South Korea's NHIS provides comprehensive healthcare to international students — mandatory enrollment since 2021 ensures everyone is covered.
Last updated: February 2026
Best for: All international students (mandatory)
Government national insurance. Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, prescriptions, dental (basic), and maternity. Auto-enrollment upon alien registration. Premiums may be reduced for low-income students.
Learn moreBest for: Additional coverage beyond NHIS
Many Korean universities offer supplementary insurance for international students. Covers what NHIS doesn't: full dental, vision, repatriation, and higher claim limits.
Learn moreBest for: Students wanting English-language support and premium coverage
Optional top-up. English-speaking claim support, international clinic coverage, dental, and evacuation. Providers include Samsung Fire, DB Insurance, and global insurers.
Learn more| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| NHIS (Mandatory) | KRW 916,680/year (~€600) | KRW 76,390/month. Billed monthly. Some students eligible for reductions. |
| Typical Doctor Visit (30% co-pay) | KRW 5,000–15,000 (~€3–10) | NHIS covers 60–70%. General clinic visits are very affordable. |
| Hospital Stay (per day) | KRW 20,000–50,000 co-pay | NHIS covers most costs. Private rooms cost extra. |
| Prescription Drugs | KRW 3,000–10,000 co-pay | Generic drugs covered well by NHIS. Some specialty drugs require higher co-pays. |
| University Supplementary | KRW 360,000–600,000/year | Optional top-up for dental, vision, and higher claim limits. |
NHIS (Mandatory)
KRW 916,680/year (~€600)
KRW 76,390/month. Billed monthly. Some students eligible for reductions.
Typical Doctor Visit (30% co-pay)
KRW 5,000–15,000 (~€3–10)
NHIS covers 60–70%. General clinic visits are very affordable.
Hospital Stay (per day)
KRW 20,000–50,000 co-pay
NHIS covers most costs. Private rooms cost extra.
Prescription Drugs
KRW 3,000–10,000 co-pay
Generic drugs covered well by NHIS. Some specialty drugs require higher co-pays.
University Supplementary
KRW 360,000–600,000/year
Optional top-up for dental, vision, and higher claim limits.
Apply for a D-2 (degree) or D-4 (language) visa at the Korean embassy with your admission letter, financial proof, and other documents.
Within 90 days of arrival, visit your local Immigration Office to obtain your Alien Registration Card (ARC). NHIS enrollment is triggered automatically.
After alien registration, NHIS sends your insurance card and premium notices. You can also use the NHIS app or website to manage your account.
NHIS premiums (KRW 76,390/month) are billed monthly. Pay via bank transfer, convenience stores, or automatic debit. Unpaid premiums can affect your visa renewal.
Present your ARC or NHIS card at any hospital or clinic. NHIS is accepted at virtually all medical facilities in South Korea.
South Korea has emerged as one of Asia’s hottest study destinations, welcoming over 170,000 international students. The “Korean Wave” (Hallyu) in culture, technology, and education draws students to prestigious institutions like Seoul National University, KAIST, Yonsei, and Korea University.
Since March 2021, all international students staying 6+ months must be enrolled in the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). This was a major policy change — previously, NHIS was optional for students. Now, enrollment is automatic when you obtain your Alien Registration Card.
The monthly premium of KRW 76,390 (~€50) provides comprehensive coverage:
South Korea’s healthcare system is world-class. Korean hospitals are known for cutting-edge technology, short wait times, and affordable costs compared to Western countries. Many hospitals in Seoul, Busan, and other major cities have international patient centers with English-speaking staff.
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS, formerly KGSP) recipients may have their NHIS premiums subsidized or covered by the scholarship. Check your specific scholarship terms.
Yes. Since March 2021, all international students staying in South Korea for 6+ months are automatically enrolled in NHIS. This includes D-2 (academic) and D-4 (language training) visa holders. You cannot opt out.
The 2025 monthly premium for international students is KRW 76,390 (~€50/month or ~€600/year). Some students with very low income may qualify for reductions. GKS (Global Korea Scholarship) recipients may have premiums subsidized.
NHIS covers 60–70% of costs for doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, prescriptions, basic dental treatments, maternity care, and mental health services. You pay a 30–40% co-pay. Annual health check-ups are free.
Yes. NHIS is accepted at virtually all hospitals and clinics in South Korea, including university hospitals and general clinics. Some international clinics may charge higher fees with partial NHIS coverage.
Unpaid NHIS premiums can result in restricted benefits, late payment penalties, and — critically — may affect your visa renewal or extension. Korean immigration checks NHIS payment status.
Understand South Korea's NHIS system and find supplementary coverage for your studies. Compare plans before you go.
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