Korean National Health Insurance for Foreigners: 2025 Essential Guide

South Korea’s National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) provides comprehensive medical coverage for residents, including foreign nationals.

Since 2019, most foreigners staying in Korea for more than six months are required to enroll in NHIS. Understanding this system is essential for legal compliance, healthcare access, and visa maintenance.

Eligibility Requirements

Mandatory Enrollment

Foreign nationals and overseas Koreans must enroll in NHIS after residing in Korea for six months, with some exceptions. This requirement applies to holders of the following visa types:

Visa Category	Visa Types	Enrollment Timing
Student	D-2 (study abroad), D-4 (general training)	After 6 months of residence
Employment	E-1 through E-10 (various work categories)	Immediate (if employer-enrolled)
Residence	F-2 (residence), F-4 (overseas Korean)	After 6 months
Marriage	F-6 (marriage migrant)	Immediate eligibility
Permanent	F-5 (permanent residence)	After 6 months
Other	H-1 (working holiday), H-2 (visiting employment)	After 6 months

Immediate Eligibility Exceptions

The following groups can enroll immediately without the six-month waiting period:

• Spouses of Korean nationals (F-6 visa)
• Children under 19 of foreign workers
• Full-time students with D-2 or D-4-3 visas
• Workers with E-9 (non-professional employment) visas

Important: As of April 2024, stricter requirements apply for dependent enrollment to prevent system abuse.

Two Types of NHIS Enrollment

Enrollment Type	Who It Applies To	Premium Calculation
Employee-Insured	Workers at companies with 5+ employees	Based on salary; split between employer and employee
Self-Employed Insured	Self-employed, small company workers, students	Based on income and property; individual pays full amount

Monthly Premium Costs

For Students (2025)

• Monthly premium: approximately ₩76,390 (about $57 USD)
• Reduction available for low-income students

For Workers

• Employee-insured: Varies by salary; employer pays approximately 50%
• Self-employed: Ranges from ₩100,000-130,000 monthly (approximately $75-$97 USD)
• Minimum premium applies if calculated amount falls below average

Note: Premium amounts are subject to annual adjustment by NHIS.

Coverage Details

What NHIS Covers

Service Type	Coverage Rate	Typical Out-of-Pocket Cost
Outpatient visits	60-70%	₩5,000-30,000 per visit
Inpatient care	70-80%	Varies by treatment
Emergency care	Up to 100%	Minimal copay
Prescription drugs	60-80%	Heavily subsidized
Preventive checkups	Free (biannually based on birth year)	₩0
Dental care	Partial	Some procedures covered
Mental health	Partial (referral required)	Varies

What NHIS Does NOT Cover

• Cosmetic procedures
• Elective treatments
• Most chronic illness treatments (including some cancer care)
• Treatments not affecting work or daily life
• Over-the-counter medications

Enrollment Process

Required Documents

Document	Purpose	Notes
Alien Registration Card (ARC)	Primary identification	Must obtain within 90 days of arrival
Passport	Identity verification	Valid passport required
Proof of residence	Address verification	Lease contract or utility bill
Employment documents	Income verification (if working)	Employment contract

Enrollment Steps

1. Obtain ARC: Apply at immigration office within 90 days of arrival
2. Wait for NHIS notification: NHIS sends enrollment notice after 6 months (for most visa types)
3. Receive bill: First premium bill arrives around the 10th of the month
4. Set up payment: Establish payment method (bank transfer recommended)
5. Receive insurance card: Card sent to registered address

Timeline: Enrollment processes automatically after ARC registration and required residency period.

Payment Information

Payment Aspect	Details
Bill arrival	Around the 10th of each month
Payment deadline	25th of each month
Late payment consequences	Late fees, coverage suspension, visa renewal issues
Payment methods	Bank transfer (auto-debit recommended), mobile app, online

Important: Unpaid premiums can result in:

• Suspension of insurance benefits
• Inability to use medical services
• Visa renewal complications or denial

Using NHIS at Medical Facilities

At the Clinic/Hospital

1. Present NHIS card or ARC
2. Pay only copayment amount (typically 20-30% of total cost)
3. Receive treatment
4. Get prescription (if needed)

At the Pharmacy

1. Present prescription and NHIS card
2. Pay subsidized amount for medications
3. Most common drugs are covered

Language Support: Large hospitals in Seoul often provide English or Chinese interpretation services. Smaller clinics may have limited English support.

Health Checkups

NHIS provides free general health checkups:

Birth Year	Checkup Frequency
Even year (2000, 2002, etc.)	Eligible in even-numbered years (2024, 2026, etc.)
Odd year (1999, 2001, etc.)	Eligible in odd-numbered years (2025, 2027, etc.)

Additional screenings: Cervical cancer screenings available for eligible female enrollees.

Private Health Insurance

Many foreigners maintain supplementary private insurance because NHIS does not cover:

• All chronic illness treatments
• Certain cancer treatments
• Elective procedures
• Comprehensive mental health care

Waiver Option: Some visa holders may apply for NHIS exemption if they have qualifying foreign private insurance meeting specific requirements (minimum ₩1 billion coverage, no treatment limits).

Important Compliance Notes

Address Changes

• Must update NHIS when moving to new address
• Failure to update can result in missed bills and coverage suspension

Employment Changes

• Report job changes to NHIS
• Enrollment type may change (employee to self-employed or vice versa)

Visa Extensions

• Unpaid NHIS premiums can negatively affect visa renewal applications
• Immigration office may deny extensions for non-payment

Common Questions

Can I use NHIS immediately after enrollment?

Coverage begins on the date of alien registration completion. There is typically a 6-8 week gap between arrival and ARC issuance during which NHIS does not apply.

What if I don’t pay premiums?

Benefits are suspended from the first day of the month following the payment deadline until full payment is made. Visa renewal may also be affected.

Can family members be included?

Spouses and children under 19 residing at the same Korean address may qualify as dependents if they meet income and property requirements. Specific documentation is required.

Is pregnancy/childbirth covered?

Yes, NHIS covers pregnancy and childbirth-related medical expenses, including access to the National Haengbok Card for maternity benefits.

Key Takeaways

Priority Action	Details
Obtain ARC immediately	Within 90 days of arrival
Set up auto-payment	Avoid late fees and coverage gaps
Carry NHIS card	Required at all medical facilities
Update address promptly	Ensure bills reach you
Pay on time	Critical for visa renewal

Official Resources

For current information and specific situations, consult:

• NHIS Official Website: 영어 사이트
• NHIS Call Center: 1577-1000 (press 7 for English)
• NHIS Foreign Residents Center: 033-811-2000

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Disclaimer

This article provides general educational information about South Korea’s National Health Insurance system for foreign residents. Information is based on official NHIS guidance and publicly available sources. Insurance regulations, premium amounts, coverage details, and eligibility requirements are subject to change by Korean government authorities.

This content does not constitute legal, medical, or immigration advice. Individual circumstances vary significantly. For personalized guidance regarding your specific visa status, health needs, or enrollment situation, please consult directly with the National Health Insurance Service, a qualified immigration attorney, or relevant Korean government authorities.

Premium amounts mentioned are approximate and subject to annual adjustment. Always verify current requirements and costs with official NHIS sources before making decisions. The author and publisher assume no liability for actions taken based on information in this article.

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