South Korea offers substantial financial support for prenatal care through the National Happiness Card. Eligible residents receive a voucher worth 1,000,000 KRW (roughly A$1,100) for single pregnancies or 2,000,000 KRW for multiples. This covers ultrasounds, blood tests, and pharmacy expenses at specialised women's hospitals.
- National Happiness Card: Provides 1,000,000 KRW for check-ups and medications.
- Transportation subsidies: Seoul residents receive 700,000 KRW for taxis and trains.
- Public health centres: Offer free folic acid, iron supplements, and prenatal screenings.
- Foreigner eligibility: Requires valid residency visas and National Health Insurance enrolment.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Government vouchers offset costs significantly, but your choice of clinic affects total out-of-pocket spend. MizMedi Women's Hospital in Seoul handles 5,000 deliveries annually and is the city's only JCI-certified women's facility. Choosing a high-volume centre like this means the voucher covers standardised care while still giving access to advanced neonatal units.
Patient Consensus: Residents confirm that obtaining a Pregnancy Confirmation Certificate from the GP is the first step. Patients found the voucher easy to use for ultrasounds and blood tests. Local centres also provide free supplements and transport help. This makes hospital visits much easier in Seoul.