Health insurance for foreign residents
Foreign residents staying in Korea beyond a set period are covered by national health insurance. You pay a premium, and your share of medical bills drops sharply.
Who needs this
- Employee subscribers: people employed at a workplace. The employer reports and shares the premium
- Regional subscribers: everyone else who meets the residence requirement
- Students and marriage migrants have their own timing rules
Steps
- Work out which category you are in. If you work for a company, you are usually an employee subscriber.
- Employee subscribers are registered by the employer. Check that your insurance card arrives.
- Regional subscribers enrol at an NHIS branch, or are enrolled automatically when they meet the requirement.
- Pay the premium notices. Falling behind restricts benefits.
Documents
- Alien Registration Card, passport
- Documents showing your status and period of stay
- To add family as dependants, documents proving the relationship (translation or apostille may be required)
Where to go
- NHIS 1577-1000
- The NHIS branch for your address
- Online: www.nhis.or.kr
- Ask 1345 if you need interpretation
Questions people ask
How much is the premium? It depends on income, property and subscriber type, and changes each year. Check your own figure with the NHIS.
What happens if I don't pay? Benefits can be restricted and it may affect immigration reviews. Ask the NHIS about instalments if you are struggling.
I have insurance from my home country. If you meet the requirement you are generally still covered here. Ask the NHIS about exceptions.
Source and date
Based on public guidance from the NHIS (www.nhis.or.kr). Requirements and premiums change — always check the latest.