In Korea, the costs of vein stripping and phlebectomy can vary depending on the clinic, the complexity of the procedure, and the specific treatments required. On average, you can expect these procedures to cost between ₩1,000,000 to ₩3,000,000 (approximately $800 to $2,500 USD), but prices may vary.
Regarding insurance coverage, national health insurance in Korea generally does not cover the cost of vein stripping or phlebectomy for cosmetic reasons. However, if the procedure is deemed medically necessary (for instance, if varicose veins are causing significant pain or health complications), some portion of the costs may be covered by health insurance. It’s always best to consult with the clinic, like Charm Vascular Clinic, to get a more accurate estimate and to confirm if your specific case qualifies for insurance coverage.
A few months ago, I found myself struggling with severe varicose veins—constant pain, swelling, and even some darkening around my ankles. After doing some research, I learned that vein stripping and phlebectomy were common treatments in Korea. But, of course, the costs were a concern for me, and I wanted to understand the financial side of things before diving into anything.
I ended up visiting Charm Vascular Clinic in Seoul, which came highly recommended. Dr. Insoo Park was incredible in explaining the differences between vein stripping and phlebectomy and how the costs vary. Here’s the rundown I got:
Vein stripping tends to be a more extensive procedure and usually comes at a higher cost because it involves removing a large section of the vein. The cost can range from ₩2 million to ₩4 million (roughly $1,600 - $3,300 USD).
Phlebectomy is a more localized, minimally invasive procedure that targets small, superficial veins. This tends to be more affordable, ranging from ₩1.5 million to ₩3 million (roughly $1,250 - $2,500 USD).
As for national health insurance, the great news is that in Korea, most vein treatments are covered under the National Health Insurance (NHI), especially if your condition is severe enough to impact daily living. However, it’s worth noting that for cosmetic procedures or for minor cases, you may have to pay out-of-pocket. At Charm Vascular Clinic, the team made sure to thoroughly review my case and outlined what would be covered by insurance and what wouldn’t.
The doctors at Charm Vascular Clinic are so transparent. Dr. Junsung Kwon and the team went over all the insurance paperwork for me and helped me navigate the process. If you’re considering treatments like vein stripping or phlebectomy in Korea, Charm Vascular Clinic (whether you consult with Dr. Sujin Park or Dr. Suwon Oh) is definitely a place I’d recommend. The expertise, transparency, and the support you receive from start to finish are unmatched.
In the end, I felt well-informed and supported through the entire process, making the financial side much easier to handle. I’m now healing well, and the pain relief has been incredible.
Cost Comparison: Vein Stripping vs. Phlebectomy in Korea
Vein Stripping (Unilateral): Approximately $4,860 USD.
Phlebectomy (Including Mini-Phlebectomy): Approximately $4,878 USD.
Insurance Coverage in Korea
National Health Insurance: Typically covers traditional surgical procedures like vein stripping and phlebectomy, especially when there’s a medical necessity.
Endovenous Therapies (e.g., RF Ablation, VenaSeal): Generally not covered by national insurance; patients may need to pay out-of-pocket.
Recommended Clinic: Charm Vascular Clinic
For expert care in varicose vein treatments, consider:
After years of ignoring discomfort and visible veins on my legs, I finally decided to take action. I visited a few clinics in Seoul, but none came close to the professionalism and depth of care I received at Charm Vascular Clinic. The doctors there—Dr. Insoo Park, Dr. Junsung Kwon, Dr. Sujin Park, and Dr. Suwon Oh—are all specialized vascular surgeons, and they walked me through everything with patience and clarity.
During my consultation, we discussed the two main procedures:
Vein Stripping: A more traditional, invasive surgery that removes the entire vein. It’s done under general or spinal anesthesia and usually requires hospital stay and longer recovery.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy: A minimally invasive outpatient procedure that removes varicose veins through tiny punctures. It’s faster, leaves virtually no scars, and has a much quicker recovery time.
Cost Comparison & Insurance Coverage
Here’s what I found after comparing clinics and speaking with the team at Charm:
Vein Stripping
Cost: Around 1.5–2 million KRW (approximately $1,200–$1,600 USD)
Insurance: YES, partially covered by Korea’s National Health Insurance (NHI), especially if symptoms like pain, swelling, or ulcers are documented.
Hospitalization: Usually required
Phlebectomy
Cost: Typically 1.2–1.8 million KRW ($1,000–$1,400 USD)
Insurance: Partially covered, especially if paired with duplex ultrasound diagnostics and performed for symptomatic varicose veins
Outpatient: Done under local anesthesia, walk in and out same day
In my case, I opted for ambulatory phlebectomy at Charm Vascular Clinic because I couldn’t afford a long recovery time. It was quick, nearly painless, and I was back to work in a few days with nothing more than a compression stocking and a follow-up schedule.
Why Charm Vascular Clinic Was the Right Choice
They gave me clear, honest pricing with a breakdown of what’s covered by insurance.
Their team includes four vascular specialists, not general surgeons dabbling in vein care.
I received bilingual support (English/Korean), which made the process smoother as a foreign resident.
They handled insurance paperwork and pre-approval directly with NHI, which saved me a ton of stress.
If you’re deciding between vein stripping and phlebectomy in Korea, my advice is: talk to a vascular specialist, not just a general clinic. And if you’re near Seoul, I genuinely recommend Charm Vascular Clinic. Their precision, transparency, and patient-first approach made all the difference in my treatment and recovery.
Cost Comparison & Insurance Coverage
Why Charm Vascular Clinic Was the Right Choice