Insurance & Medical
Health insurance is mandatory in Korea — and it’s why care is affordable when you need it. Here’s who joins, what you’ll pay, and how to actually see a doctor as a foreigner.
Who has to join, and when?
Everyone working in Korea joins NHIS automatically through their employer. If you’re not employed — student, dependent or job-seeker — you’re enrolled as a local subscriber after about 6 months of residence, and you pay a premium even with no Korean income.
Why is that? NHIS is mandatory for residents, which keeps the system universal and your costs low when you actually need care. The 6-month rule is why many newcomers get a first bill that catches them off guard.
What does it cover?
NHIS covers a large share of clinic, hospital and prescription costs — you pay a smaller co-payment. Cosmetic care, implants and some scans are partly covered or not at all, so many people add private insurance for the gaps.
Why is that? Providers bill NHIS directly, so you usually just pay your co-payment at the desk. Dental basics like fillings and extractions are partly covered; implants and orthodontics largely aren’t.
How do I see a doctor?
Bring your ARC — clinics look you up by it. Go to a clinic (의원) for minor issues and a hospital (병원) for bigger ones; pharmacies (약국) fill prescriptions. Keep your premium paid to stay covered.
Why is that? Korea has no strict GP gatekeeping, so you can walk into most clinics directly. Co-payments are small at clinics and rise at larger hospitals, which nudges you to start small.
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Common terms
Health insurance basics
- Confirm enrollmentThrough your employer, or with NHIS as a local subscriber
- Keep your ARC handyClinics look you up by your ARC at the desk
- Pay premiums on timeUnpaid premiums can affect your visa renewal
- Know clinic vs hospitalStart at a clinic for minor issues — lower co-payment
- Check coverage firstAsk covered (급여) vs non-covered (비급여) before big procedures
Frequently asked
Dependents can sometimes be added to an employee subscriber if they meet the conditions; otherwise each person is enrolled separately. Check the requirements with NHIS.
Coverage can be suspended, and unpaid premiums can affect visa renewals. Contact NHIS early if you’re struggling to pay — don’t just ignore the bill.
Premiums generally aren’t refunded, but you stop owing once you deregister your residence on departure. Settle any balance before you go.