Managed-Coverage Manual Therapy: The July 2026 Rules

Managed-coverage manual therapy is a system that took effect on July 1, 2026, and compared with conventional manual therapy, the eligibility conditions, number of sessions and cost structure have changed. Everything in this article is based on the rules in effect as of July 2026, and the actual number of sessions and out-of-pocket costs may vary depending on your individual insurance terms and future changes to the system. For those who want to check what has changed before starting manual therapy, we look at it in three parts.

Number of sessions and treatment costs: what has changed

The table above compares the session limits and treatment cost changes between conventional manual therapy and managed-coverage manual therapy under the rules in effect as of July 2026. In 2026, the first year of the system, it was announced that up to 15 sessions of managed-coverage manual therapy can be received from July to December, and the treatment cost burden has also been greatly reduced compared with before.

Prior treatment is required before managed-coverage manual therapy

Under the rules in effect from July 1, 2026, managed-coverage manual therapy cannot be started right away; basic physical therapy must come first. If there is no improvement after receiving a total of 4 sessions of physical therapy such as hot packs, electrotherapy, simple exercise therapy and massage therapy over 2 weeks, managed-coverage manual therapy can be performed based on the doctor's opinion.

How is the patient's share determined?

Under the rules in effect as of July 2026, the treatment cost for one session (30 minutes) of managed-coverage manual therapy is 43,850 KRW. Of this, the government covers 5% and the remaining 95% is the patient's share, and the amount you actually pay depends on which generation of private indemnity health insurance (silson) you have.

Comparison of managed-coverage manual therapy costs by private health insurance generation (rules in effect as of July 2026, based on 41,650 KRW, which is 95% of 43,850 KRW per session)

The amounts in the table are examples based on the rules at the time they took effect in July 2026. Because they vary by type of medical institution and insurance policy terms, please confirm your actual out-of-pocket cost again when you visit.

Summary

• Under the rules in effect as of July 2026, managed-coverage manual therapy requires 4 sessions of basic physical therapy over 2 weeks first.
• In 2026, it was announced that up to 15 sessions can be received from July to December.
• Because the patient's share depends on your private health insurance generation, if you have been putting off manual therapy because of cost, it is a good idea to start by checking your own conditions.

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Last reviewed : 2026-10-14 This article provides general medical information. Individual diagnosis and treatment plans are decided through an in-person consultation.