Korea Medical Tourism Packages 2026
A typical medical tourism package costs $2,000-8,000 and includes consultation, procedure, hotel (3-7 nights), airport transfer, and translator. Premium packages add VIP recovery rooms, sightseeing, and extended aftercare. Most agencies offer free quotes.
What Does a Medical Tourism Package Include?
Packages bundle medical procedures with travel logistics so you can focus on your treatment and recovery. The exact inclusions vary by provider and tier, but here’s what to expect:
Package Tiers Compared
- Hospital consultation
- Basic hotel (3-star, 3 nights)
- Airport pickup (one-way)
- Phone interpreter
- Basic aftercare instructions
- Hospital consultation + surgery
- 4-star hotel (5-7 nights)
- Round-trip airport transfer
- In-person translator
- Post-op checkup included
- 24/7 emergency contact
- Top-tier hospital + surgeon
- 5-star hotel or recovery residence
- Private car + personal assistant
- Dedicated translator (daily)
- Multiple follow-up visits
- Sightseeing tour included
Procedure Costs in Korea vs Other Countries
| Procedure | Korea | USA | Thailand | Turkey |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhinoplasty | $3,000-7,000 | $8,000-15,000 | $2,500-5,000 | $2,000-4,000 |
| Double eyelid | $1,500-3,000 | $3,000-6,000 | $1,000-2,500 | $1,500-3,000 |
| Facelift | $5,000-12,000 | $12,000-25,000 | $4,000-8,000 | $3,000-7,000 |
| Dental implant (per tooth) | $800-1,500 | $3,000-5,000 | $600-1,200 | $400-800 |
| LASIK (both eyes) | $1,000-2,000 | $4,000-6,000 | $1,500-2,500 | $1,000-1,500 |
| Health checkup | $500-2,000 | $2,000-5,000 | $300-800 | $200-500 |
Korea is 30-60% cheaper than the US but slightly more expensive than Thailand or Turkey. The difference is quality — Korea leads the world in cosmetic surgery volume, has the highest density of board-certified plastic surgeons, and uses cutting-edge technology. You’re paying for precision and safety.
How to Book a Package
Request Quotes from Multiple Agencies
Contact 2-3 agencies with your desired procedure, preferred dates, and budget. Most provide free consultations via email or video call.
Send Photos & Medical History
For cosmetic procedures, agencies will request photos for surgeon evaluation. For medical procedures, share relevant medical records. This helps get accurate quotes.
Compare & Select
Review quotes, surgeon credentials, hospital accreditation, and package inclusions. Don’t just compare price — check what’s included and what’s extra.
Confirm & Pay Deposit
Most agencies require a 10-30% deposit to secure your booking. The remaining balance is paid at the hospital. Get everything in writing before sending money.
Package prices are rarely fixed. Ask about seasonal discounts, group rates (if traveling with a friend), and what can be removed if you want to lower costs. Many patients save 10-20% by negotiating or booking during off-peak months (Jan-Mar, Jul-Aug).
What to Check Before Booking
| Checklist Item | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Surgeon credentials | Board-certified by Korean Association of Plastic Surgeons (KAPS)? |
| Hospital accreditation | JCI accredited? KOIHA certified? |
| Revision policy | What if results aren’t as expected? Is revision surgery included? |
| Complication coverage | Who pays if there are medical complications? |
| Cancellation policy | What’s refundable if you change your mind? |
| Post-op timeline | How many days should you stay in Korea after the procedure? |
Recovery Accommodation Options
After your procedure, you’ll need a comfortable place to recover. Options include:
- Recovery residence/guesthouse — Specialized for medical tourists, with nurses on call, bland food menus, and quiet rooms. $50-150/night
- Serviced apartment — More privacy and a kitchen for preparing your own meals. $80-200/night
- Hotel — Standard hotels work fine for minor procedures. $60-300/night depending on tier
- Hospital stay — For major surgeries, 1-3 nights in the hospital are usually included in the package
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize my package?
Yes. Most agencies offer customizable packages. You can add or remove hotel nights, choose your surgeon, upgrade accommodation, or add sightseeing. The more you customize, the more accurate your quote will be.
Is the procedure cost included in the package price?
It depends. Some packages include everything (procedure + logistics). Others quote the procedure separately. Always clarify whether the listed price includes the medical cost or just the coordination/travel services.
How far in advance should I book?
2-3 months is ideal for popular surgeons. Some top surgeons in Gangnam are booked 3-6 months out. For health checkups or simpler procedures, 2-4 weeks is usually sufficient.
Can I claim a tax refund on my package?
You can claim a 10% VAT refund on the medical procedure portion, but not on hotel, transport, or agency fees. Keep your hospital receipts separate.
What payment methods are accepted?
Most hospitals accept international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard), wire transfer, and cash (KRW or USD). Some agencies accept PayPal. Credit cards may have a 2-3% foreign transaction fee.