FOHO Blog – Global Housing & Living Guide for Foreigners
How National Health Insurance (NHI) Works for Foreigners in Korea — 2025 Update
Discover who qualifies for Korea’s National Health Insurance, how much it costs, what it covers, and simple steps to enroll. Essential reading for expats, students, and long-term residents.
Evan Han
TIP
Table of contents
![[flow chart] NHI for Foreigners in Korea](https://www.notion.so/image/attachment%3A3e0fab2d-0f74-4127-a3d4-39ebb020537a%3Aimage.png?table=block&id=23e4122e-aed5-8070-b5a9-e8f5c9bb6cfa&cache=v2)
Introduction
Briefly introduce why understanding NHI is essential for foreigners living in Korea, mentioning mandatory enrollment after 6 months.
Visa Type | Auto-Enrolled? | Must Enroll? | How Enrollment Happens |
E-7, E-2 (Full-time worker) | Yes | Yes | Employer handles it automatically |
Freelancer / Self-employed | No | Yes (after 6 months) | Must visit NHIS and register |
D-2 (University student) | Yes (after 6 months) | Yes | Auto-enrollment after ARC 6-month mark |
D-4 (Language student) | Yes (after 6 months) | Yes | Auto-enrollment after ARC 6-month mark |
F-2, F-5, F-6 (Long-term) | No | Yes | Must register like a Korean citizen |
Tourist visa | No | No | Not eligible (must get private insurance) |
Once your ARC hits 6 months, enrollment is mandatory unless your employer already registered you.
How Much Does It Cost?
Group | Monthly Premium (2025) | Notes |
Employee | 7.09% of salary (split 50/50) | Deducted directly from paycheck. |
Freelancer / Long-term visa | ₩110,000–₩130,000 avg | Based on income/assets. |
Students (D-2, D-4) | ₩114,660 flat rate | No income proof needed. |
Unpaid premiums add up and can block your visa renewal, so don’t ignore the bills.
What’s Covered?
Category | Covered | Notes |
Clinic/hospital visits | Yes | Small co-pays apply (₩5K–₩30K). |
Emergency services | Yes | Includes ambulance and ER, though some costs may apply. |
Prescription meds | Yes | Most common drugs are subsidized. |
Annual checkups | Yes | Once every 2 years; yearly for labor-intensive jobs. |
Dental/vision | Partial | Covers basics only (fillings, exams). |
Mental health | Partial | Psychiatric visits covered; talk therapy often isn’t unless diagnosed. |
Costs & Insurance Coverage
- NHI coverage: With NHI, expect to pay roughly 20–30% of the bill (sometimes more for specialist procedures). In practical terms, that GP visit ~₩40,000 base cost ends up ~₩13–20K to you. Prescription drugs are also subsidized (bring your insurance card to reduce the pharmacy bill). NHI covers most medical needs: GP/specialist visits, hospitalization, basic surgery, and prescription medicine.
- What’s NOT fully covered: Cosmetic procedures (e.g. plastic surgery, many dental implants), elective extras, some screenings (beyond national programs), and non-essential supplements or “medicines not approved”. Also, many over-the-counter supplements aren’t covered. Mental health counseling by psychologists (not psychiatrists) is typically out-of-pocket.
- Without NHI: If you aren’t on NHI (e.g. short-term visa), you pay full price. That generally means 2–3× the insured price, but since Korean prices are low, it’s still reasonable by Western standards. A simple doctor visit might be ₩20–40K even without insurance. Still, it’s smart to carry international health/travel insurance if not yet on NHI.
Enrolling in National Health Insurance (brief steps)
- Get your ARC/Residence Card. (If employed, your ARC shows your legal status.) Once you’ve been in Korea over 6 months, NHI is mandatory.
- If employed: Your employer usually registers you with NHI and deducts ~5% of your paycheck (matched 50% by employer). Check your pay stub – it should list 국민연금/NHIS.
- If self-employed or the company doesn’t enroll you: Within a month of getting your ARC, visit your local NHIS office (or 국민건강보험공단) with your ARC, passport, and an application form (available online or at the office). Provide proof of income (e.g. Korean tax or business registration docs).
- Pay your premium: You’ll be billed monthly (amount based on income). Many banks can auto-pay NHI. Expats often pay ~₩100–130K/month, though it scales with salary.
- Receive your insurance card: This card is used at clinics/hospitals and pharmacies. If you change jobs or address, update your NHI registration promptly.
TLDR
Foreigners staying in Korea 6+ months must register for NHI unless already covered by a job. Monthly cost is ~₩110K–₩130K. Coverage includes clinics, ER, prescriptions, checkups, and some dental/mental health. Students are automatically enrolled after 6 months. Bills affect visa renewals, so don’t ignore them.
Update (2025-07-28)
New Point | What It Means | Source / How to Act on It |
Typical regional premium now ~₩150K | Many freelancers / F-visa holders report bills closer to ₩150 000 unless they submit income proof. | NHIS regional billing notices (2025). If your income is low, file for a reduction (see below). |
One premium covers spouse + kids | Families pay a single household premium once dependents are added. | NHIS family-member add form. Bring marriage cert + kids’ ARC copies to your branch. |
H-1 (Working Holiday) | Not auto-enrolled at first, but NHIS can register you after 6 months if you don’t opt out. Exemption possible with proof of private insurance. | NHIS foreign resident FAQ. Visit branch to file an exemption. |
F-4 (Overseas Korean) | Auto-enrolled once ARC hits 6 months, similar to D-2 students. | NHIS eligibility list; multiple university guides. |
Premium-reduction program (보험료 경감) | Students and low-income residents can get 50 % off. Requires income/property proof (or school cert). | ACTS Univ. guide (PDF) & Seoul Global Center bulletin. Apply at NHIS or in the “The건강보험” app. |
Saving on Living Costs Starts with Smarter Housing Decisions
If you’re trying to keep your monthly spending in check, housing is where it starts. Choosing between jeonse, banjeonse, or wolse isn’t just about preference — it’s about how much cash you’ll need upfront, how much you’ll pay each month, and how protected you are legally.
That’s where FOHO can make a difference. We help you understand what each option really means, verify listings, handle paperwork, and communicate with landlords — so you avoid costly mistakes and stay focused on what brought you to Korea in the first place.
A smarter housing decision can mean thousands saved over the course of a year.
Sources
Official NHIS guidance and expatriate health guides have been used to compile this practical overview of healthcare access for long-term foreigners in Seoul and other Korean cities.
Links mentioned:
- ACTS student guide (reduction application): https://aigs.acts.ac.kr/…/Health-Insurance-System-Guide.pdf
- Seoul Global Center notice: https://global.seoul.go.kr/…/F42BF2F60DD501F6E…
- NHIS English FAQ: https://www.nhis.or.kr/english/wbheaa02900m01.do
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