Arriving & offices
Health insurance in Korea: NHIS for foreigners
As of: October 2026 · Leben in Korea
If you live in Korea for longer, you end up in the national health insurance NHIS (National Health Insurance Service). Whether you're insured through your employer or pay yourself depends on your situation. Here's the overview.
Who has to join the NHIS?
Since 16 July 2019, foreigners who live in Korea for more than six months have to join the NHIS as self-insured members (local subscribers).
If you work for an insured company in Korea, you're automatically insured through your employer.
What does the insurance cost?
As an employee you pay a contribution of 7.19% of your monthly wage in 2026. Your employer pays half of it, and your share is deducted directly from your wage.
Self-insured members pay according to income and assets, just like Koreans. If the calculated amount is below the average contribution, the average contribution is due. The NHIS tells you the current amount.
Contributions are due on the 10th of the following month.
Discounts for students and other visas
- 50% discount for D-2 and D-4 (university, language school)
- 50% discount for F-4 (since March 2023)
- 30% discount for D-6 and G-1
Exemption for employees
If, as an employee, you have equivalent cover, for example through a foreign insurance or your employment contract, you can apply for an exemption. If you apply within 14 days, it applies from the start.
Which benefits do you get?
Insured foreigners get the same benefits as Koreans: check-ups, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.
Advice in English
The NHIS advises you in English at 033-811-2000.
Sources
As of: October 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice. No guarantee; the official authorities have the final word.