Question
Are foreign students required to enroll in National Health Insurance (NHIS)?
As of · sources retrieved from official Korean authorities
Foreign students are automatically enrolled in National Health Insurance (NHIS) when they register their foreigner residence, with no separate application needed; Full details below.
The rule this rests on
Article 1 (Enforcement Date) This Act shall enter into force on September 1, 2012: Provided , That the amended provisions of Article 98 (2), 108, and 115 (2) 3 shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
Article 53 (1) 4 and (2) through (6) and Article 54 of the National Health Insurance Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to limitations on, and the suspension of, long-term care benefits to persons who default payment of insurance contribution under this Act. In such cases, the term "the insured" shall be construed as "the insured of a long-term care insurance," the term "insurance benefit" as "long-term care benefit." <Amended by Act No. 11141, Dec. 31, 2011> CHAPTER VI LONG-TERM CARE INSTITUTION
- Automatic enrollment – International students (D‑2, D‑4, F‑4, etc.) are enrolled in NHIS as soon as they register their foreigner residence or re‑enter Korea.
- No extra paperwork – No separate application is required; a health‑insurance card and guide are mailed to the registered address.
- Premium calculation – Contributions are based on income and property; many students qualify for a 50 % premium reduction if monthly income ≤ 300,000 KRW or property value ≤ 135 million KRW.
- Benefits – Enrolled students receive the same coverage as Korean nationals (hospital visits, health check‑ups, etc.).
- Help & contact – For questions, visit an NHIS Center for Foreign Residents (Seoul, Ansan, Suwon, Incheon, Uijeongbu) or call the NHIS call center 1577‑1000 (English line 033‑811‑2000).
Hotlines: 132 (legal aid), 1350 (labor office), 1577‑1000 (NHIS), 1577‑0071 (foreign‑worker counseling).
Sources fetched 2026-09-19 · Korean laws change — verify with the issuing authority before acting.