Why Can't the Cost of Stomach Cancer Surgery for Foreign Patients in Korea Be Fixed in Advance (as of 2026)?

To cut to the conclusion: stomach cancer surgery costs vary depending on the stage, surgical method, and length of hospital stay, so a single fixed amount cannot be provided in advance—costs are only confirmed item by item through the estimate issued by the hospital after remote review. The KRW 1,000,000 (about US$730) remote review fee is the amount confirmed and provided in advance on the site, and it is deducted from your medical costs once you sign a treatment contract.

Key Summary

• Stomach cancer surgery costs vary depending on the stage, surgical method (endoscopic resection, laparoscopic, robotic, or open surgery), and length of hospital stay, so they can only be confirmed through the hospital's estimate.
• The remote review (pre-arrival review) fee of KRW 1,000,000 (about US$730) is the amount confirmed and provided in advance on the site, and it is deducted from the treatment cost once you sign a treatment contract.
• Since overseas patients are not covered by Korea's national health insurance, medical costs are borne out of pocket in principle, and each hospital applies its own fee schedule for foreign patients.
• A typical target stay is around ten days for endoscopic resection and 2–3 weeks for laparoscopic or robotic gastrectomy, though this extends if adjuvant chemotherapy continues after surgery.
• Korea's 5-year relative survival rate for stomach cancer is 78.6% (National Cancer Registration Statistics, 2019–2023), a nationwide figure that does not represent the outcome of any specific hospital or individual.

Why Can't the Cost of Stomach Cancer Surgery Be Known in Advance?

• This is because stomach cancer treatment spans a wide range—from endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early-stage cancer to subtotal or total gastrectomy, and even chemotherapy for advanced cases—with methods varying completely depending on the stage.
• For example, early-stage cancer confined to the mucosa can often be treated with endoscopic resection alone, without removing the stomach. However, stage 2–3 cancer that has invaded deeper into the stomach wall or spread to lymph nodes requires surgery combined with adjuvant chemotherapy.
• Because tests, surgery, hospitalization, and medication costs vary greatly from person to person, the actual amount is only confirmed item by item in the estimate issued by the hospital after remote review. The estimate also separately lists interpretation, accommodation, and transportation costs.

Is There Any Amount That Is Already Fixed?

• Yes—the remote review fee of KRW 1,000,000 (about US$730). This is the only amount that can be confirmed and provided in advance on the site.
• Once you upload imaging (DICOM), biopsy results, and diagnostic records, the remote review is completed as a written opinion within 5 business days from the date all records are ready. This comes together with a comparison of three hospitals suited to your stage and condition, along with a package estimate.
• If you sign a treatment contract, this KRW 1,000,000 is deducted from your medical costs. Since the service is considered complete once you receive the written opinion, it is not eligible for a refund. However, if the hospital exceeds the 5-business-day window, the review fee is fully refunded.

Can I Use Korean National Health Insurance or My Own Country's Insurance?

• Overseas patients visiting Korea short-term for treatment purposes are not covered by Korea's national health insurance, so medical costs are borne out of pocket in principle. Each hospital applies its own separate fee schedule for foreign patients.
• Payment generally proceeds in three steps: first, a deposit covering part of the estimated cost is paid before treatment begins; second, tests and treatment proceed; and third, the actual cost is settled at discharge.
• To file a claim with your home country's insurer, you'll need an English-language itemized medical bill, receipts, diagnostic certificates, and admission/discharge confirmation documents. These can be requested and issued through the international patient center. Note that travel insurance typically does not cover treatment for a cancer that has already been diagnosed before entering Korea.

FAQ — How Long Do I Need to Stay in Korea for Stomach Cancer Surgery?

The length of stay depends on the surgical method. Endoscopic submucosal dissection typically requires around ten days, while laparoscopic or robotic gastrectomy generally targets 2–3 weeks. If adjuvant chemotherapy begins in Korea after surgery, the stay will be extended accordingly. An option to receive only the first cycle of chemotherapy in Korea and continue the rest at home is also proposed along with the estimate.

FAQ — Why Do the Figures I Saw Online Differ from the Actual Estimate?

Figures found online are often based on specific individual cases or outdated information. The actual cost depends on the stage, surgical method (endoscopic resection, laparoscopic, or robotic), length of hospital stay, and medications used—so only the estimate issued by the hospital reflects the confirmed amount.

Sources and Notes

• This article was written based on information regarding stomach cancer, frequently asked questions, insurance and documentation, the treatment journey, and robotic surgery notes (National Cancer Information Center, National Cancer Center Korea, NCCN patient guidelines, National Cancer Registration Statistics 2019–2023, Ministry of Health and Welfare, and Medical Korea).
• This content is intended for general medical information purposes only. Diagnosis, treatment methods, and outcomes may vary depending on individual conditions. Accurate diagnosis and treatment decisions should always be made in consultation with medical professionals.