Insurance & Medical
Health insurance is mandatory in Korea. That’s why a trip to the doctor usually costs you little when you actually need one. Here’s who joins, what you’ll pay, and how to see a doctor as a foreigner.
Who has to join, and when?
Everyone working in Korea joins NHIS (National Health Insurance, 국민건강보험) automatically through their employer. If you’re not employed, you’re enrolled as a local subscriber once you’ve been here 6 months. That covers accompanying family and job-seekers too, while D-2 students are enrolled from the day they arrive. An employee’s spouse or child under 19 can be added as a dependent instead. You pay a premium even with no Korean income.
Why is that? NHIS is mandatory for residents. Everyone pays in, so your own costs stay low when you need care. The 6-month rule is why a first bill catches so many newcomers off guard.
What does it cover?
NHIS covers a large share of clinic, hospital and prescription costs, and what’s left is your co-payment. Cosmetic work, implants and some scans get only partial coverage, or none. Many people add private insurance for the gaps.
Why is that? Clinics and hospitals bill NHIS directly, so you usually just pay your co-payment at the desk: for outpatient care that is 30% at a clinic or pharmacy, 40% at a hospital, 50% at a general hospital and 60% at a tertiary hospital, and 20% for inpatient care. Dental basics like fillings and extractions are partly covered; implants and orthodontics largely aren’t.
How do I see a doctor?
Bring your ARC (residence card, 외국인등록증). Clinics look you up by it at the desk. 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 family-doctor system, so you can walk into most clinics. Co-payments start at 30% at a clinic and rise to 60% at a tertiary hospital, so it makes sense to start at a clinic.
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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. The co-payment is lower
- Check coverage firstBefore a big procedure, ask if it is covered (급여) or not (비급여)
Frequently asked
If they meet the conditions, you can add family members as dependents on your employee coverage. Otherwise each person enrolls 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.