South Korea's National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) covers international students — enrollment has been mandatory since March 2021.
Public national insurance. Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, prescriptions, basic dental care (e.g. one scaling a year) and pregnancy care (KRW 1,000,000 pregnancy voucher). The 50% student reduction applies to D-2 and D-4 students with annual income up to KRW 3.6 million and taxable property up to KRW 135 million.
Some Korean universities offer group plans for international students — useful for the months before NHIS starts (e.g. the first 6 months of a language course) and for costs NHIS leaves to you. Ask your university's international office.
Optional top-up for NHIS co-pays, English-speaking claims support, medical evacuation and travel outside Korea. Offered by Korean insurers (e.g. Samsung Fire & Marine, DB Insurance) and international insurers.
| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| NHIS (mandatory) | KRW 951,840/year (~€600) | KRW 79,320/month in 2026 (2025: KRW 76,390). Each month's premium is due in advance, by the 25th of the previous month. |
| Clinic visit | 30% co-pay | You pay 30% of the covered cost at local clinics; for outpatient care at hospitals 40%, general hospitals 50% and tertiary (university) hospitals 60%. |
| Hospital stay | 20% co-pay | Inpatient co-pay for covered treatment. Upgraded rooms and non-covered treatments are billed in full. |
| Prescription drugs | 30% co-pay | Pharmacies are separate from clinics; you pay 30% of covered medicines. |
| General health check-up | Free every 2 years | NHIS subscribers aged 20 and over get a free general health screening every two years (odd or even years, by year of birth). |
South Korea had 253,434 international students in higher education in 2025, up from 208,962 in 2024 (Ministry of Education). Universities such as Seoul National University, KAIST, Yonsei and Korea University draw students from around the world.
Since March 2021, international students on D-2 and D-4 visas are automatically enrolled in the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) — before that, students could choose private insurance instead. 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.
The 2026 student premium of KRW 79,320 a month (~€50) covers:
South Korea’s healthcare system is modern and well equipped, and all medical facilities work within the NHIS system. Many large hospitals in Seoul, Busan and other cities have international patient centers with English-speaking staff.
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS, formerly KGSP) pays airfare, tuition, Korean language training and a monthly allowance. The 2026 graduate guidelines (GKS-G) list no medical insurance benefit, so plan to pay NHIS premiums from your allowance and check the terms of your own award.
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Understand South Korea's NHIS system and compare supplementary plans for your studies before you go.
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