Archive · 19 Dec 2025
South Korea considers covering hair loss treatment under national insurance
The president of South Korea, Lee Jae Myung, thinks that hair loss is a big deal.
He wants the government to pay for hair loss treatments because many young people in South Korea are worried about losing their hair.
Right now, the government only pays for hair loss treatments if it's because of a medical problem, not if it's something you're born with.
The president thinks this is important because looking good is very important in South Korea, and losing hair can make life harder for young people.
A lot of young adults in South Korea believe that attractive people have more advantages in life.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung proposed covering hair loss treatments under national health insurance, calling it 'a matter of survival.'
Current national health insurance covers hair loss treatments only if linked to medical conditions, not hereditary hair loss.
40% of the 240,000 people who visited hospitals for hair loss in South Korea last year were in their 20s or 30s.
A 2024 survey found that 98% of young adults in South Korea believe attractive people have social advantages.
The proposal was first made during Lee's 2022 presidential election campaign but was later dropped due to criticism.
- Who
- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung
- What
- Proposed covering hair loss treatment under national health insurance
- When
- During a meeting with senior officials
- Where
- South Korea
- Why
- To address the stigma and social impact of baldness, especially among young adults
- Country
- South Korea
- President
- Lee Jae Myung
- Current Coverage
- Hair loss treatments linked to medical conditions
- Excluded Coverage
- Hereditary hair loss
- Hospital Visits for Hair Loss (2023)
- 240,000
- Young Adults Affected (20s-30s)
- 40%
- Survey on Attractiveness (2024)
- 98% believe attractive people have social advantages