Three ways foreigners pay NHIS
| Your situation | How the premium is set | 2026 ballpark |
|---|---|---|
| Employee (workplace subscriber) | 3.595% of salary + long-term care; your employer pays the same again | ₩3M salary → about ₩122,000 |
| Freelancer, business owner, spouse or no job (regional subscriber) | Based on income and assets, but never less than the previous year's average premium of all subscribers | About ₩150,000–160,000 minimum |
| D-2 student | Regional rules with a 50% reduction | About ₩75,000–80,000 |
The minimum for foreign regional subscribers changes every year with the national average premium. NHIS sends the exact amount on your bill, so treat these numbers as estimates.
Rules that catch foreigners out
- Automatic enrollment after 6 months: once you have stayed 6 months, you are enrolled whether or not you apply, and bills start arriving at your registered address.
- Unpaid premiums affect your visa: arrears are checked when you extend your stay or change your visa, and can limit the extension period.
- Family members: a spouse and children under 19 can be added as dependents of an employee at no extra cost. For regional subscribers they are added to the household premium.
- Leaving Korea: report your departure (or it happens automatically when your alien registration ends) so billing stops.
Frequently asked questions
Is NHIS worth it compared to private insurance?
You cannot opt out if you stay 6 months or more, except in narrow cases where an employer provides equivalent overseas coverage. NHIS covers most hospital costs at 30–60% co-pay, which is very cheap by international standards.
How much does an English teacher pay?
Teachers employed by a school are workplace subscribers. On a ₩2.7 million salary the employee share is about ₩110,000 a month including long-term care.
Do students have to join?
Yes. D-2 students and D-4 language students are enrolled like other foreigners, with a reduced premium for D-2 students.