Since July 16, 2019, the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) of Korea has required that foreign residents who hold a Residence Card (ARC) and have stayed in Korea for more than six months be automatically enrolled in the National Health Insurance (NHI) program.
On average, the monthly premium is approximately KRW 120,000 per person. However, if you already hold a valid health insurance policy from your home country, you may qualify for an exemption from this mandatory subscription.
How to Avoid Mandatory NHI Enrollment
Through multiple consultations with NHIS, we have confirmed that foreign residents can apply for an exclusion from NHI if they maintain overseas health coverage. The process is as follows:
Where to Find the Application Form
The form is available on the NHIS Korean website (https://www.nhis.or.kr). Search for “외국인” from this webpage, https://www.nhis.or.kr/nhis/minwon/wbhaba03900m01.do, and locate the file named 재외국민 및 외국인 건강보험 가입 제외 신청서. Unfortunately, this form is not currently available on the English version of the NHIS website.
Important Notes
On average, the monthly premium is approximately KRW 120,000 per person. However, if you already hold a valid health insurance policy from your home country, you may qualify for an exemption from this mandatory subscription.
How to Avoid Mandatory NHI Enrollment
Through multiple consultations with NHIS, we have confirmed that foreign residents can apply for an exclusion from NHI if they maintain overseas health coverage. The process is as follows:
- Prepare the Required Application
- Complete the form titled Application for Exclusion from Health Insurance for Overseas Koreans and Foreigners (재외국민 및 외국인 건강보험 가입 제외 신청서 in Korean).
- Despite its name, this form is also applicable to non-working dependents and children.
- Submit Proof of Overseas Health Insurance
- Provide a copy of your health insurance card or an official health insurance certificate from your home country.
- Depending on the branch office, a Korean translation may be required. In our experience, some offices accept English documents, while others request a translation.
- Submit the Documents to NHIS
- You may apply in person or via fax at your local NHIS branch office.
Where to Find the Application Form
The form is available on the NHIS Korean website (https://www.nhis.or.kr). Search for “외국인” from this webpage, https://www.nhis.or.kr/nhis/minwon/wbhaba03900m01.do, and locate the file named 재외국민 및 외국인 건강보험 가입 제외 신청서. Unfortunately, this form is not currently available on the English version of the NHIS website.
Important Notes
- Exemption Validity: The exemption lasts one year. You must reapply annually with the same documents to maintain the exclusion.
- Visa Impact: The Korean Immigration Office may deny visa extensions or changes for individuals with unpaid NHI premiums.
- Recommendation: If you are eligible for exemption, apply promptly and keep track of your renewal date to avoid unnecessary charges or immigration issues.
