Living in Korea · Health
Health Insurance in Korea for Foreigners (NHIS)
Korea's National Health Insurance (NHIS / 국민건강보험) is mandatory — and it is one of the best deals about living here, giving heavily subsidised medical care. Whether you join through your job or as a resident, here is how it works and what you pay.
Two ways you are covered
Workplace subscriber (직장가입자)
If you are employed, you are enrolled automatically. The health premium is part of the four major insurances — 3.595% of your salary, matched by your employer, plus Long-term Care. It is deducted from your paycheck.
Local subscriber (지역가입자)
If you are not employed — a resident, student, freelancer or dependent — long-term foreign residents are mandatorily enrolled after a qualifying period (commonly six months of residence). You pay a monthly premium calculated from income and assets, with a set minimum, billed directly to you.
What it covers
NHIS covers most treatment at clinics and hospitals at subsidised rates — consultations, many procedures, and prescriptions. You pay a modest co-payment at the desk and NHIS covers the rest. Purely elective or cosmetic treatment is generally excluded, and some advanced care has extra costs. Many residents add private insurance on top for gaps.
How to use it
- Your coverage is linked to your Foreign Registration Card (ARC) — bring it to the hospital.
- Pay only the co-payment; the provider bills NHIS for the rest.
- Keep premiums paid on time — lapses can suspend coverage.
- Family members may be covered as dependents if they qualify.
Enrolment timing, premiums and dependent rules for foreigners change periodically. Confirm your status and premium with the National Health Insurance Service (국민건강보험공단 · NHIS).
Frequently asked questions
Do foreigners have to join Korean health insurance?▾
Yes. Foreign residents are generally required to join National Health Insurance (NHIS). If you are employed, you join automatically through your workplace; if not, long-term residents are mandatorily enrolled as local subscribers after a qualifying period (commonly six months of residence).
How much does it cost?▾
If you are employed, the health premium is part of the four major insurances — 3.595% of salary from you and a matching share from your employer, plus long-term care. Local subscribers pay a monthly premium set from income and assets (with a minimum). See our four insurances page for the employee-side rates.
What does NHIS cover?▾
Most treatment at clinics and hospitals at heavily subsidised rates — consultations, many procedures and prescriptions. You pay a modest co-payment; NHIS covers the rest. Some elective and cosmetic care is excluded.
How do I use it at the hospital?▾
Bring your Foreign Registration Card (ARC); your NHIS coverage is linked to it. The hospital charges you only the co-payment at the desk. Keep your enrolment active by paying premiums on time.