National Health Insurance Korea: What Foreigners Must Know

National Health Insurance in Korea: A Complete Guide for International Students and Long-Stay Foreigners (2025 Update)

Why This Matters

1. Who Must Enroll

2. Enrollment: Step by Step

1. Get ARC – Apply at the immigration office within 90 days of arrival.

2. Check NHIS notice – After 6 months, expect a bill mailed to your ARC address around the 10th of the month.

3. First payment – Pay by the 25th (prepay for the next month).

4. Receive card – Your NHIS card arrives by post; bring it to clinics or pharmacies.

5. Keep updated – Report job changes, new address, or family members to NHIS.

3. Premiums and Discounts

• Auto-debit from bank or credit card

• NHIS website (www.nhis.or.kr)

• NHIS mobile apps (The건강보험, 모바일지로)

• Any bank or convenience store counter

4. Coverage and Co-Payments

• Outpatient visits: 30–60% copay (depends on clinic type and location) .

• Hospital stays: 20% copay.

• Emergency care: Covered; you pay a reduced share.

• Dental: Basic procedures covered; cosmetic work excluded.

• Maternity: “Happy Card” subsidy of up to ₩1,000,000 per birth.

• Checkups: Free or low-cost biennial exams.

5. Penalties for Non-Payment

• Coverage suspension: No benefits from the 1st of the following month until arrears cleared .

• Visa issues: Immigration may deny extension if unpaid >₩500,000 .

• Debt collection: NHIS can seize property or bank accounts if arrears persist .

• No backpay: Even if you pay later, past medical costs are not reimbursed.

6. Exemptions (Special Cases)

7. Using NHIS in Real Life

• At the clinic: Present your NHIS card. You pay only your copay, often ₩5,000–30,000.

• At the pharmacy: Bring your prescription + NHIS card; most drugs are subsidized.

• Without card: You may need to pay full price first, then claim reimbursement.

• Language support: Large hospitals in Seoul often provide English or Chinese interpreters. Smaller clinics may not—bring a translation app or written notes.

8. Checklist: Do / Don’t

• Apply for ARC immediately after arrival.

• Set up auto-debit for premiums.

• Carry NHIS card or digital copy.

• Use NHIS website/app for bills.

• Ignore unpaid bills; even one missed month suspends coverage.

• Assume OTC drugs are in convenience stores—only pharmacies sell them.

• Expect NHIS to cover cosmetic or elective treatments.

9. Mini Case Example

A student from Vietnam arrived in March 2024 with a D-2 visa. She received her ARC in April. In October (six months later), she got her first NHIS bill at ₩75,490/month (discounted). She did not update her address when moving dorms, so the next bill went to her old address. In December, she was denied NHIS coverage at the clinic. Lesson: always update your address with both Immigration and NHIS.

10. FAQ

Glossary

• NHIS (National Health Insurance Service): Korea’s public health insurance provider.

• ARC (Alien Registration Card): Mandatory ID for long-term foreigners.

• Copay: The portion of medical costs you pay (30–60% outpatient, 20% inpatient).

• Happy Card: NHIS maternity subsidy card.

Final Notes

FOHO: The Partner You Need Beyond Health Insurance