If you fall behind on health insurance premiums
Falling behind causes trouble at hospitals and with immigration. But there are options — do not hide it, get advice.
What happens
- You may lose insurance cover and pay the full cost at hospitals.
- Late charges are added to what you owe.
- It can affect extension and status change screening.
- If you have assets or income, it can proceed to seizure.
Steps
- Check how much you owe. 1577-1000 or the app.
- Work out why it happened. Often the bill went to an old address.
- Talk to the Service. Ask whether instalments are available.
- Update your address and contact details.
- Set up direct debit so it does not happen again.
What you need
- Alien Registration Card
- Your current address and contact number
- Evidence of income or circumstances (if any)
Where to go
- 1577-1000 National Health Insurance Service
- Your nearest branch (instalment advice)
- 1345 Immigration Contact Center (effect on your stay)
- Your local support centre for foreign workers
Questions people ask
I never received a bill. It may be an address problem. But not receiving it does not remove the obligation. Fix your address now and get advice.
I can't afford it. Ask about instalments or an adjustment. Leaving it makes the amount grow.
I'm worried about my extension. Arrears can be considered in screening. Clear them before applying, or have a payment plan. Check with 1345.
My company didn't pay, so I'm in arrears. Reporting and paying workplace premiums is the employer's duty. Tell 1350 and 1577-1000.
Take care
Avoiding the hospital because of arrears makes illness worse. In an emergency, call 119 regardless of arrears.
Related
nhis-premium · nhis-mandatory-enrollment · medical-cost-without-insurance
Source
National Health Insurance Service www.nhis.or.kr / As of 2026-08