You will be automatically enrolled as a local subscriber to the NHI if you meet both of the following conditions:
Length of Stay:
You have stayed in Korea for 6 months or more, or
You are expected to stay for 6 months or longer for reasons such as holding certain visas.
Eligible Visa Types (examples):
D-2: Study in Korea (university/college)
D-4: General training (including language training), specific cases vary
E-9: Non-professional employment
F-6: Marriage immigrant
Permanent residency and other approved categories
Not Eligible If:
You are staying illegally without visa extension approval.
You have received a deportation order.
You already receive equivalent medical coverage through foreign laws, insurance, or contracts and apply for exemption.
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Enrollment is automatic you do not need to apply separately. The timing depends on your visa type:
Visa Type | Enrollment Start |
|---|---|
D-2 (University), D-4-3 (Elementary/Middle/High School) | On the date of foreigner registration |
D-4 (General Training, except D-4-3) | 6 months after entry into Korea |
As of March 1, 2021, all international students in Korea who were not enrolled in NHI were automatically registered.
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Even though enrollment is automatic, you must report to the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) if:
You want to pay insurance contributions together with your family (spouse, children under 19)
You are an overseas Korean (F-4) applying for NHI coverage
Your residence address, passport number, or visa status changes
NHIS website: www.nhis.or.kr
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Depending on your visa and situation, you may be asked for:
Copy of Alien Registration Card or proof of foreigner registration
Certificate of Admission or Enrollment from your school
Family relationship or marriage certificates (if applying together with family)
Proof of income or property (if applicable)
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Your NHI coverage will end the day after any of the following occurs:
Death
You become an employee-insured worker or dependent
Your visa expires and you do not extend it
You receive a deportation order (unless under appeal)
You apply for exemption (under certain conditions)
You leave Korea for more than 1 month (if your visa has not expired)
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International students are considered one household for insurance purposes and are charged the same as Korean local subscribers.
However, D-2 and D-4 visa holders receive a discount:
Mar 2021 – Feb 2022: Pay 30% of the regular premium
Mar 2022 – Feb 2023: Pay 40% of the regular premium
Mar 2023 onward: Pay 50% of the regular premium
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Insurance premiums are charged monthly and must be paid by the 25th of the previous month.
If you are enrolled retroactively, the unpaid amount will be included in your first bill.
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NHIS Foreign Customer Center: ☎ 1577-1000
Multilingual Support (English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Uzbek): ☎ 033-811-2000
Website: www.nhis.or.kr
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Joining NHI ensures you get the same medical benefits as Korean citizens at significantly reduced costs. Make sure your visa status and contact information are always updated with NHIS to avoid coverage issues.