The Ministry of Health and Welfare has launched an internal review on the possibility of extending National Health Insurance (NHI) coverage to hair loss treatments, following a directive from President Lee Jae Myung. The ministry said it will also assess whether sufficient public consensus exists for providing such support to young people through the health insurance system.
Yoo Jung-min, director of the Division of Health Insurance Benefits at the ministry, shared details of the review process during a briefing with reporters on Wednesday.
During a policy briefing at the Sejong Government Complex on December 16, President Lee highlighted concerns among young people who feel burdened by health insurance premiums without perceiving tangible benefits. He emphasized that hair loss is increasingly seen not just as a cosmetic issue, but as one that affects quality of life and, in some cases, personal well-being.
While acknowledging that unlimited insurance coverage would be financially challenging, the president instructed the ministry to explore options such as limiting the number of treatments or setting a total reimbursement cap.
Responding to the directive, Yoo said the ministry is examining policy options that closely reflect the president’s intent, while carefully considering medical validity and other key factors highlighted by Health Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong.
Addressing media speculation linking hair loss coverage to a youth health voucher program, Yoo clarified that the two initiatives are not connected. The voucher program, outlined broadly in the government’s comprehensive health insurance plan, is intended to provide benefits to individuals who make minimal use of medical services.
“There is no fixed timeline for reaching a conclusion, as the review is still underway,” Yoo said. “However, the government’s stance is that if something is deemed necessary, it should proceed without unnecessary delay.”
Yoo emphasized that health insurance policy must balance multiple objectives, including strengthening essential public healthcare, expanding support for severe illnesses, and rationalizing cost-sharing for milder conditions.
“Within this broader framework, we plan to move forward while gauging social consensus on supporting young people,” she said. “Once consensus is reached, the government will develop concrete policy measures. It is a difficult issue, but we are working toward a desirable direction.”
The president’s directive to consider insurance coverage for hair loss treatments has faced immediate pushback from opposition lawmakers, patients with cancer and other severe diseases, and medical professionals, who cited concerns over the financial sustainability of the National Health Insurance Service and priorities in medical care.
