Medical Tourism Blog
Refund & Cancellation Policies for Medical Tourism in Korea (2025 Guide)
Table of contents
- TL;DR (quick takeaways)
- 1) National guideline for deposit refunds
- 2) Clinic‑level policies (and how they interact with national standards)
- 3) If the clinic cancels
- 4) VAT refunds (cosmetic surgery)
- 5) Documentation to keep
- 6) Legal rights & dispute handling
- 8) FAQ
For international patients planning treatment in Korea. Last updated: September 19, 2025.
Deposits are commonly required to secure consultation and surgery slots—especially with popular clinics and surgeons whose calendars fill quickly. But plans change. If you need to reschedule or cancel, what are your options, can you get a refund, and what are your rights? This guide summarizes national guidelines, typical clinic policies, how to request a refund, and where to get help if there’s a dispute.
TL;DR (quick takeaways)
- National guideline (plastic‑surgery deposits): Cancel ≥3 days before surgery → 90% of deposit back; 2 days → 50%; 1 day → 20%; same day/after → no refund. Always confirm your clinic’s written policy.
- Clinic policies can differ (e.g., business‑day tiers like 14+/10–13/7–9/<7). When terms are stricter than national guidance or unclear, the Korea Consumer Agency can help interpret standards.
- If the clinic cancels, deposits are generally refunded; ask for this in writing in your contract.
- VAT refunds: Cosmetic‑surgery VAT refunds existed, but policy is changing in late 2025—verify eligibility before you pay.
- Keep everything in writing (quotes, consent, policies, receipts), and use the support channels at the end if needed.
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Policies change—always confirm the latest written terms with your clinic.
1) National guideline for deposit refunds
Per official medical‑tourism guidance, if you cancel for valid reasons:
| When you cancel | Refund of deposit |
|---|---|
| Up to 3 days before the scheduled surgery | 90% refund |
| 2 days before | 50% refund |
| 1 day before | 20% refund |
| Same day or after surgery date | No refund |
These are the stipulated terms for refund in the event of contract termination in plastic‑surgery bookings. Always check your contract for exact wording.
2) Clinic‑level policies (and how they interact with national standards)
Many clinics publish their own tiered rules, often in business days (examples: 14+ days → 90%; 10–13 → 50%; 7–9 → 20%; <7 → none). This provides predictability for both sides.
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If your contract is silent or ambiguous, authorities may look to national Consumer Dispute Resolution Standards as reference.
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If a clinic’s terms appear unfair or much stricter than national norms, you can consult the Korea Consumer Agency for guidance or to file a claim. Download: Consumer Dispute Resolution Standards for Medical Services (by the Korea Consumer Agency)
[ Consumer Dispute Resolution Standards for Medical Services.pdf ]
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Action step: Before paying a deposit, ask for the written policy (PDF), in English, and save it with your quote. [Full Checklist: What to Ask in My Online Consultation]
Important nuances
- Business days & cut‑off times: Ask how weekends/holidays are counted and which time zone is used for notice.
- Bank & FX fees: Refunds often exclude transfer fees and can be returned in KRW; FX differences aren’t usually reimbursed.
- Proof of notice: Cancellations should be made in writing (email) and the timestamp usually controls which tier applies.
3) If the clinic cancels
If the clinic cancels or cannot perform the procedure as scheduled, expect a deposit refund (and written confirmation). Clarify this in advance in your contract along with any rescheduling priority or goodwill offers.
4) VAT refunds (cosmetic surgery)
Korea has offered a VAT‑refund program for certain cosmetic procedures at participating institutions (certificate → claim at airport/downtown refund points). However, policy is evolving in 2025, with reports that the program may end by December 31, 2025.
Action step: Ask your clinic if VAT refunds are still available for your procedure on your treatment date, and confirm how to file (certificate + passport at refund point) before you leave Korea.
5) Documentation to keep
- Itemized quote (KRW), deposit receipt, and written refund policy (PDF).
- Consent and any English translations you requested.
- Your cancellation email with timestamp, and any reply.
- Bank/transfer confirmations for payments and refunds.
6) Legal rights & dispute handling
International patients are protected by the same consumer laws that apply to Korean nationals.
Your rights (summary)
- Informed consent: Providers must explain procedure, risks, recovery, and costs before treatment; you sign consent.
- Transparent pricing: You’re entitled to a written estimate and clarity on refund/cancellation terms.
- Legally registered providers: Only institutions registered to attract/treat foreign patients should treat international patients.
- Medical records: You can request copies of medical records (preferably in English) before you leave.
If issues arise (who to contact)
- Medical Korea Information Center (KHIDI)– general guidance for foreign patients; multilingual help.
- Korea Consumer Agency (1372) – deposit/refund and general consumer disputes; applies consumer standards where appropriate.
- Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency (K‑Medi) – for medical complications/malpractice mediation and arbitration; multilingual counseling.
- Your medical tourism agency (if applicable) — If you booked through an accredited agency, contact them to help coordinate refunds, translations, timelines, and escalation. If you’re still planning, consider using an agency so you have advocacy and support if a dispute happens. Agency vs. Contacting Clinics Directly
Best first step: Try to resolve directly with the clinic in writing; if unresolved, escalate using the contacts above.
8) FAQ
Q. Is day‑of‑surgery cancellation refundable?
A. Generally no—most policies and national guidance treat day‑of cancellations as non‑refundable.
Q. Are bank fees or exchange‑rate differences refunded?
A. Typically no; many policies refund net of transfer fees and in KRW, with FX differences at your bank’s rate.
Q. How long do refunds take?
A. Varies by clinic/bank and workload; ask for a timeline in writing when you submit your request.
Q. Where do I file a complaint?
A. Start with the clinic. If unresolved, contact Korea Consumer Agency (1372), Medical Korea Information Center, or K‑Medi (for medical dispute mediation).
Final word
Get policies in writing before you pay. Time your cancellation carefully (business days & KST cut‑offs), keep records, and don’t leave Korea without resolving any VAT or deposit paperwork. When in doubt, get help from the official channels listed above.
