As of March 1, 2021, the Korean Government announced that all international students residing in Korea with a D-2 student visa will be automatically subscribed to the Korean National Health Insurance.
However, you cannot apply for Korean National Health Insurance until your Alien Registration information is registered to the system. Therefore, you must have health insurance coverage for at least 3 months until you can subscribe to the Korean National Health Insurance. It usually takes at least 1-2 months to receive your Residence Card (RC) after you apply.
If you cannot prove your health insurance coverage when you come to SUNY Korea, your admission offer may be rescinded.
Subscription start period:
a. If it’s your first entry to Korea, then from your alien registration date
b. If it’s your second or reentry, then from your reentry date
Insurance Fee
Average Monthly Insurance Fee (for 2023): 75,000 ~ 80,000 KRW
As of 2023, the health insurance fee is 127,510 KRW per month. However, the Korean Government decided to allow international students to receive the insurance benefits with a 50% discounted fee from March 2023 (subject to change).
However, the reduced fee only applies to students who:
are not self-employed insured whose contribution (fee) is above the average contribution, and
has a household income of KRW 3.6 million or below, and the property tax base of KRW 135 million or below.
If your overdue fee exceeds 500,000 KRW, then you will not be able to request for your RC extension unless you make the payment.
Subscription Start Period
If it’s your first entry to Korea, then from your alien registration date.
If it’s your second or reentry, then from your reentry date.
Payment Method: Automatic transfer (from your bank account or credit card), website, NHIS branch office, bank
You can call (033-811-2000 for English service) or visit an NHIS branch office to apply for an electronic (email or mobile) billing instead of receiving a paper bill. We recommend you do so for efficient communication.
NHIS Office for Foreigners (Location):
09:00 ~ 12:00 / 13:00 ~ 18:00
88, Bupyeong-daero, Bupyeong-gu, Incheon, Republic of Korea (Bupyeong-daero Post Office Building, 7th floor)
*Please bring your Residence Card (RC) and bankbook or bank account information
Insurance Benefits:
Same benefits as Korean citizens
Various benefits are available, including dental and oriental medical treatment, health checkups, and pregnancy and childbirth-related medical expenses
Disadvantages with Nonpayment of the Fee:
Restrictions on health insurance benefits
Restrictions on visa extension
Dispositions on default
Enrollment Procedure
No action is required from students, as they are automatically subscribed to the health insurance by the NHIS
A NHI Card and subscription guide are sent to your residential address in Korea
If you have any questions regarding the Korean national health insurance, please contact NHIS at 033-811-2000 for services in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, or Uzbek. You can also visit the nearby NHIS branch office for a consultation (click here to access the NHIS website).