How to Register for the Korean National Health Insurance (NHI) as a Foreigner

Step-by-Step Guide for Expats, Students, and Workers in Korea

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1. Do Foreigners Need to Enroll in Korean National Health Insurance?

Yes—if you’re staying in Korea for more than 6 months, you are legally required to enroll in the National Health Insurance (건강보험).

This applies to:

• Language students (D-4 visa)

• University students (D-2 visa)

• Foreign workers (E-2, E-7, etc.)

• Permanent residents and spouses of Koreans

🩺 Once enrolled, you’ll get access to discounted hospital visits, prescriptions, and insurance-covered treatments.

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2. Who Manages National Health Insurance?

The National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) is responsible for registration, payments, and services.

Website: https://www.nhis.or.kr
English Help Line: 1577-1000 → Press 7

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3. When and How to Enroll in NHI

Enrollment is automatic once:

• You’ve lived in Korea for 6 months, OR

• You are issued an Alien Registration Card (ARC) with a qualifying visa

📬 NHIS will mail you a registration notice and payment bill to your Korean address.

If you don’t receive it, visit or contact your local NHIS office.

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4. Required Documents for Manual Registration

If you need to register yourself, prepare:

• Alien Registration Card (ARC)

• Passport

• Proof of residence (housing contract or utility bill)

• Certificate of employment or school enrollment (depending on visa)

• Korean bank account for auto payments (optional but helpful)

Submit in person at your district NHIS branch.

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5. Monthly Premiums and Payment

• Standard monthly premium (as of 2025): KRW 130,000 – 150,000

• Discounts may apply for students or low-income earners

• Payment is due monthly via:

  • Bank transfer

  • NHIS online system

  • ATM convenience store terminals

💡 If you're employed, your employer shares the cost (about 50/50).

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6. What Is Covered Under Korean NHI?

With your NHI coverage, you get:

• 70%–90% discount on doctor visits and treatments

• Emergency care, surgery, and hospitalization

• Dental checkups, basic fillings, and cleanings

• Prescriptions and medication

• Some mental health services and therapy

🚨 Cosmetic procedures, most vision correction (LASIK), and brand-name drugs are not covered.

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7. Useful Korean Phrases at the NHIS Office

• “건강보험 등록하고 싶어요.” — I want to register for health insurance.

• “외국인 등록증 있어요.” — I have my ARC.

• “자동이체 신청 가능해요?” — Can I set up automatic payments?

• “보험료 얼마예요?” — How much is the monthly premium?

📱 Use Papago to translate letters and forms from NHIS.

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