The Millo Blog Editorial Team reviewed official guidelines from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) and the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Updated August 14, 2026.
To maintain healthcare access, most expats must follow specific health insurance requirements for foreign residents in South Korea. Generally, any foreign national or overseas Korean who has resided in the country for more than six months is automatically enrolled as a local subscriber in the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). For those employed by a company, subscription is mandatory from the start of employment. This system ensures that foreign residents receive the same medical benefits, including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, as Korean citizens.
Who must join the National Health Insurance Service?
Eligibility for the NHIS is divided into two primary categories: workplace subscribers and local subscribers. Your residency status and visa type determine which category you fall into and when your coverage begins.
Workplace subscribers
If you are hired by a company that is registered with the NHIS, you are compulsorily subscribed as a workplace insured person. In this scenario, registration is handled through your employer. It is important to note that as long as you remain employed, you cannot cancel this insurance coverage.
Local subscribers
Foreign residents who are not covered by a workplace plan (such as freelancers, retirees, or those not yet employed) are considered local subscribers. The general rule is that you become a local subscriber automatically after living in South Korea for six months. Once this threshold is met, the NHIS ensures you have the same coverage as Korean citizens.
Special visa exceptions
While the six-month rule applies to many, certain visa types have different requirements. For example, holders of D-2 (student) and E-9 (non-professional) visas are subject to mandatory subscription immediately from their date of entry into the country, rather than waiting six months.
How are health insurance premiums calculated?
The cost of your monthly contribution depends entirely on your subscription type. While workplace subscribers have a fixed split with their employer, local subscribers are billed based on their individual financial situation.
| Subscriber Type | Calculation Basis | Payment Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Workplace | Fixed percentage of salary | Split 50/50 between employer and employee |
| Local | Income and assets | Paid entirely by the individual |
For local subscribers, the NHIS calculates premiums based on reported income and assets. However, there is a safety net: if your calculated premium is lower than the national average for local subscribers, the NHIS will levy the average premium rate instead. Because these average rates are updated periodically, you should check the current rates via the NHIS official website.
Can you be exempt from mandatory health insurance?
In limited circumstances, foreign residents may apply for an exemption from the mandatory NHIS subscription. This is typically only granted if you can prove you are already covered by a medical insurance plan mandated by your home government that provides benefits equivalent to those offered by the Korean system.
To seek an exemption, you must provide official documentation to the NHIS for review. Approval is not automatic and is granted only if the NHIS determines the foreign coverage is sufficient. For employed foreigners, exclusions may also be possible if there is a specific contract with the employer or foreign regulations that ensure equivalent medical care.
How to manage your insurance and registration
Managing health insurance can be complex, especially when adding dependents or changing your address. The government provides dedicated support to help foreigners navigate these processes.
Using the NHIS Center for Foreign Residents
The National Health Insurance Service operates a specialized Center for Foreign Residents to handle eligibility, contribution management, and general inquiries. For those living in the capital, the Seoul Center for Foreign Residents is located on the 3rd floor of the Sindorim Techno Mart in Guro-gu.
Registering dependents
Foreign residents may register their dependents to share their insurance benefits. While the NHIS allows this, you will need to provide supporting documents to prove the family relationship. Because requirements for these documents (such as whether they need an apostille or specific translation) can vary by nationality and current policy, you must confirm the exact required documents with the NHIS Guidance for Foreigners page or the center directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I leave Korea before the six-month mark?
If you leave the country before reaching six months of residency, you generally would not have been automatically enrolled as a local subscriber. However, if you were a workplace subscriber or held a visa like the D-2, your coverage would have started earlier and would end upon your departure and loss of eligibility.
Is health insurance optional for employees?
No. For foreign employees, subscription is compulsory. While some general guides may suggest insurance is optional, the specific rule for employed foreign nationals is that they are compulsorily subscribed and cannot cancel the insurance as long as their employment continues.
Where can I find my monthly premium amount?
Workplace premiums are typically deducted directly from your monthly paycheck. Local subscribers receive a billing statement via mail or electronic notification from the NHIS.
Next steps for foreign residents
- Verify your visa type: Determine if you are subject to immediate enrollment (e.g., D-2, E-9) or the six-month residency rule.
- Check your employment contract: If employed, confirm that your employer has registered you as a workplace subscriber.
- Update your address: Ensure your residential address is correctly registered with the local government, as this is how the NHIS notifies local subscribers of their eligibility and billing.
- Contact the NHIS Center: If you need to register dependents or apply for an exemption, visit the NHIS Center for Foreign Residents with your identification and supporting documents.
Scope of National Health Insurance Benefits
The NHIS provides foreign residents with the same level of medical coverage as Korean citizens. This comprehensive system is designed to support various stages of healthcare, including preventing, diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating diseases or injuries. These benefits extend not only to the primary subscriber but also to their registered dependents, ensuring that family members have access to necessary medical services while residing in Korea.
The Average Premium Floor for Local Subscribers
While local subscribers’ premiums are typically calculated based on their reported assets and income, the NHIS employs a minimum billing threshold known as the average premium. This means that if an individual’s calculated monthly contribution is lower than the current average premium for all local subscribers, the NHIS will levy the average premium instead.
Because these average rates are updated periodically, subscribers should be aware that their monthly costs may fluctuate even if their personal income or assets remain unchanged. This mechanism ensures that all local subscribers contribute a baseline amount to the national health system.
Criteria for Mandatory Insurance Exemptions
Applying for an exemption from mandatory subscription is a strict process. The NHIS generally only grants exclusions under the following conditions:
- Equivalent Government Coverage: The resident must provide official documentation proving they are covered by a foreign government-mandated medical insurance plan that offers benefits equivalent to those provided by the NHIS.
- Employer Contracts: In some cases, employed foreigners may be excluded if they have a specific contract with their employer or are subject to foreign regulations that ensure equivalent medical care.
It is important to note that these exemptions require official approval from the NHIS. Providing documentation is a requirement, and the NHIS will review the coverage to ensure it is truly equivalent to the benefits provided by the Korean system before granting the exclusion.
Official sources
- National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) – Guidance for Foreigners
- Seoul Metropolitan Government – Insurance Services
- NHIS Center for Foreign Residents