Health insurance for foreigners: when it starts

Most foreign residents in Korea are enrolled in National Health Insurance (국민건강보험) as a local (regional) member even if no employer enrols them. You do not need to sign up yourself.

When coverage starts

• Generally, on the day you have lived in Korea for 6 months.
• Some statuses start on the day you enter Korea: F-5 (permanent residence), F-6 (marriage), D-2 (students), D-4-3 (primary, middle and high school students) and E-9 (non-professional employment).
• You must have entered Korea, have foreign registration and hold a covered status. NHIS then enrols you without a separate application.

About the premium

• The premium is calculated from your income and property.
• If the calculated amount is lower than the average, you pay the average. For 2026 the average is 158,630 won, including long-term care insurance.
• Some groups are exempt from paying the average, such as recognised refugees (F-2-4).

Rules depend on your exact visa and situation, and people working at a company may be covered through their workplace instead.

Next step: check your status and premium on the NHIS website or app, and call NHIS if the start date or amount looks wrong.

Source: National Health Insurance Service, foreign residents' guide. Checked 15 September 2026.