NHIS health insurance for foreigners: who must enroll, premiums and benefits

South Korea runs universal health coverage through the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS, 국민건강보험). Foreigners residing in Korea for 6 months or longer are required to enroll — it is social insurance, and it sharply reduces the cost of medical care.

Employees (직장가입자): in 2026 the health insurance premium = 7.19% of salary (effective January 1, 2026), split in half: 3.595% is deducted from your pay and 3.595% is paid by your employer. The amount is withheld automatically on your payslip.

Regional subscribers (지역가입자): those not in salaried employment (international students, dependents, the self-employed...) pay under the regional scheme, which has a minimum monthly premium (from around ₩88,000 and up, varying by regulations and circumstances — check the exact amount with NHIS).

Early enrollment: some statuses such as D-2 (study), E-9 (EPS), F-5 (permanent residence), F-6 (marriage) are usually enrolled from the foreigner registration date or the date of entry, without waiting the full 6 months.

If you pay late: late-payment charges may apply and it can affect your visa extension. Keep your NHIS card and pay premiums on time; present the card when seeing a doctor to receive the insured rate.