How do you subscribe to health insurance in Korea

Any foreigner or overseas Korean who has stayed for 6months or more in Korea is subject to the statutory subscription to health insurance from July 16, 2019, onward.

*6months counting back from July 16, 2019

Eligibility

Any foreigner or overseas Korean who has stayed in Korea for 6months or more (hereinafter the “period”)

  • If the total days of your staying abroad are fewer than 30days during the period, you are considered to have stayed for 6months.

  • If the total days of your staying abroad are more then 30days, you can register to the national health insurance when the date of six months passed since you have re-entered into Korea.

(Exceptions) Persons entitled to an immediate subscription upon entry into Korea

  • Holders of study (D-2) or Marriage (F-6) Visa (subject to alien registration with the competent authority)

subscription procedure

NHIS will register you as a self-employed insured in authority when NHIS finds out you have met the period requirement for enrollment.

NHIS will send you an NHI Card and a bill to your residential address.

▼Please visit the nearest NHIS office (customer service for foreigner) for subscription in any of the following cases..

  • Subscription was not made automatically (NHI Card was not delivered to you)

  • When you wish to enroll in the health insurance as a family unit because you arrived Korea with family members (for example, your spouse and minor children)

  • When you wish to pay a reduced insurance contribution because you are a student visa holder, or an overseas Korean or as a F4 visa holder (Korean but having foreign nationality)

health insurance benefit is available only when health contribution is paid. Visa extension is restricted if you pay in arrears

Late Payment or Nonpayment

*Monthly health insurance contribution as of 2019 : KRW 113,050

⇒restricted to get healthcare service and visa extension

  • (Restriction on health insurance benefit) when you visit the hospital/clinic, you are not eligible to get health care services

  • (Restriction on visa extension) Extension of your stay in Korea may not be granted (by the Korea Immigration Service, MOJ)

apply for direct debit and register a refund account for convenient payment and refund

Direct Debit and Refund Account

  • Apply for Direct Debit for automatic withdrawal of your health contribution from your bank account on the designated date.

  • Register a refund account to immediately receive a refund into your bank account.

    *Visit or call to apply

family subscription and required documents

eligibility for a family subscription

  • The scope of family members : Spouse and minor children (aged under 19)

  • The residential address of the family member’s in Korea must be same as yours.

Documents as a Proof of Family Relationship

  • Notarization of translated documents in Korea is accepted. If notarized overseas, the translated version must also be certificated by the Foreign Ministry or by Apostille.