How to Use the National Health Insurance (NHIS) in Korea: 2025 Foreigner’s Guide to Healthcare Access
※ This article is based on official information as of July 2025.
Confused about how Korea’s National Health Insurance works as a foreigner? Here’s how to register, use it at clinics, and save money on healthcare.
💡 Key Points at a Glance
- All foreigners staying over 6 months must enroll in NHIS
- Monthly fee (2025): approx. ₩125,000, may vary by income
- Coverage includes doctor visits, surgeries, hospital stays, and prescriptions
- Just show your ARC + health insurance card at the clinic
- You pay only 30% of most medical costs when insured
- Emergency care, dental, and non-covered services may still cost extra
🧍♀️ Why Healthcare Can Feel Scary When You’re New in Korea
You get sick. Fever, body aches.
You don’t speak the language well. You’re not sure where to go.
And worst of all—you don’t know how much it’ll cost.
For many foreigners, the first trip to a Korean clinic is filled with fear, not relief.
But once you understand how NHIS works,
you realize Korea’s healthcare system is not only efficient—it’s shockingly affordable.
👤 Real-Life Case: A French Language Teacher in Gwangju
“I ignored the NHIS letters at first. I thought I didn’t need it.
But then I got the flu and had to visit a doctor.
Without insurance, the visit + medicine cost me ₩120,000.
My friend told me she paid only ₩20,000 with NHIS.
I enrolled the next week. Now I use it regularly—it’s a life-saver, honestly.”
🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Use Korea’s NHIS as a Foreigner
1. Check if You’re Enrolled (and Required)
- If you stay over 6 months, you are legally required to join NHIS
- Enrollment is automatic after ARC is issued (in most cases)
- You’ll get a notice by mail or text about your first bill
- If you’re not sure, call 1577-1000 or visit the NHIS office
2. Pay Monthly Premiums
- 2025 standard: approx. ₩125,000/month
- Amount varies based on visa type and income
- Pay by:
- Bank transfer
- Auto-debit
- NHIS website (card payments supported)
📌 Late payments may result in a fine or denied coverage—set up auto-pay if possible.
3. Get Your Health Insurance Card
- Mailed to your address after registration
- Or visit the nearest NHIS office with your ARC to get one
- Carry this card when visiting:
- Clinics
- Hospitals
- Pharmacies
4. Visit a Clinic or Hospital
- Bring your ARC + NHIS card
- Say “National Insurance” or “보험 있어요”
- They’ll automatically apply the discount
- You’ll pay only:
- 30% at most general clinics
- 20% at large hospitals
- 5–10% for in-patient stays
- Prescription meds are also partially covered
5. Check Your Status and Bills Online
- Go to: https://www.nhis.or.kr/english
- You can:
- Download payment history
- Check what’s covered
- See your current status
- Site has English support for basic functions
⚠️ What’s Not Fully Covered
| Not Covered / Partially Covered | Notes |
|---|---|
| Dental (except basic procedures) | Some scaling or fillings may be covered |
| Plastic surgery, cosmetic care | Not covered |
| Some tests (MRI, CT without doctor order) | High out-of-pocket costs |
| Emergency room use (without referral) | More expensive |
📍 Regional Tips
- Seoul, Busan, Incheon: More English-speaking clinics
- Small towns: Basic coverage still applies; bring a Korean speaker if needed
- University areas: Often have “foreigner clinics” that accept NHIS
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. I have private insurance. Do I still need NHIS?
Yes. Even with private insurance, NHIS is mandatory if you stay over 6 months.
Q2. Can I use NHIS at any hospital?
Yes, almost all hospitals and clinics in Korea accept NHIS. Just ask first if unsure.
Q3. I lost my insurance card. What now?
Visit your local NHIS office with your ARC to request a reissue. It’s fast and free.
🔗 Official Links & Contacts
- NHIS English Website
- HiKorea Immigration & Health Info
- NHIS Call Center: 📞 1577-1000 (press 7 for English)
- Korea Health Insurance Review
❤️ Final Thought: It’s Not Just About Saving Money
National Health Insurance isn’t just about discounts.
It’s about feeling protected in a country that’s not your own.
When you have a fever at 3 a.m., you won’t panic.
When you need a check-up, you won’t hesitate.
You’ll go. You’ll get care. And you’ll be okay.
That’s what health insurance is supposed to do.
🤝 One Last Thing to Share
📩 Got a fellow expat or student just arrived in Korea?
They need to know this—before they get sick.
Send them this post.
It’s not just helpful—it’s peace of mind in a link.
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