Table of Contents
- Overview of Health Insurance for Foreigners
- Who Must Enroll
- Enrollment Process
- Required Documents
- Information on Premiums
- Consequences of Not Enrolling
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Free Consultation Information
1. Overview of Health Insurance for Foreigners
Starting in 2026, all foreigners residing in Korea will be required to enroll in health insurance. This policy aims to support foreigners in living safely and healthily in Korea. By enrolling in health insurance, you can access medical services at relatively lower costs.
2. Who Must Enroll
All foreigners residing in Korea for more than 90 days are required to enroll in health insurance. This includes international students, work visa holders, and family visa holders. Additionally, all foreigners who have received a foreigner registration card must enroll.
3. Enrollment Process
To enroll in health insurance, foreigners must visit their local community center or the National Health Insurance Service in person. During your visit, ensure you have the required documents prepared, fill out the application form, and submit it. Once your application is approved, you will need to pay the specified insurance premium.
4. Required Documents
The documents required for health insurance enrollment are as follows:
- Passport
- Visa
- Resident registration card (foreigner registration card)
- Proof of income (such as an employment certificate for salaried workers or a business registration certificate for self-employed individuals)
Additional documents may be required, so it is advisable to check in advance.
5. Information on Premiums
Health insurance premiums vary based on the enrollee's income, and a fixed amount is automatically deducted from your bank account each month. For employed individuals, both the employer and employee share the cost equally, with each bearing 50%. For self-employed individuals, the premium is determined based on their income, so it is essential to verify this beforehand.
6. Consequences of Not Enrolling
If you do not enroll in health insurance, you will face high costs when accessing medical services, and you may be subject to legal penalties. Moreover, in emergency situations, the costs for treatment can be significant, making enrollment essential.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When does the mandatory health insurance enrollment for foreigners start?
A. Starting from 2026, all foreigners must enroll in health insurance while residing in Korea.
Q. What is the enrollment process for health insurance?
A. You need to visit your local community center or the National Health Insurance Service to submit the required documents and apply for enrollment.
Q. What documents are needed for enrollment?
A. You will need your passport, visa, resident registration card (foreigner registration card), and proof of income.
Q. How is the insurance premium paid?
A. The premium is automatically deducted through bank transfer at a fixed amount each month.
Q. What are the consequences of not enrolling in health insurance?
A. If you do not enroll, you will incur high costs when using medical services and could face legal penalties.
Free Consultation at Vision Administrative Office
Consultation with a visa specialist is available. We offer services in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese.
Request a Free Consultation →