Living in Korea as a foreigner

How to Register and Cancel Korean Health Insurance as a Foreigner: A Complete 2025 Guide

Breeze in Korea 2025. 7. 2. 22:35

If you are living in South Korea as a foreigner—whether as a student, a worker, or even a long-term visitor—understanding how the health insurance system works is essential.

How to Register and Cancel Korean Health Insurance as a Foreigner: A Complete 2025 Guide


South Korea has a highly developed and accessible medical system, but the cost of medical services can quickly add up if you are uninsured. Since July 2019, the Korean government requires all foreigners who have lived in the country for six months or more to enroll in the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS).

However, many newcomers are confused about how to register, what documents are needed, how much they will need to pay, and most importantly, how to cancel their health insurance when they leave Korea or change their visa status. This guide will walk you through both the registration and cancellation process, including real-life tips to make everything smoother.

 

 

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Understanding the Korean Health Insurance System

Korea's public health insurance is managed by the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). Once enrolled, you are entitled to coverage for:

  • Outpatient care
  • Inpatient services
  • Surgeries
  • Prescriptions
  • Certain dental treatments
  • Maternity services

Typically, patients pay 20% to 30% of the total medical bill, while the remainder is covered by NHIS. Without coverage, medical treatment can be five to ten times more expensive.

There are two types of health insurance subscribers:

  1. Employee-based subscribers (직장가입자): Insurance is automatically deducted from your salary by your employer.
  2. Voluntarily insured (지역가입자): This applies to students, freelancers, and those who are self-employed or unemployed.

 

Who Must Enroll in NHIS?

Foreign residents who are required to enroll in NHIS include:

  • Holders of long-term visas (D-2, D-4, E-2, F-2, etc.) staying for 6 months or longer
  • Foreign students at universities or language institutions
  • Spouses of Korean nationals
  • Foreign workers with valid employment contracts

Exemptions apply to:

  • Diplomats or officials on A-type visas
  • Tourists and short-term visitors (staying less than 90 days)
  • Certain foreign scholarship holders with private insurance

 

How to Register for Korean Health Insurance

Step 1: Obtain an Alien Registration Card (ARC)

Before applying for NHIS, you must obtain an ARC from your local immigration office. This card is essential for any formal identification and is required to access government services.

Documents required:

  • Passport
  • Valid visa
  • Application form
  • Housing contract or proof of residence
  • One passport-sized photo

Once issued, your ARC number becomes your official ID for most public services, including NHIS.

Step 2: Determine Whether You're Automatically Enrolled

In some cases, you may be automatically enrolled:

  • If you are employed full-time, your employer should register you.
  • If you are a full-time student, you will be enrolled after six months.
  • If you are a dependent of a Korean national, you may be added under their plan.

Automatic enrollment typically comes with a notification from NHIS via mail. If you receive a billing statement, you are already enrolled.

Step 3: Manual Registration

If you're not automatically enrolled, you must register yourself at a local NHIS branch office.

Bring the following:

  • Alien Registration Card (ARC)
  • Passport
  • Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill or housing contract)
  • Employment certificate (if applicable)
  • Enrollment certificate (for students)

You will be asked to complete a registration form and may need to declare your income if applicable.

Step 4: Payment of Monthly Premiums

As of 2025, the standard monthly premium for self-paying foreigners is approximately KRW 145,000. The exact amount may vary based on your income, housing conditions, and visa status.

Payments can be made:

  • Monthly via bank transfer
  • Set up as an automatic debit
  • Paid at NHIS-designated banks or kiosks

 

How to Use NHIS at Medical Facilities

Once you are enrolled:

  • Visit any clinic or hospital in Korea
  • Present your ARC at reception
  • Inform the staff that you are covered under NHIS
  • Pay only the patient portion of the bill (20% to 30%)

You can also use NHIS at pharmacies when filling prescriptions.

Average co-pays with NHIS:

  • General consultation: KRW 5,000–15,000
  • Prescriptions: KRW 2,000–8,000
  • Blood tests, X-rays, and scans are also significantly discounted

How to Cancel NHIS as a Foreigner

If you are leaving Korea or changing your visa status, you must formally cancel your NHIS enrollment to stop future billing.

Step 1: Visit a Local NHIS Office

It is recommended to cancel your insurance 7 to 10 days before departure. Walk-in service is available at most NHIS offices.

Required documents:

  • ARC
  • Passport
  • Plane ticket or proof of departure (e.g., itinerary)
  • Bank account details for refund (if applicable)

If you cannot visit in person, you may designate a representative by submitting a signed authorization form (위임장).

Step 2: Inform the Immigration Office

Although optional, informing the immigration office of your departure helps synchronize your visa cancellation and NHIS status. This step is especially useful if your visa is expiring and you're planning to leave permanently.

Step 3: Check Payment History and Request Refund

Before you leave Korea, verify that all insurance premiums are paid in full. If you have overpaid (e.g., paid for a full month but are leaving mid-month), you may be eligible for a partial refund.

Refunds are typically issued within 2–3 weeks and can be transferred to your Korean or international bank account.

Step 4: Cancel Auto-Pay

If you had set up automatic payment for your insurance premiums, make sure to cancel the auto-debit instruction at your bank or through your NHIS account. This prevents unnecessary deductions after you leave Korea.

Step 5: Visa Type Changes

If you change your visa—for example, from a D-2 student visa to an E-7 employment visa—you must update your insurance status at NHIS. Changing visa types may shift you from a self-insured plan to an employer-based plan.

You must report this change within 14 days to avoid administrative penalties.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if I don’t cancel my insurance before leaving Korea?
A: NHIS will continue to charge you, and unpaid bills may result in collection actions or affect future visa applications.

Q: Can I cancel insurance online?
A: No. As of 2025, in-person cancellation is still required for most cases.

Q: Can family members be included under my insurance?
A: Yes, dependents such as spouses and children can be added, but they must have valid ARC status and reside with you.

Q: What if I return to Korea after canceling insurance?
A: You will need to re-register. If your previous account had unpaid bills, you must settle them first.

 

Final Notes

Korea’s healthcare system offers some of the best medical services in Asia, with an affordable and well-regulated insurance framework. For foreigners, enrolling in NHIS is not only mandatory but also essential for reducing medical expenses.

Failure to register or cancel health insurance properly can lead to financial and legal problems. It is always best to manage your NHIS status in alignment with your visa conditions, employment status, and length of stay.

By following the steps in this guide, you can ensure full compliance with Korean regulations, avoid penalties, and protect your health during your time in Korea.

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