans
- Credit card installment plans (check with your bank for international use)
Steps:
- Get a written quote or invoice from the Korean clinic.
- Submit it to your financial institution to apply for financing.
- Transfer or pay once funds are approved.
🧾 Tax and Insurance Considerations
While ICL is an elective procedure, it may still qualify for certain tax deductions or health spending accounts in your home country.
Examples:
- U.S.: May qualify under HSA/FSA accounts or IRS medical deductions.
- Canada: Elective eye surgery can be deductible under the Medical Expense Tax Credit.
- Australia/UK: Usually not covered unless deemed medically necessary.
Ask your local accountant or tax advisor:
“Can I claim vision correction surgery abroad as a medical expense?”
💡 Cost-Saving Tips for Medical Tourists
| Tip | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Schedule during off-peak seasons | Lower clinic and accommodation costs |
| Book a package with hotel + surgery | Saves time and money on logistics |
| Join patient forums or Facebook groups | Find discount codes or group deals |
| Ask about used referral programs | Some clinics offer KRW 100,000+ off |
✨ Final Thoughts
ICL surgery in Korea offers the perfect balance of affordability, quality, and convenience for international patients. And with multiple financing options, split payment plans, and global payment support, your dream of perfect vision is more achievable than ever — even on a budget.
