Treatment & Evaluation Overview
In Korea, urinary incontinence care typically begins with a diagnostic evaluation — medical history, physical/pelvic exam, urine tests, bladder/urodynamic studies, ultrasound or other imaging if needed. Based on results, the care plan may include non-surgical therapies (pelvic floor therapy, bladder training, medication), minimally invasive procedures (bulking injections, Botox, nerve stimulation), or surgical interventions (sling surgery, etc.). Many private clinics and hospitals offer fixed or semi-customized treatment packages, especially for foreign patients.
Typical Cost Ranges
Here’s a breakdown of what you might pay in Korea — costs vary depending on clinic, procedure, and whether you have insurance or pay out-of-pocket:
| Service / Treatment | Typical Cost (Out-of-Pocket / Private Pay) |
|---|---|
| Consultation + Basic Tests (urinalysis, simple ultrasound, uroflowmetry) | ~ ₩50,000 – ₩150,000 |
| Pelvic Floor Therapy / Physical Therapy (per session) | ₩50,000 – ₩150,000 |
| Pelvic Floor Therapy Package (multiple sessions) | ~ ₩500,000 – ₩1,200,000 |
| Minimally Invasive Treatments (e.g., urethral bulking, injections) | ~ ₩800,000 – ₩1,500,000 |
| Sling Surgery (for stress incontinence) | ~ ₩3,000,000 – ₩6,000,000 |
| Laser / RF / Energy‑based Non-surgical Procedures | ₩200,000 – ₩600,000 per session |
| Medication (monthly) | ₩30,000 – ₩100,000 depending on prescription |
⚠️ If you are covered under Korean national insurance (NHIS), basic consultation, simple tests, and some treatments may cost much less.
What Impacts the Cost
- Type of treatment (non-surgical vs minimally invasive vs surgery) — non-surgical therapies are cheapest, surgery the most expensive.
- Complexity and severity of the incontinence — more severe or mixed types may require more extensive evaluation and treatment.
- Clinic / hospital — university hospitals vs private clinics; larger hospitals often more expensive.
- Patient status — Korean residents with NHIS may get subsidies; foreign patients usually pay full price.
- Number of sessions (for therapy) — e.g., pelvic floor therapy or nerve stimulation may require multiple visits.
- Pre‑ and post-treatment care, follow-ups, diagnostics, and any additional procedures — these can add to the total cost.
What’s Usually Included in Treatment Packages
Many Korean clinics offering care for urinary incontinence — especially for international patients — structure “treatment packages.” A typical package may include:
- Initial consultation + diagnostic work-up (urinalysis, imaging, urodynamic tests)
- Basic tests (urine test, ultrasound, flow studies)
- Non-surgical or minimally invasive treatment (depending on plan chosen)
- Therapy sessions (pelvic floor, biofeedback, bladder training) if relevant
- Post-procedure follow-up check-ups
- Medications (if needed) for a certain period
- For surgical packages: surgery fee, hospital facility fee, anesthesia, initial post-op care, follow-up assessments
Such packages help make cost predictions easier for international patients.
Why Many International Patients Choose Korea
- High quality of urology care — Korea has well-trained urologists, modern diagnostic and treatment technology, and experience with minimally invasive procedures for incontinence.
- Competitive pricing — For many procedures, costs in Korea are significantly lower than equivalent treatments in Western countries.
- Range of options — From conservative management (therapy, behavioral) to advanced surgical solutions, giving patients flexibility depending on their needs and budget.
- Clinics with foreign‑patient support — Some clinics provide English‑speaking staff, transparent pricing, and packages suitable for medical tourists.
Important Considerations for Medical Tourists
- Always request a detailed, itemized quote — ask what is included (tests, consultations, follow-ups, meds) and what’s not (hotel, travel, daily expenses).
- Understand follow-up needs — many treatments need multiple visits, therapy sessions, or long-term maintenance (e.g., pelvic floor therapy, bladder training).
- Clarify language and support services — ensure the clinic offers interpreters or English-speaking staff.
- Consider package vs pay-as-you-go — for simpler cases, pay-as-you-go may suffice; for complex or surgical cases, a full package might offer better value.
- Factor in non-medical costs — travel, accommodation, return visits, and living expenses during stay should be budgeted separately.
