You may have a free health check this year

National Health Insurance (NHIS, 국민건강보험공단) pays for a general health check (일반건강검진) for its members. Many foreigners never use it. NHIS says foreign members get the same benefits as Korean members, and the rules below go by member type and age, not by nationality.

Who is on the list

• Employee members (직장가입자): office workers every 2 years, other workers every year.
• Regional members (지역가입자): the household head, and household members aged 20 or more, every 2 years.
• Dependents (피부양자) aged 20 or more, every 2 years.
• Medical Aid (의료급여) recipients aged 20 to 64.
• In the 2-year groups, 2026 is the year for people born in an even year. If you missed last year, you can ask NHIS to add you this year.

What it includes
A consultation, height, weight and blood pressure, a chest X-ray, blood tests (haemoglobin, fasting sugar, liver), a urine test and a dental check. Some tests are added at set ages, for example cholesterol for men from 24 and women from 40, every 4 years.

What you pay
Nothing. NHIS pays the whole check. Extra tests you ask for, such as a CT scan, cost money.

Where
Any designated screening hospital in Korea, not only near your address. Find one on the NHIS site under 검진기관 찾기. Bring ID; a passport is accepted. Results come by post or email within 15 days. The check must be done by 31 December.

If it shows possible diabetes or high blood pressure
You can have a confirmation test (확진검사) at a clinic or hospital until 31 March of the next year. Bring the result letter and your ID. The first confirmation visit has no co-payment.

It depends on your member type, your age and your birth year. Your own list is on your screening notice (검진표).

Next step: check whether you are on this year's list under 검진대상 조회 on the NHIS site, or call 1577-1000 and press 6 for a foreign-language consultant.

Sources: NHIS, general health screening; NHIS, health promotion in English. Checked 11 October 2026.