FSN, a KOSDAQ-listed company, has announced the results of a survey on the inclusion of hair loss treatment drugs under the national health insurance through its subsidiary Daedamo.com. According to the survey, more than 8 out of 10 members of Daedamo, the largest hair loss community in Korea, supported the inclusion of hair loss treatment drugs under health insurance coverage.
Social debate on this issue is intensifying after the Ministry of Health and Welfare recently announced in its work report that it would review measures to expand health insurance coverage for hair loss treatments. Currently, health insurance coverage is only provided for hair loss treatments related to autoimmune diseases such as alopecia areata and seborrheic dermatitis, while treatments for hereditary hair loss are classified as non-covered items.
In fact, Daedamo, the largest hair loss community in Korea with 440,000 members, saw a roughly 20% increase in new member registrations during the week following the policy review news on December 16, compared to the previous week. This surge is interpreted as reflecting the high expectations among those affected that a policy change would lead to a tangible reduction in household financial burdens, given that long-term use of hair loss medication is essential.
Starting December 18, Daedamo conducted a member survey titled "Is hair loss a matter of survival? Should hair loss medication also be covered by insurance?" through its "Daedamo Official" platform. More than 800 members participated in the survey, with 84% of respondents expressing support for health insurance coverage for hair loss medication, while 16% were opposed.
Respondents in favor cited the economic burden of non-covered hair loss medication and the psychological distress caused by hair loss as the main reasons. In particular, younger members who are actively engaged in social activities emphasized that hair loss directly affects all aspects of daily life, including employment and marriage, and insisted that policy support is essential to improve quality of life. While hair loss may not be a life-threatening disease, they argued that it is a significant issue in an individual's life and that at least partial support is necessary, even if full coverage is not possible.
On the other hand, a cautious stance was also observed among some members, who cited concerns about the financial soundness of the national health insurance system and the sustainability of the policy, arguing that strengthening the essential medical care system should be the top priority. In addition, discussions have moved beyond simple support or opposition to include practical and specific alternatives such as differentiated support by age group, annual limits on the number of claims and total amount, and phased coverage based on the severity of hair loss.
A Daedamo representative stated, "This survey was an opportunity to confirm the high level of interest and practical concerns among people with hair loss regarding the inclusion of hair loss medication under health insurance. As a leading community where people with hair loss can share experiences and information and make their voices heard, Daedamo will continue to contribute to healthy discussions across policy, healthcare, and industry."
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