Health and Welfare Minister Jung Eun-kyung said on Dec. 17 that the government will closely examine the financial impact of extending health insurance coverage to hair loss and obesity treatments, following instructions from President Lee Jae Myung.
Speaking in a telephone interview on MBC Radio’s Kim Jong-bae’s Focus, Jung said that covering genetic hair loss could place a significant burden on the national health insurance system. Her comments came a day after President Lee asked the Ministry of Health and Welfare to review possible coverage expansion, describing hair loss as a “matter of survival” during a ministerial work briefing.
Jung explained that the president’s remark reflected concerns about the broader effects of hair loss on employment, social relationships, and mental health. She said the ministry plans to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the potential financial consequences for the health insurance system.
She emphasized that, given limited resources, any expansion of coverage must undergo formal procedures, including deliberation by the Health Insurance Policy Review Committee.
At present, health insurance covers alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition, and pathological hair loss caused by conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis. Genetic hair loss and age-related hair loss remain classified as non-covered services. The ministry maintains that extending coverage to genetic hair loss would have a substantial fiscal impact.
On obesity treatment, Jung noted that obesity is a major contributor to metabolic and chronic diseases. As a result, health insurance already covers surgical treatment for severe obesity. She added that applications for additional obesity-related coverage have been submitted and will be reviewed.
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