When does health insurance start, and what happens if I don't pay?

If you work at a company, the company usually reports you and you become an employee subscriber (직장가입자).

Everyone else becomes a local subscriber (지역가입자). After 6 months from entry, the National Health Insurance Service (공단) enrolls you even if you don't report. For D-2 (study), D-4-3 (elementary to high school students), E-9 (non-professional work), F-5 (permanent residence), and F-6 (marriage), it starts from your entry date. If your foreigner registration is later than your entry date, it starts from your registration date. Some statuses are not covered.

Premiums are based on income and property. If the calculated amount is below the average premium, you pay the average premium. The 2026 average premium is 158,630 won. Eligible students get a 50% reduction. You pay next month's premium in advance by the 25th of each month. Permanent residents and marriage migrants follow the same standards as Koreans.

If you don't pay, these things can happen.

• If you are 1 month or more behind: you may not receive health insurance benefits until you pay in full. The standard varies by status.
• Your stay extension can, in principle, be limited to 6 months or less. If you pay everything you owe, you can extend normally.

The National Health Insurance Service number is 1577-1000.

Be sure to check your own situation with 1345 or an immigration office.

Curious about premiums? Leave your question below.