Guide to Joining Korea's National Health Insurance
Based on official NHIS standards, this guide explains who among foreigners and overseas Koreans must enroll in National Health Insurance, the premiums, the penalties for non-payment, and out-of-pocket costs when using hospitals.
Direct answer
Based on official NHIS standards, this guide explains who among foreigners and overseas Koreans must enroll in National Health Insurance, the premiums, the penalties for non-payment, and out-of-pocket costs when using hospitals.
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Official · Verified · notes
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Task
Healthcare
Visa
All visas
Program
General
Region
Nationwide
This guide explains how foreigners and overseas Koreans enroll in National Health Insurance and use hospitals. Health insurance can vary depending on your residence status, employment, date of entry, date of alien registration, and dependent status. In high-risk situations such as visa extensions or non-payment, check with the National Health Insurance Service (국민건강보험공단, NHIS) or call 1577-1000, or 033-811-2000 for English consultation.
Key Summary
- Workplace-based subscriber: A foreigner working at a workplace covered by health insurance is, in principle, subject to workplace enrollment. The premium is deducted from wages and shared between the employer and the employee.
- Local (regional) subscriber: A long-term resident foreigner who is neither a workplace subscriber nor a dependent is subject to local enrollment if certain requirements are met.
- The 6-month rule: Generally, a foreigner who has stayed in Korea for 6 months or more becomes subject to local enrollment. However, some residence statuses such as D-2, D-4-3, E-9, F-5, and F-6 may be enrolled based on the date of entry. If alien registration is later than the date of entry, the registration date may be applied.
- Excluded residence statuses: A (diplomacy), B (tourism), C (short-term), and G-1 (other) are, in principle, excluded from local enrollment. However, G-1-6 and G-1-12 are exceptionally eligible for enrollment.
- Dependents: Foreigners and overseas Koreans who entered Korea on or after April 3, 2024 can become dependents only if they have resided in Korea for 6 months or more or have a recognized reason for residence. Spouses and children under 19 are exempt from this 6-month rule.
Enrollment Types
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