Childbirth costs and support
Insurance and support schemes reduce childbirth costs considerably. But the room type and procedures change it a lot.
What affects the cost
- Vaginal birth or caesarean — surgery costs more
- Room type — shared or private. This is the biggest difference
- Length of stay
- Optional procedures such as epidural
- If the newborn needs treatment
- Postnatal care centre — separate from hospital costs
Support schemes
- Health insurance — applies to delivery and hospitalisation.
- National Happiness card — pregnancy and childbirth cost support.
- First-meeting voucher — paid after birth.
- Local government birth grants — differ by area. Ask your community centre.
- Maternal and newborn health management support — a postnatal helper visits. Income conditions may apply.
Amounts change yearly, so this guide prints none. Check with 129 or your community centre.
Steps
- Ask the hospital for the total in advance. "Roughly how much for a vaginal birth? And with a private room?"
- Prepare the National Happiness card.
- Get the list of support from the health centre or community centre during pregnancy.
- Apply for grants after birth, together with the birth registration.
Where to go
- The hospital's administration desk (cost questions)
- 129 health and welfare counselling
- Your local community service centre
- 1577-1000 National Health Insurance Service
- 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline (13 languages)
Questions people ask
I have no insurance. You pay the full cost. Talk in advance to the health centre, 129 and support organisations. Some local governments offer help.
What if I suddenly need a caesarean? Insurance applies, though non-covered items may be added.
Is a postnatal care centre essential? No. A visiting maternal and newborn health manager can be an alternative, at far lower cost.
I don't have enough money. Childbirth cannot be postponed. Talk to 129 and your community centre now. Emergency welfare support may be available.
Take care
During pregnancy, go to the community centre and get the list of childbirth-related support. After birth it is easy to miss things, and many schemes have deadlines.
Related
pregnancy-support-card · birth-support · first-meeting-voucher · postpartum-care
Source
Ministry of Health and Welfare, Bokjiro www.bokjiro.go.kr / As of 2026-08