Healthcare
South Korea — Healthcare: Average Costs
Foreigners staying six months or more must join Korean national health insurance, with a 7.19% rate in 2026 and an average foreigner premium of KRW 158,630.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceNational Health Insurance Service (NHIS) — Guidance for foreignersLast reviewed: 2026-10-23
Key facts
- Foreigners who stay six months or more must enrol in the local subscriber scheme, in force since 16 July 2019, with the same benefits as citizens.
- The 2026 health insurance premium rate is 7.19% of wages, and long-term care adds 0.9448%.
- Foreign local subscribers pay an average premium of KRW 158,630 in 2026, up 3.80%.
- Diplomat, tourist, short-term and most G-1 visa holders are excluded; humanitarian G-1-6 holders are included.
Steps
- Obtaining National Health Insurance (NHI) ID — Foreigners may need to apply for an NHI ID to access public healthcare services, but the process is not well-documented for non-residents.
- Understanding Public Healthcare Coverage — Public healthcare coverage in South Korea varies widely depending on individual circumstances, including employment status and residency type.