Understanding the Korean National Health Insurance (NHI) system as a foreigner.
Who Must Enroll?
- All foreigners staying 6+ months must enroll in NHI
- Enrollment is automatic for employees (employer handles it)
- Self-employed/students: register at local NHI branch
Monthly Premiums (2026)
- Employee: ~3.5% of salary (split 50/50 with employer)
- Self-employed: based on income/property, usually 100,000~200,000 KRW/month
- Student: ~130,000 KRW/month (fixed rate)
Coverage
- Doctor visits: you pay 30% (NHI covers 70%)
- Hospital stays: you pay 20%
- Prescription drugs: you pay 30%
- Dental: basic treatments covered, cosmetic procedures not covered
- Vision: eye exams covered, glasses/contacts not covered
How to Register
- Visit your local NHI branch
- Bring: passport, ARC (Alien Registration Card), proof of address
- Processing: same day
Pro Tips
- Keep all medical receipts for year-end tax deduction
- Download the NHI app (건강보험) for easy claims
- Private insurance (실비보험) recommended for better coverage
- Emergency rooms: go to any hospital, NHI applies automatically