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.
Details
- 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【1†L15-L23】.
- No extra paperwork – No separate application is required; a health‑insurance card and guide are mailed to the registered address【1†L27-L30】.
- 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【1†L44-L54】.
- Benefits – Enrolled students receive the same coverage as Korean nationals (hospital visits, health check‑ups, etc.)【1†L56-L60】.
- 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)【1†L27-L30】.
Hotlines: 132 (legal aid), 1350 (labor office), 1577‑1000 (NHIS), 1577‑0071 (foreign‑worker counseling).
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Sources fetched 2026-05-16 · Korean laws change — verify with the issuing authority before acting.