Prostate Checkup Price in Seoul, Korea

The cost of a prostate checkup in South Korea for foreigners can vary significantly depending on the comprehensiveness of the checkup, the type of medical facility (general clinic, specialized urology clinic, or large university hospital), and whether you have Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS).

Here's a breakdown of typical costs and what's usually included:



1. Basic Prostate Checkup Components

A basic prostate checkup usually includes:

  • Consultation with a Urologist: Initial assessment of symptoms, medical history.
  • Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A physical examination to feel the prostate gland for abnormalities.
  • PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) Blood Test: A blood test to screen for prostate cancer and other prostate conditions.


2. Comprehensive Prostate Checkup / Health Screening Packages

For a more thorough assessment, especially in larger health screening centers, a prostate checkup might be part of a broader male health screening package. These can include:

  • Urine Flow Test (Uroflowmetry): Measures the speed and strength of your urine stream to assess for BPH.
  • Post-Void Residual (PVR) Ultrasound: Measures how much urine is left in your bladder after urination, indicating bladder emptying efficiency.
  • Prostate Ultrasound: An imaging test to visualize the prostate gland, assess its size, and check for any abnormalities. This can be done transabdominal (over the abdomen) or transrectal (TRUS - more detailed, involving a probe inserted into the rectum).
  • Male Hormone (Testosterone) Blood Test: To assess overall male health and rule out other causes of symptoms.
  • More Advanced Imaging: For specific concerns, MRI or CT scans of the pelvis may be recommended, though these are typically not part of a standard checkup unless abnormalities are suspected.


Estimated Costs (Without Korean National Health Insurance)

Prices are generally competitive compared to Western countries like the US, but can still be substantial for comprehensive packages without insurance.

  1. Basic Prostate Checkup (Consultation + DRE + PSA Blood Test):
  • At a local urology clinic: Expect to pay around ₩50,000 to ₩150,000 (approximately USD 36 - 110). This often includes the consultation fee and the PSA test. The DRE is typically part of the consultation.
  • At a major hospital: A basic consultation might be similar, but additional lab fees can push it slightly higher, potentially ₩70,000 - ₩200,000 (USD 50 - 150).
  1. Comprehensive Prostate Checkup (including Prostate Ultrasound):
  • If a prostate ultrasound (transabdominal) is added, this could add ₩80,000 to ₩150,000 (USD 58 - 110) to the basic cost. A transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) might be slightly higher.
  • Total for consultation, PSA, and prostate ultrasound could be in the range of ₩150,000 to ₩350,000 (USD 110 - 260) at a specialized clinic.
  1. As Part of a General Health Screening Package (for Men): Many health screening centers offer comprehensive packages that include prostate-specific tests as part of a broader health assessment. These packages are popular among expats and medical tourists.
  • Standard Health Screening Packages (often including PSA, basic urine/blood tests): Can range from ₩500,000 to ₩1,000,000 (approximately USD 360 - 730). These usually include a vast array of tests for various organs and conditions, with prostate checks being one component.
  • KMI Global (Korean Medical Institute): A well-known health checkup center that offers packages for foreigners. Their "Standard" package (72 tests) starts at ₩500,000 (approx. USD 360). Prostate ultrasound might be an add-on.
  • Premium/Noble Health Screening Packages (more detailed, might include prostate ultrasound, specific cancer markers, advanced imaging): These can cost ₩1,000,000 to ₩2,000,000+ (approximately USD 730 - 1,460+). These often allow for choices of additional CT or MRI scans, or more in-depth genetic/tumor marker tests, some of which are relevant to prostate health.

Important Notes on Cost:

  • Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS): If you are a long-term resident with an Alien Registration Card (ARC) and are enrolled in NHIS, your out-of-pocket costs will be significantly lower. NHIS typically covers a large portion (e.g., 60-80%) of medical expenses for medically necessary tests. Routine check-ups that are not deemed medically necessary might have lower coverage or no coverage.
  • Clinic vs. Hospital: Private clinics are often slightly more affordable for basic services, while major university hospitals (e.g., Seoul National University Hospital, Asan Medical Center) may have higher fees, but offer very comprehensive and specialized care with dedicated international patient centers.
  • Exact Quotes: It is crucial to contact the specific clinic or hospital directly to get an accurate quote for the prostate checkup you require, especially if you have specific concerns or plan to undergo a more detailed screening. Inquire about what tests are included in the price and any potential additional costs.
  • Follow-up: The cost of any subsequent appointments, specialized tests (like a prostate biopsy if abnormalities are found), or treatment (e.g., for BPH or prostate cancer) will be separate.

When budgeting for a prostate checkup in Korea, consider the level of detail you need, your insurance status, and whether you prefer the convenience of a specialized clinic or the comprehensive facilities of a major hospital.