How Much Does NHIS Cost for International Students in South Korea?
In 2026, international students on D-2 (degree) and D-4 (language training) visas pay ₩79,320 a month (~€50) for National Health Insurance (NHIS) — up from ₩76,390 in 2025. NHIS has been mandatory for these students since March 2021: D-2 students are covered from entry (on a first entry, from the date of alien registration), D-4 students after 6 months of residence. The ₩79,320 rate includes a 50% student reduction for students with annual income up to ₩3.6 million and taxable property up to ₩135 million. NHIS pays most of your medical bills — you pay 30% at clinics and pharmacies, 40–60% for outpatient care at hospitals and 20% as an inpatient. Enrollment is automatic. If you don’t pay your premiums, Korea Immigration generally limits your next stay extension to 6 months or less.
This guide breaks down the exact premium amounts, how NHIS calculates them, who gets the reduction, 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.
2026 NHIS Premium Breakdown
Standard Student Premium
| Period | Amount (KRW) | Amount (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | ₩79,320 | ~€50 |
| Semester (6 months) | ₩475,920 | ~€300 |
| Annual (12 months) | ₩951,840 | ~€600 |
Every D-2 and D-4 student who qualifies for the 50% reduction pays the same amount — it does not depend on your age, health status, or university. The amount changes every January, when the new average premium applies.
How the Premium Is Calculated
NHIS publishes the rules for foreign residents (Ministry of Health and Welfare notice No. 2019-151). International students are enrolled as regional (self-employed) subscribers, and their premium is worked out in three steps:
- Your calculated premium: NHIS calculates a premium from your income and property, in the same way as for Korean regional subscribers.
- The minimum: If that amount is lower than the average premium of all subscribers at the end of November of the previous year, you pay that average instead — ₩158,640 a month for 2026.
- The student reduction: D-2 and D-4 students get 50% off, but only if their annual income is ₩3.6 million or less and their taxable property ₩135 million or less.
For a typical student without significant income or property: ₩158,640 × 50% = ₩79,320 a month.
If your income or property is above those limits, the reduction does not apply and you pay the full premium — at least ₩158,640 a month in 2026. If you work at a workplace covered by NHIS, you may be enrolled as an employee subscriber instead; your premium is then a percentage of your wage, and your employer pays half.
Premium Reductions: Who Pays Less?
Most international students pay ₩79,320 because they meet the conditions for the 50% student reduction.
Government Scholarship Recipients (GKS/KGSP)
Students on the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) are enrolled in NHIS like other D-2 students. The 2026 guidelines for graduate degrees (GKS-G) list no medical insurance benefit, so you pay the premium from your monthly allowance (₩16,560,000 a year in the degree program, ₩14,400,000 a year during the Korean language program).
How to check: Contact your university’s GKS coordinator or the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) to confirm the terms of your own award.
The 50% Student Reduction
D-2 and D-4 students get a premium reduction of 50% if both conditions are met:
- Annual income of ₩3,600,000 or less
- Taxable property (과표재산) of ₩135,000,000 or less
The reduction has been 50% since March 2023 (70% from March 2021 to February 2022, 60% from March 2022 to February 2023).
If your bill looks wrong: If your premium notice shows more than ₩79,320 although you meet both conditions, contact NHIS (033-811-2000 for English) or your university’s international office.
Premium Overview by Situation
| Situation | Monthly Premium (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| D-2/D-4 student within the income and property limits | ₩79,320 | 50% student reduction |
| D-2/D-4 student above the limits | At least ₩158,640 | Calculated premium, never below the average |
| Employed at a workplace covered by NHIS | Percentage of your wage | Employee subscriber; the employer pays half |
| D-4 student in the first 6 months | No NHIS premium yet | Not enrolled — arrange private or university cover |
Tip: Check the amount on your first premium notice. Questions about your premium go to NHIS: 1577-1000 (Korean) or 033-811-2000 (English).
How to Pay Your NHIS Premium
NHIS sends your premium bill (고지서) to your registered address. You have multiple ways to pay.
Payment Methods
| Method | How It Works | Convenience |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic bank debit | Set up at your Korean bank or with NHIS (033-811-2000) | Best — set once, never worry |
| Bank transfer | Transfer to the virtual account number on your bill | Standard |
| Convenience store | Pay at a convenience store using your bill | Easy |
| KakaoPay | Pay in the KakaoPay app | Fast, mobile-friendly |
Setting Up Automatic Debit (Recommended)
Ask your bank, or call the NHIS foreign-language line: 033-811-2000. You will need:
- Your Residence Card (alien registration) number
- Your Korean bank account number
Automatic debit eliminates the risk of forgetting a payment — and unpaid premiums can shorten your next stay extension.
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 late-payment surcharge
- With unpaid premiums, NHIS restricts your benefits until you pay in full
What NHIS Covers: The Complete Breakdown
NHIS operates on a co-pay model: it pays most of the covered cost, and you pay the rest — 30–60% for outpatient care depending on the facility, 30% at the pharmacy and 20% as an inpatient. Here is what is covered.
Doctor Visits (Outpatient)
| Visit Type | NHIS Covers | You Pay (Co-Pay) |
|---|---|---|
| Clinic (의원) | 70% | 30% |
| Hospital (병원) | 60% | 40% |
| General hospital (종합병원) | 50% | 50% |
| Tertiary (university) hospital | 40% (consultation fee excluded) | 60% + full consultation fee |
| Pharmacy (prescription drugs) | 70% | 30% |
In practice: For the NHIS rate at a tertiary hospital, you need a referral letter (요양급여의뢰서) from a clinic or hospital; without one you pay the full cost, except in emergencies.
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: You pay 20% of the covered cost. Upgraded rooms and non-covered treatments are billed in full.
Dental Care
| Treatment | NHIS Covers | You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Basic exam and X-ray | Covered | Outpatient co-pay |
| Cavity fillings | Partly — some materials are not covered | Co-pay, or the full price for non-covered materials |
| Root canal therapy | Covered | Outpatient co-pay |
| Tooth extraction | Covered | Outpatient co-pay |
| Scaling (1x/year, from age 19) | Covered | Outpatient co-pay |
| Crowns (porcelain/gold) | Not covered | 100% |
| Orthodontics/braces | Not covered | 100% |
| Whitening | Not covered | 100% |
| Implants (65+ only, two per lifetime) | Covered from age 65 | 100% under 65 |
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 | Covered | 30–60% (outpatient co-pay) |
| Psychiatric medication | Covered | 30% at the pharmacy |
| Psychology (counseling) | Limited | Mostly out-of-pocket |
| Inpatient psychiatric care | Covered | 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. Learn more in our mental health coverage guide.
Prescriptions
| Category | NHIS Covers | You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed medications | 70% | 30% |
| Prescriptions for minor illnesses from general or tertiary hospitals | 50–60% | 40–50% |
| Medicines not on the NHIS list | Not covered | 100% |
| Over-the-counter (OTC) | Not covered | 100% |
In practice: The pharmacy charges your co-pay when you collect your medicine.
Preventive Care
- General health check-up — free every 2 years for subscribers aged 20 and over
- Cancer screenings — through the national screening program for eligible age groups
- Pregnancy care — includes a pregnancy voucher worth ₩1,000,000
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
- Upgraded hospital rooms (the extra cost is out-of-pocket)
- Overseas medical treatment
How to Check Your Premium and Payment Status
NHIS Website
The English pages at nhis.or.kr (opens in a new tab) explain the rules for foreign residents. To see your own premium, payment history and any arrears, log in on the Korean site or in the app.
NHIS Mobile App
Download the NHIS app The건강보험 (Korean only) from the App Store or Google Play. Features include:
- Premium payment status
- Medical visit history
- Health check-up information
- Hospital/clinic search
Phone Hotline
Call 1577-1000 (Korean) or the foreign-language line 033-811-2000 for English and other languages.
NHIS Branch Offices
NHIS has branch offices across the country. Find the office responsible for your address on nhis.or.kr, or ask your university’s international office.
NHIS vs. Private Insurance: Do You Need Both?
NHIS is mandatory for D-2 and D-4 students — opting out is possible only in narrow cases defined by law. 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 co-pays of 20–60%
- You use university health services for minor issues
When to Add Private Insurance
- NHIS doesn’t cover you yet (D-4 students in their first 6 months)
- You have a chronic condition requiring expensive medication
- You want lower co-pays
- You need dental coverage (orthodontics, implants)
- You want English-speaking assistance
- You want coverage for medical evacuation to your home country
Cost Comparison
| Coverage | NHIS Only | NHIS + Private Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | ₩79,320 (~€50) | ₩79,320 plus the private premium (varies by insurer and age) |
| GP visit co-pay | 30% | Partly reimbursed, depending on the policy |
| Hospital co-pay | 20% | Partly reimbursed, depending on the policy |
| Dental (cosmetic) | Not covered | Depends on the policy |
| Medical evacuation | Not covered | Often included in international plans |
| English-speaking assistance | Not guaranteed | Included in some plans |
Our recommendation: NHIS alone is sufficient for most healthy students — co-pays apply to nationally set fees, so everyday care stays affordable. Add private insurance if you need cover before NHIS starts, have specific medical needs, or want English-language support and evacuation. Compare supplementary plans in our insurance comparison tool.
What Happens If You Do Not Pay?
This is serious. Korea Immigration checks your NHIS payment status when you apply for a stay extension.
Consequences of Non-Payment
| Stage | Consequence |
|---|---|
| After the due date | Late-payment surcharge added |
| While premiums are unpaid | NHIS restricts your benefits — you pay the full cost of treatment |
| At your stay extension | Extension generally limited to 6 months or less |
| After paying in full | Your benefits are restored |
Bottom line: Do not let premiums accumulate — set up auto-debit in your first month.
How to Resolve Unpaid Premiums
- Call NHIS (033-811-2000) or visit your nearest NHIS branch office with your Residence Card
- Request a full statement of overdue premiums
- Pay all outstanding amounts (including the surcharge)
- Keep proof of payment
- Apply for your stay extension
Frequently Asked Questions
When does NHIS enrollment start?
D-2 degree students are covered from entry — on a first entry, from the date of alien registration. D-4 language students are enrolled after 6 months of residence. Enrollment is automatic: you do not need to apply, and NHIS sends your enrollment notice and premium bills to your registered address.
Can I opt out of NHIS?
Only in narrow cases defined by law — equivalent coverage under foreign law, a foreign insurance policy or an employer’s contract. For most D-2 and D-4 students, NHIS is compulsory from the dates above.
I already have private insurance from home. Do I still pay NHIS?
In most cases, yes. A policy from home normally doesn’t release you from NHIS — exemptions exist only in the narrow cases defined by law. Your home policy can still be useful as a supplement, e.g. for repatriation or treatment outside Korea.
When is my first premium due?
Your first bill arrives after you are enrolled. If your enrollment is backdated (e.g. to your alien registration date), premiums for those earlier months are added to your first bill. After that, each month’s premium is due by the 25th of the previous 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 — but for tertiary (university) hospitals you need a referral letter to get the NHIS rate, except in emergencies.
How do I find an English-speaking doctor?
Many large hospitals in Seoul, Busan, and other major cities have international patient centers with English-speaking staff. Search “국제진료센터” (international clinic), or call the 1330 Korea Travel Helpline for interpretation over the phone.
Does NHIS cover traditional Korean medicine (한의원)?
Partially. Some treatments at traditional Korean medicine clinics, such as acupuncture, are covered under NHIS, but many herbal medicines are not. Cosmetic or wellness-oriented traditional treatments are not covered.
What happens to my NHIS when I leave South Korea?
Your NHIS enrollment ends when you leave Korea for good or your stay ends. 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?
Ask NHIS (033-811-2000) before you leave Korea for a longer period — whether your enrollment and premiums change depends on your situation. Premiums for months in which you were insured are not refunded.
Is the ₩79,320 premium likely to increase?
It changes every January with the average premium. The student premium was ₩75,490 in 2024, ₩76,390 in 2025 and ₩79,320 in 2026 — an increase of about 3.8% from 2025 to 2026.
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 stay extension.
If you are arriving in South Korea soon, your first priorities are:
- Register as a foreign resident and get your Residence Card (within 90 days of arrival)
- Open a Korean bank account
- Set up NHIS automatic debit
- Download the NHIS app (The건강보험)
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.
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