How Much Does NHIS Cost for International Students in South Korea?
Every international student in South Korea pays ₩76,390/month (~€50 / ~$55 USD) for National Health Insurance (NHIS). This has been mandatory since March 2021 for all D-2 (academic) and D-4 (language training) visa holders staying 6+ months. NHIS covers 60–70% of medical costs — you pay 30–40% as a co-pay. Enrollment is automatic when you receive your Alien Registration Card (ARC). If you do not pay your premiums, your visa renewal can be denied.
South Korea’s healthcare system is one of the most efficient in Asia: short wait times, modern facilities, and low costs. This guide breaks down the exact premium amounts, available reductions, all payment methods, what NHIS covers (and what it does not), and when private insurance makes sense as a supplement. For a complete overview of studying in South Korea, see our South Korea country guide and our NHIS enrollment guide.
2025/2026 NHIS Premium Breakdown
Standard Student Premium
| Period | Amount (KRW) | Amount (EUR) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | ₩76,390 | ~€50 | ~$55 |
| Semester (6 months) | ₩458,340 | ~€300 | ~$330 |
| Annual (12 months) | ₩916,680 | ~€600 | ~$660 |
The premium is a fixed flat rate for all international students. It does not depend on your age, health status, or university. The amount is reviewed annually by the NHIS and may increase slightly each year to match healthcare cost inflation.
How the Premium Is Calculated
For Korean citizens, NHIS premiums are income-based. For international students, the government applies a simplified calculation:
- Base: 50% of the average Korean household premium
- Result: ₩76,390/month (2025 rate, expected to remain similar in 2026)
- No income assessment — every student pays the same regardless of scholarships, part-time work, or family wealth
This flat rate makes South Korea’s system simpler than income-based systems like Germany’s GKV.
Premium Reductions: Who Pays Less?
While most students pay the full ₩76,390, certain categories qualify for reductions.
Government Scholarship Recipients (GKS/KGSP)
Students on the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) receive a monthly settlement allowance of ₩900,000–1,000,000 that covers NHIS premiums. Some GKS programs explicitly reimburse NHIS costs; others expect you to pay from the allowance.
How to check: Contact your university’s GKS coordinator or the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) to confirm whether your specific scholarship includes NHIS reimbursement.
Low-Income Reductions
Students who can demonstrate low income may qualify for a premium reduction of up to 50%. Eligibility requirements:
- Household income below ₩3,600,000/month
- Property tax base below ₩135,000,000
- Must apply at your local NHIS branch office with supporting documents
Required documents:
- ARC (Alien Registration Card)
- University enrollment certificate
- Bank statements (3 months)
- Scholarship certificate (if applicable)
- Income declaration form (available at the NHIS office)
Other Reduction Categories
| Category | Potential Reduction | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GKS scholarship students | Up to 100% (reimbursed) | Through scholarship allowance |
| Low-income students | Up to 50% | Income and property thresholds |
| Students with Korean spouse | Variable | Enrolled as dependent on spouse’s plan |
| Specific bilateral agreements | Variable | Depends on home country treaties |
Important: Reductions are not automatic. You must apply at your local NHIS branch office with documentation. Processing takes 1–2 weeks.
How to Pay Your NHIS Premium
NHIS sends a payment slip (giro) to your registered address each month. You have multiple ways to pay.
Payment Methods
| Method | How It Works | Convenience |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic bank debit | Set up at your Korean bank or by calling NHIS (033-811-2000) | Best — set once, never worry |
| Convenience store | Pay with cash or card at GS25, 7-Eleven, CU, or Ministop using your payment slip | Easy, available 24/7 |
| Bank transfer | Transfer to the account number on your payment slip | Standard |
| KakaoPay | Scan QR code on payment slip | Fast, mobile-friendly |
| NHIS website | Log in at nhis.or.kr and pay online | Requires Korean phone number |
| NHIS branch office | Pay in person at any NHIS office | Last resort |
Setting Up Automatic Debit (Recommended)
Call the NHIS Foreign Language Hotline: 033-811-2000 and request automatic debit setup. You will need:
- Your ARC number
- Korean bank account number
- Monthly deduction date preference
Automatic debit eliminates the risk of forgetting a payment — and forgotten payments can block your visa renewal.
Payment Schedule
- Premium for the next month is due by the 25th of the current month
- Example: January premium is due by December 25
- Late payments incur a small penalty fee
- Payments more than 3 months overdue can result in coverage suspension
What NHIS Covers: The Complete Breakdown
NHIS operates on a co-pay model: the insurance covers 60–70% and you pay the remaining 30–40% out of pocket. Here is exactly what is covered.
Doctor Visits (Outpatient)
| Visit Type | NHIS Covers | You Pay (Co-Pay) |
|---|---|---|
| GP/clinic visit | 60–70% | 30–40% (~₩5,000–15,000) |
| University hospital outpatient | 50–60% | 40–50% |
| Small clinic (<30 beds) | 70% | 30% |
| Pharmacy (prescription drugs) | ~50% | ~50% |
In practice: A standard GP visit at a local clinic costs ₩15,000–30,000 total. With NHIS, you pay ₩5,000–10,000 out of pocket (€3–7).
Hospital Care (Inpatient)
| Service | NHIS Covers | You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital room (standard) | 80% | 20% |
| Surgery | 80% | 20% |
| Intensive care | 80% | 20% |
| Hospital medications | 80% | 20% |
In practice: A 3-day hospital stay that costs ₩1,000,000 total means you pay ₩200,000 (€130) out of pocket.
Dental Care
| Treatment | NHIS Covers | You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Basic exam and X-ray | 60–70% | 30–40% |
| Cavity fillings (resin) | 70% | 30% |
| Root canal therapy | 70% | 30% |
| Tooth extraction | 70% | 30% |
| Scaling (1x/year) | 70% | 30% (~₩15,000) |
| Crowns (porcelain/gold) | Not covered | 100% |
| Orthodontics/braces | Not covered | 100% |
| Whitening | Not covered | 100% |
| Implants (65+ only) | 50% | 50% |
Key takeaway: Basic dental is well covered. Cosmetic and orthodontic work is entirely out-of-pocket.
Mental Health
| Service | NHIS Covers | You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Psychiatry consultation | 70–80% | 20–30% |
| Psychiatric medication | ~50% | ~50% |
| Psychology (counseling) | Limited | Mostly out-of-pocket |
| Inpatient psychiatric care | 80% | 20% |
Note: Psychiatry (medication-based treatment) is well covered. Psychology (talk therapy/counseling) has limited NHIS coverage — most students pay out-of-pocket or use university counseling services (often free). Learn more in our mental health coverage guide.
Prescriptions
| Category | NHIS Covers | You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed medications | ~50% | ~50% |
| Common antibiotics | ~50% | ₩3,000–8,000 |
| Chronic medication | ~50% | Varies by drug |
| Over-the-counter (OTC) | Not covered | 100% |
In practice: Most prescription medications cost ₩3,000–15,000 (€2–10) out of pocket after NHIS subsidy.
Preventive Care
- Annual health checkup — free for all NHIS enrollees (once per year)
- Cancer screenings — available at reduced cost for eligible ages
- Vaccinations — some covered, others at reduced cost
What Is NOT Covered
- Cosmetic surgery and procedures
- Orthodontics and dental implants (under 65)
- Most traditional Korean medicine (some exceptions)
- Experimental treatments
- Non-prescribed supplements and vitamins
- Private/VIP hospital rooms (upgrade cost is out-of-pocket)
- Overseas medical treatment
How to Check Your Premium and Payment Status
NHIS Website
- Go to nhis.or.kr
- Navigate to “My Page” or “Premium Payment Status”
- Log in with your ARC number and registered Korean phone number
- View your payment history, outstanding balances, and upcoming premiums
NHIS Mobile App
Download the NHIS app (국민건강보험) from the App Store or Google Play. Features:
- Premium payment status
- Medical visit history
- Annual health checkup booking
- Hospital/clinic search
Phone Hotline
Call 033-811-2000 (Foreign Language Hotline) for English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and other language support. Available Monday–Friday, 9:00–18:00 KST.
NHIS Branch Offices
Visit any NHIS branch in person. Major offices in university cities:
- Seoul: NHIS Seoul Regional Office, Mapo-gu (near Hongdae/Sinchon universities)
- Busan: NHIS Busan Regional Office, Busanjin-gu
- Daegu: NHIS Daegu Regional Office, Suseong-gu
- Daejeon: NHIS Daejeon Regional Office, Seo-gu
- Gwangju: NHIS Gwangju Regional Office, Seo-gu
NHIS vs. Private Insurance: Do You Need Both?
NHIS is mandatory — you cannot opt out. But some students add private supplementary insurance to cover NHIS gaps.
When NHIS Alone Is Enough
- You are generally healthy
- You rarely visit specialists
- You do not need dental cosmetic work
- You are comfortable with 30–40% co-pays
- You use university health services for minor issues
When to Add Private Insurance
- You have a chronic condition requiring expensive medication
- You want lower or zero co-pays
- You need dental coverage (orthodontics, implants)
- You want English-speaking doctor access
- You want coverage for medical evacuation to your home country
Cost Comparison
| Coverage | NHIS Only | NHIS + Private Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | ₩76,390 (~€50) | ₩76,390 + ₩30,000–80,000 (~€70–100) |
| GP visit co-pay | 30–40% | 0–10% |
| Hospital co-pay | 20% | 0–5% |
| Dental (cosmetic) | Not covered | Partially covered |
| Medical evacuation | Not covered | Covered |
| English-speaking doctors | Not guaranteed | Network access |
Our recommendation: NHIS alone is sufficient for most healthy students. South Korea’s healthcare costs are already low — a GP visit costs €3–7 out of pocket even with NHIS co-pays. Add private insurance only if you have specific medical needs or want premium English-language medical care. Compare supplementary plans in our insurance comparison tool.
What Happens If You Do Not Pay?
This is serious. The Korean immigration authority (Immigration Office) checks NHIS payment status when you apply for visa renewal.
Consequences of Non-Payment
| Months Overdue | Consequence |
|---|---|
| 1 month | Late fee added (~3%) |
| 2–3 months | Warning notice sent |
| 3+ months | NHIS coverage suspended; must pay all arrears to reactivate |
| At visa renewal | Visa extension denied until all premiums and penalties are paid |
Real consequences: Students have been forced to leave South Korea because of unpaid NHIS bills blocking their visa renewal. Do not let premiums accumulate.
How to Resolve Unpaid Premiums
- Visit your nearest NHIS branch office with your ARC
- Request a full statement of overdue premiums
- Pay all outstanding amounts (including late fees)
- Request a payment confirmation letter for immigration
- Submit the letter with your visa renewal application
Frequently Asked Questions
When does NHIS enrollment start?
Enrollment is automatic the month after your ARC (Alien Registration Card) is issued. You do not need to apply or visit an NHIS office. Your first payment slip arrives approximately 1–2 months after ARC issuance.
Can I opt out of NHIS?
No. Since March 2021, NHIS is mandatory for all international students on D-2 and D-4 visas staying 6+ months. There are no exemptions based on having private insurance from your home country.
I already have private insurance from home. Do I still pay NHIS?
Yes. NHIS is mandatory regardless of other insurance. Your home country insurance can serve as supplementary coverage but does not replace NHIS.
What if I arrive mid-month? Do I pay the full month?
Yes. NHIS premiums are charged per full calendar month. Arriving on the 25th still means paying for the entire month.
Can I use NHIS at any hospital in South Korea?
Yes. NHIS is accepted at virtually every hospital, clinic, and pharmacy in South Korea. There is no network restriction — you choose any healthcare provider you want.
How do I find an English-speaking doctor?
Many hospitals in Seoul, Busan, and other major cities have international clinics with English-speaking staff. Search “국제진료센터” (international clinic) or use the NHIS hospital search tool. University hospitals generally have the most multilingual staff.
Does NHIS cover traditional Korean medicine (한의원)?
Partially. Some traditional Korean medicine treatments (acupuncture, herbal medicine for specific conditions) are covered under NHIS, but with higher co-pays than Western medicine. Cosmetic or wellness-oriented traditional treatments are not covered.
What happens to my NHIS when I leave South Korea?
Your NHIS enrollment ends when your ARC is deactivated upon departure. Ensure all premiums are paid before leaving — unpaid premiums remain on record and can cause problems if you return to South Korea.
Can I get a refund for months I was outside South Korea?
If you leave South Korea for an extended period (3+ months) and deregister your ARC, you may be exempt from premiums during that period. Short absences (vacations, holidays) do not qualify for exemption or refund.
Is the ₩76,390 premium likely to increase?
Yes, marginally. NHIS premiums increase slightly each year to match healthcare cost inflation. The increase is typically 2–5% annually. In 2024, the student premium was ₩74,850, rising to ₩76,390 in 2025 — an increase of about 2%.
Related Articles
- Student Health Insurance in South Korea: NHIS, Enrollment & What You Need — Complete NHIS enrollment guide for international students
- Mental Health Coverage for International Students — How mental health services work under different national systems
- How to Choose Health Insurance as an International Student — Framework for evaluating insurance in any country
Next Steps: Stay On Top of Your NHIS
NHIS enrollment is automatic — your main job is making sure premiums get paid on time. Set up automatic bank debit in your first month and check your payment status before every visa renewal.
If you are arriving in South Korea soon, your first priorities are:
- Get your ARC (within 90 days of arrival)
- Open a Korean bank account
- Set up NHIS automatic debit
- Download the NHIS app
Want to compare supplementary private insurance for dental, lower co-pays, or medical evacuation coverage? Use our insurance comparison tool to find plans that work alongside Korean NHIS.
Was this article helpful?