Fertility Treatment Support No Longer Takes Income Into Account

Actress Hwang Bo-ra shared her process of trying IVF again for a second child on her YouTube channel on August 4.

When the subject of fertility treatment comes up, cost is often the first concern. In the past, people had to meet income criteria to receive support.

That requirement is now gone.

3-line summary
1. Fertility treatment support no longer has income criteria.
2. Up to 25 treatments per birth; fresh embryos receive up to 110만 won per treatment.
3. Amounts and procedures vary by local government.

How much is available?

Based on Seoul’s standards, it is as follows.

The limit is a total of 25 treatments per birth.

The word “maximum” needs to be clarified here. If the actual cost is lower than this amount, only the amount actually spent is provided. This is not a program that covers the full cost of treatment; it is a program that reduces part of the burden.

Why do the three treatments have different amounts?

The three rows in the table are different treatments. That is where the difference in amounts comes from.

Artificial insemination is a method in which selected sperm is placed directly into the uterus. It is the simplest of the three and therefore costs the least.

With IVF, eggs are retrieved and combined with sperm outside the body, after which the resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus. It involves substantially more work, from egg retrieval through embryo culture.

IVF is divided into two types for the same reason. A fresh embryo is an embryo created during that cycle and transferred immediately, while a frozen embryo is an embryo created earlier, frozen, thawed, and transferred. In the latter case, egg retrieval has already been completed, so the cost is correspondingly lower.

This is the background behind the difference between the maximum support amounts of 110만 won and 50만 won. A lower amount does not mean it is an inferior procedure; the remaining steps are different.

It is per birth, not per couple

Previously, a set number of treatments was granted to each couple. Once they had used them all, that was the end.

Now, the count is based on each birth. Once a child is born, the number of treatments for the next child becomes available again.

For those considering a second child, this change matters more than the amount of support. Under the previous standard, if they had used all available treatments while having their first child, all subsequent costs were entirely their own responsibility.

Eligibility requirements

The requirements are relatively straightforward.

• Be registered as a resident in the relevant area.
• At least one spouse must be a Republic of Korea national.
• Both spouses must be enrolled in National Health Insurance, with their insurance-premium notices confirmed.

Income is not considered. Support also does not vary by age. The age-based differences that existed previously have also been eliminated.

Where to apply

There are three ways to apply.

One option is to visit a public health center in person. The name of the responsible department varies by area, so it is faster to call and ask before visiting.

Applications can also be submitted online through Government24 and e-Health Center.

The required documents generally include the following.

• Infertility diagnosis certificate
• Copy of health insurance card
• Resident registration certificate
• Consent form for the provision of personal information

The infertility diagnosis certificate is the key document. This procedure begins only after receiving a diagnosis from a hospital. The order is not to apply for support first and then visit a hospital.

The requirement that both spouses’ health-insurance enrollment and premium notices be confirmed also comes into play here. Before obtaining documents, checking that both people’s eligibility is in order can save an extra trip.

Two easily overlooked points

First, the amounts above are based on Seoul. This program is administered by local governments. Maximum amounts, documents, and application channels may differ depending on where you live. Applying an amount seen in the news directly to your own area may lead to inaccuracies. The public health center website for your area is the most accurate source.

Second, support payments and National Health Insurance are separate layers. National Health Insurance applies to fertility treatment, and local-government support then further reduces the remaining out-of-pocket portion. Treating the two programs as one can lead to an incorrect calculation of what you will actually pay.

There is one more point. Not all treatment costs are covered by National Health Insurance. Items not classified as covered benefits may also be excluded from the support-payment calculation. This is why a hospital estimate and the maximum support amount may not seem to match when placed side by side. Asking the hospital’s administrative office which items fall under which category is the fastest way to clarify this.

In one sentence, the change in the system is this: the threshold has shifted from income to diagnosis.

In other words, the standard is no longer how much you earn, but what the hospital has confirmed.

Sources

• Newsis Hwang Bo-ra tries IVF again: “One year until menopause; it feels like receiving a terminal diagnosis” (August 4, 2026)
• Dongdaemun-gu Public Health Center Fertility Treatment Cost Support for Infertile Couples

Support details may differ by local government and may change. Before applying, be sure to check the notice issued by the public health center in your place of residence.

This article summarizes program information and is not medical advice. Please consult medical professionals regarding whether to undergo treatment and which method to use.