Mandatory health insurance after a qualifying stay
Foreign residents staying beyond a set period must join health insurance. If you are not on workplace enrolment, you become a regional subscriber.
Who this covers
- People registered as foreign residents who stay beyond the qualifying period
- People not eligible for workplace enrolment (self-employed, students, accompanying family)
- The exact period and exceptions vary by status — check with 1577-1000
Steps
- When you become eligible, the Service sends notice to your registered address.
- If your address is wrong, change it. Missing the bill and falling into arrears is the most common problem.
- Pay when the premium bill arrives. Setting up a direct debit is safest.
- If you take a job, you switch to workplace enrolment. Confirm this too.
What you need
- Alien Registration Card
- An accurate Korean address
- A bank account (direct debit)
- A mobile number
Where to go
- National Health Insurance Service 1577-1000 · www.nhis.or.kr
- Your nearest NHIS branch (address changes, advice)
- 1345 Immigration Contact Center
Questions people ask
I don't want to join. If you meet the conditions it is not a choice. Non-payment causes problems at hospitals and can affect immigration screening.
I live in a dormitory and get no bill. Check your registered address. You can change it at a branch or via 1577-1000.
I'm on workplace enrolment but got a regional bill. It may be a duplicate. Contact 1577-1000 to sort it out.
I left the country and came back. Your eligibility may be recalculated. Check with the Service.
Take care
Not receiving the bill does not remove the obligation to pay. Keep your address and contact details current at all times.
Related
nhis-foreigners-overview · nhis-workplace-vs-local · nhis-arrears · nhis-premium
Source
National Health Insurance Service www.nhis.or.kr / As of 2026-08