National Health Insurance in Korea: A Complete Guide for International Students and Long-Stay Foreigners (2025 Update)
Why This Matters
If you are studying or living in Korea for more than six months, you cannot ignore the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). Since March 2021, enrollment has been mandatory for most long-term foreign residents. Missing payments can even block visa renewals. Yet, many students arrive with little guidance, relying on outdated university notices.
This guide gives you step-by-step instructions, updated numbers, and practical tips to avoid confusion.
1. Who Must Enroll
Visa Type | When Enrollment Starts | Notes |
D-2 (Study) | 6 months after Alien Registration Card (ARC) issue | Automatic enrollment; no separate application needed. |
D-4 (Language training) | Same as D-2 | Student discount applies. |
E-series (work visas) | From employment start date | Employer must register you. |
F-2/F-5/F-6 (residency, spouse, permanent) | Upon ARC issue | Household members can be added. |
H-1 (working holiday) | After 6 months, optional | May apply for exemption if you hold valid private insurance. |
Source: NHIS official guidance .
2. Enrollment: Step by Step
- Get ARC – Apply at the immigration office within 90 days of arrival.
- Check NHIS notice – After 6 months, expect a bill mailed to your ARC address around the 10th of the month.
- First payment – Pay by the 25th (prepay for the next month).
- Receive card – Your NHIS card arrives by post; bring it to clinics or pharmacies.
- Keep updated – Report job changes, new address, or family members to NHIS.
💡 Tip: If you don’t receive a bill, contact NHIS (☎1577-1000 → press 7 for English, Chinese, or Vietnamese). Many students miss coverage simply because the bill went to the wrong address.
3. Premiums and Discounts
Group | Monthly Contribution (2025) | Notes |
International students (D-2/D-4) | ₩114,660 | Discounted flat rate; confirmed by FOHO . |
University-verified students | ₩75,490 (2024 data) | Discount after 50% subsidy . |
Employees | 7.09% of monthly salary | Employer pays half . |
Freelancers / self-employed | ₩110,000–150,000 typical | Based on income; varies by district. |
Sources: NHIS, FOHO expat guide .
Payments can be made by:
- 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
NHIS gives nearly the same benefits as Korean citizens:
- 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.
Not covered: cosmetic surgery, most elective dermatology, braces, psychotherapy without psychiatrist.
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.
👉 Always set up auto-debit to avoid accidental lapses.
6. Exemptions (Special Cases)
Foreigners can apply to opt-out if they hold equivalent foreign insurance:
Country | Required Proof |
France | National health card + exclusion form |
Japan | Japanese health insurance card + exclusion form |
USA | Blue Cross Blue Shield or Uniformed Services card + form |
Notes: Submit original plus Korean translation (no apostille required). Always confirm with NHIS before applying .
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
Do
- Apply for ARC immediately after arrival.
- Set up auto-debit for premiums.
- Carry NHIS card or digital copy.
- Use NHIS website/app for bills.
Don’t
- 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
Q1. Do I need NHIS if I already have travel insurance?
Yes, if you stay more than six months, NHIS is mandatory. You may apply for exemption only if your foreign insurance is deemed equivalent .
Q2. Can I use NHIS outside Korea?
No. Coverage applies only within Korea.
Q3. How do I add my spouse or children?
Submit family registration documents at your NHIS office.
Q4. Are prescriptions included?
Yes, most prescribed medicines are subsidized. Copays apply.
Q5. Is dental care fully covered?
No. Only basic treatments like fillings and extractions. Cosmetic dental work is not covered.
Q6. Can unpaid premiums block my visa renewal?
Yes. Immigration may deny extension if arrears exceed ₩500,000 .
Q7. Where can I get help in English?
Call NHIS 1577-1000 → press 7. Hours: weekdays 09:00–18:00.
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
For students and expats, NHIS is not just a formality. It ensures affordable healthcare and prevents visa complications. Enroll, pay on time, and carry your card—it will save you stress and money.
FOHO: The Partner You Need Beyond Health Insurance
Settling into life in Korea is about more than getting your health insurance sorted. Housing, deposits, rent payments, and landlord communication can be even more stressful.
FOHO makes that part easier. With fast and secure payments, transparent listings, and reliable landlord support before and after move-in, we remove the friction that most foreigners face.
Focus on your studies and daily life. Let FOHO handle the housing.
