Manual therapy managed benefit starts — 15 sessions a year as a rule (up to 24 after surgery, fractures and similar), from 1 July
Source material is a Korean government announcement (in Korean).
Under the manual therapy managed benefit that the Ministry of Health and Welfare has been running since 1 July, the rule is up to 2 sessions a week and 15 a year, but where there is medical need such as surgery or a fracture, health insurance covers up to 24 sessions a year.
Key facts
| In force | Ministry of Health and Welfare, 1 July 2026 |
|---|---|
| Standard rule | Up to 2 sessions a week and 15 a year, regardless of the part of the body |
| Exception | Up to 24 sessions a year on the doctor's judgement where there are clear findings of joint contracture or stiffness after surgery, a fracture or similar |
| Going over the limit | Possible by paying yourself, but national health insurance and indemnity health insurance do not apply |
| When cover applies | After at least 2 weeks and at least 4 sessions of basic physical therapy or simple rehabilitation therapy with no improvement (early treatment is possible for limited joint range of motion after surgery, paediatric torticollis and similar) |
Last checked:
On 7 July the Ministry of Health and Welfare explained, in a question-and-answer format, the manual therapy managed benefit (관리급여) that has been in force since 1 July. As a rule, manual therapy is covered for up to 2 sessions a week and 15 sessions a year regardless of the part of the body treated. Where there are clear findings such as joint contracture or stiffness after surgery or a fracture, up to 24 sessions a year can be recognised based on the doctor's medical judgement. People who go beyond the standard number of sessions for personal reasons can still have treatment by paying for it themselves, but national health insurance and indemnity health insurance do not apply. In principle, health insurance covers manual therapy when symptoms have not improved after at least 2 weeks and at least 4 sessions of basic physical therapy or simple rehabilitation therapy. Where early treatment is needed — for example limited joint range of motion after surgery or paediatric torticollis — it can be given straight away without other treatment first. The ministry said the managed benefit does not ban manual therapy or restrict care, but sets standards so that it is provided appropriately according to medical need.
Summaries below are factual notes based on government announcements and primary sources — not evaluations or opinions.
FAQ
How many manual therapy sessions a year does health insurance cover?
As a rule up to 2 sessions a week and 15 a year. Where there is a clear medical need such as surgery or a fracture, up to 24 sessions a year can be recognised based on the doctor's judgement.
What happens if I go over the standard number of sessions?
You can still have treatment by paying yourself, but national health insurance and indemnity health insurance do not apply.