I am planning to live in Korea for an extended period?

For a long-term stay, National Health Insurance is the foundation and is mandatory for long-term residents, and it covers most everyday medical needs very affordably, from clinic visits to hospital care and many procedures. Whether you need more on top depends on the gaps you want to close. NHIS does not cover everything: it leaves co-payments and only partially covers or excludes things like private hospital rooms, much dental and vision work, some advanced or elective treatments, and certain expensive drugs, and it does nothing for you outside Korea.

Many residents therefore add a Korean private supplement known as 실비보험 (actual-expense insurance), which reimburses much of the out-of-pocket portion NHIS leaves and is relatively inexpensive if you enroll while young and healthy, though it involves medical underwriting. Travel insurance specifically is really meant for short trips and usually is not the right tool for years of residence, but it can make sense if you frequently travel outside Korea, want medical evacuation and repatriation coverage, or need something for the gap before your NHIS starts when you first arrive. Some people from countries with their own systems also keep an international health policy for continuity. In short, prioritize getting on NHIS, consider a Korean 실비보험 supplement for the domestic gaps, and use travel or international insurance for time abroad or the initial arrival gap rather than as your main coverage. Compare a couple of insurers and read the exclusions before signing anything.