Support during pregnancy and birth
Korea has several public support schemes around pregnancy and childbirth. Each has its own eligibility rules, so start by working out which ones apply to you.
Who needs this
- Anyone pregnant or giving birth in Korea
- What you can receive depends on health insurance status, visa status and income
- Marriage migrants can get extra help through Family Centers
Steps
- Confirm the pregnancy at a hospital.
- Apply for the health insurance pregnancy and childbirth benefit through the NHIS or a card company if you are insured.
- Register at your public health center for prenatal checks, supplements and classes.
- Report the birth. Birth registration and immigration steps may both be needed.
- Ask a Family Center about postnatal helper services and other support.
Documents
- Alien Registration Card, proof of insurance status
- Pregnancy confirmation from the hospital
- Scheme-specific forms, provided by each office
Where to go
- NHIS 1577-1000 (medical cost support)
- Your local public health center (prenatal care and classes)
- Danuri Helpline 1577-1366 (multilingual counselling and referrals)
Questions people ask
How much is the support? It varies by scheme and year. Check the current amounts with the NHIS and your health center.
Do I need health insurance? Some support requires it. Ask 1577-1000 about your case.
What about the baby's status? Registration and immigration steps are due within a set period after birth. Ask 1345.
Source and date
Based on public guidance from Danuri and the NHIS. Items and amounts change often.