Overview
The cost of treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in Korea varies significantly depending on the treatment method, hospital/clinic, and whether the patient pays out-of-pocket. Korea offers a broad range of options — from medication and minimally invasive procedures to advanced surgeries — making it flexible depending on patient needs and budget.
What Affects Cost
Several factors influence how much BPH treatment will cost in Korea:
- Type of treatment — medication, minimally invasive (e.g., implants, vaporization), or surgical (e.g., resection or laser enucleation)
- Hospital / Clinic Tier — major university hospitals and international clinics tend to be pricier than smaller clinics
- Use of advanced technology / devices — e.g., implants, laser equipment, single-use devices raise cost
- Anesthesia, hospital stay, pre & post op testing — may add to overall cost
- International patients: often quoted as self-pay, which may include additional charges compared to insured locals
Typical Cost Ranges
| Treatment / Service | Estimated Cost for Self-Pay / International Patients |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation & diagnostic tests (PSA, ultrasound/uroflow, imaging) | ₩50,000–₩150,000 (≈ US $40–$120) |
| Medication (monthly) | ₩50,000–₩150,000 (≈ US $40–$120) |
| Minimally invasive procedures (e.g., implant-based like UroLift, or vaporization) | ₩3,000,000–₩7,000,000 (≈ US $2,200–$5,300) |
| Laser or endoscopic surgery (e.g., resection / enucleation) | ₩3,000,000–₩6,000,000 (≈ US $2,200–$4,500) |
| Advanced procedures (depending on complexity, hospital, and tech used) | Can go higher — up to ~₩6,000,000+ |
Example: UroLift Cost
For example, the UroLift procedure in Korea (a minimally invasive option) generally costs between ₩4,000,000 and ₩7,000,000 (about US $3,000–$5,300) depending on the clinic, implants used, and associated services.
Why Costs Vary Widely
- Hospital vs. clinic: Large university hospitals or specialized international clinics tend to charge more due to overhead, technology, and hospital stay costs
- Treatment complexity & prostate size: Larger prostates or more complex cases require more extensive procedures, possibly raising cost
- Use of advanced devices or lasers: Treatments that use modern lasers, single-use devices, or implants cost more than simpler procedures
- Non-medical factors: International patient services, translation, expatriate support, and travel logistics add to overall cost
What’s Included / Not Included
When you receive a cost quote for BPH treatment in Korea, clarify whether it includes:
- Consultation & diagnostic tests (e.g., PSA, ultrasound, urodynamic studies)
- The procedure itself (surgery, laser, implants)
- Anesthesia and hospital stay (if applicable)
- Post-operative care, follow-up visits, medications
- For international patients: translation, coordination, follow-up support
If any of these are missing, you may face additional charges.
Comparison to Other Countries (Context)
Korea tends to offer BPH treatment at more affordable rates than many Western countries, especially considering the standard of care, advanced technology, and hospital infrastructure. Because of that — plus relatively low travel cost from Asia — Korea remains a popular destination for medical tourists seeking urology treatments.
Tips for International Patients Considering BPH Treatment in Korea
- Ask for an all-inclusive quote: Ensure procedure, tests, anesthesia, hospital stay, and follow-up are included
- Check which treatment is best for you: Minimally invasive options may cost more than medication but have faster recovery and fewer side effects
- Compare clinics and hospitals: Large hospitals may provide high-end care but might charge more; specialized clinics sometimes offer good value
- Plan for extra costs: Travel, accommodation, interpreter services, post-procedure medication — these add up
- Confirm what’s covered: Especially if you have international insurance — some procedures may not be covered under Korean insurance schemes
