South Korea to Expand Health Insurance for Hair Loss and Review Cigarette Price Hikes

South Korean Health and Welfare Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong announced that the government will pursue expanding health insurance coverage for hair loss treatments starting in the second half of the year. The plan may prioritize citizens aged 20 to 34, according to statements made during a press conference on June 11.

How will hair loss treatment coverage change?

The government is conducting a practical review of the financial requirements and methods for applying health insurance to hair loss treatments. Minister Jeong stated that the initiative follows President Lee Jae-myung’s description of hair loss as a “matter of survival.”

Currently, insurance only covers disease-based hair loss, such as alopecia areata caused by autoimmune diseases or seborrheic dermatitis. Genetic hair loss and hair loss due to aging remain non-covered expenses. The government is considering prioritizing the 20-34 age group because of the impact hair loss has on employment and dating.

A survey of 1,000 people by the National Health Insurance Service yielded positive responses. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety will host a public debate on the topic on July 4.

Did You Know? Taxes account for 73.74% of the total cost of a pack of cigarettes in South Korea.

Will cigarette prices increase?

Minister Jeong indicated a possible increase in cigarette prices to combat the spread of synthetic nicotine, flavored cigarettes, and electronic cigarettes. Prices have remained frozen at 4,500 won since they were raised from 2,500 won in 2015.

Jeong Eun-kyeong: "Pushing for National Health Insurance Coverage for Hair Loss Treatment… Work…

The government may use both price and non-price policies to redesign smoking cessation efforts. If a price hike occurs, it is likely to happen by increasing the National Health Promotion Charge, which currently makes up 18.7% of the price. For context, the average price of a pack of cigarettes in OECD member countries was 9,869 won as of 2023.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the government is balancing a “survival” health priority for youth against the fiscal necessity of updating tobacco taxes. The shift toward targeting synthetic nicotine suggests a regulatory gap that price hikes alone may not close, but which could provide the necessary funding for expanded insurance benefits.

What is changing with the basic pension?

A reform plan for the basic pension is expected in the second half of the year to address the financial burden of an aging population. The government intends to move toward a “lower-bottom-upper-top” model, which provides more substantial support to low-income seniors.

Minister Jeong stated that most experts agree with the principle of thickening support for the low-income bracket. The government is considering adjusting the current eligibility threshold—which applies to the bottom 70% of income earners—to a standard based on median income.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which types of hair loss are currently covered by health insurance?
Only disease-based hair loss, including alopecia areata (autoimmune) and hair loss resulting from seborrheic dermatitis, is currently covered.

When will the government gather public opinion on hair loss coverage?
The government plans to gather opinions in the second half of the year, with a specific debate scheduled for July 4 via the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

Why is the government considering a cigarette price hike?
The government aims to respond to the proliferation of new tobacco products, including synthetic nicotine and various flavored cigarettes.

Do you believe health insurance should cover conditions that primarily affect employment and social life?