National Health Insurance for foreigners: the six-month rule

What foreign residents should know about Korean National Health Insurance eligibility and timing.

Korea National Health Insurance rules for foreigners depend on residence status, length of stay, employment, and other conditions. Many foreign residents become subject to local subscriber enrollment after staying in Korea for a defined period, often discussed as the six-month rule. Do not assume your travel insurance, school insurance, employer insurance, and National Health Insurance all cover the same things. Check whether you are an employee subscriber, dependent, or local subscriber, and confirm when premiums begin. If you receive a bill or notice, read it carefully and contact NHIS quickly if your status, address, family relationship, or departure plan is different from what the notice assumes.