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Korea's National Health Insurance (NHIS) for Foreigners: A Plain-Language Guide

What is NHIS?

The National Health Insurance Service (국민건강보험공단, NHIS) runs Korea's public health insurance. Almost everyone living in Korea is covered, including most long-term foreign residents. When you visit a clinic or hospital, NHIS pays part of the cost of covered care, and you pay the rest as a copayment.

Who is enrolled as a foreigner?

As of 2026, the general rules are:

•  Employees: if you work for a company in Korea that provides workplace insurance, you are usually enrolled through your employer from the start of employment. Premiums are shared with the employer and deducted from salary.
• Other residents: foreigners with registered residence (for example, students and dependents) are generally enrolled automatically after staying in Korea for six months or more. Some visa types, such as certain student or marriage-migrant visas, may have different start dates.
• Short-term visitors and tourists: generally not eligible. You pay the full price at the clinic and may claim from travel insurance.

Rules, premiums, and exceptions change from time to time. Always confirm your own status with NHIS. NHIS runs a customer center and has foreign-language support; check the official NHIS website for current contact details.

How do I use NHIS at a clinic?

You do not usually need a physical insurance card. Show your residence card (Alien Registration Card) at reception. The clinic checks your insurance status online with your registration number. If your enrollment is new, ask the clinic to check that your coverage appears correctly before you pay.

What does NHIS cover at a gynecologist?

In general, NHIS covers care that is medically necessary to diagnose or treat an illness. At an OB-GYN clinic, this often includes:

• Consultations for symptoms such as discharge, pain, bleeding, or infection
• Many laboratory tests ordered because of symptoms
• Many ultrasounds when medically indicated
• Prescribed medications (at the pharmacy, with a copayment)
• Pregnancy-related support through national programs (check current details with NHIS)

What is usually not covered?

Services considered preventive by choice, cosmetic, or lifestyle-related are usually non-covered (비급여, bi-geup-yeo). Common examples at a women's clinic:

   

Service	Typical status
Contraception consultation, IUD for contraception	Non-covered
Emergency contraception visit	Non-covered
Vaccines for adults (HPV, hepatitis, Tdap, MMR)	Usually non-covered
Screening ultrasound without symptoms	Often non-covered
IV nutrient drips, weight-loss care, hair removal	Non-covered

Clinics must post their non-covered prices. See the Eunice Women's Clinic fee list. For example, the clinic's consultation fee for non-insured visits such as contraception or emergency contraception is 20,000 KRW (prices may change; confirm with the clinic).

Does NHIS include free health checkups?

Yes, for eligible members. The national screening program includes cervical cancer screening every two years from age 20 for eligible members, plus general health checkups at set intervals. Eligibility depends on your enrollment and birth year. NHIS sends notices, and you can check your eligibility with NHIS. Learn more in our cervical cancer screening guide.

What if I do not have NHIS yet?

You can still see a doctor. You will pay the full non-insured price. Keep your receipts and ask for a medical certificate if you have private or travel insurance. Our page on seeing a gynecologist without Korean insurance explains the options.

What is the copayment at a clinic?

For covered care at a small clinic, NHIS members usually pay a fixed share of the official fee, often around 30 percent for outpatient clinic visits, with lower rates for some groups. Pregnant members and children may have lower rates. The percentage and the official fees are set nationally and are updated regularly, so the exact amount you pay can change from year to year. Your receipt shows the covered amount, the portion paid by NHIS, and your share.

Tips for foreign residents

• Keep your address registration up to date so NHIS notices reach you.
• Pay premiums on time. Unpaid premiums can affect coverage and, in some cases, visa matters.
• Keep receipts. If you are treated before coverage starts, ask NHIS whether any costs can be adjusted.
• Ask the clinic before a procedure whether it will be billed as covered or non-covered.

For how payment works at Eunice Women's Clinic, see insurance and payment.

Frequently asked questions

When does NHIS start for foreign students in Korea?

Rules for students have changed over the years. In general, registered foreign students are enrolled in NHIS, sometimes from arrival rather than after six months, and may receive a reduced premium. Because details depend on visa type and current policy, confirm your start date with NHIS or your university.

Is a Pap smear covered by NHIS?

For eligible members, cervical cancer screening through the national program is provided every two years from age 20. A Pap test ordered because of symptoms may also be covered. A Pap test done outside these conditions, or an optional liquid-based test, may be charged at the non-covered price.

Does NHIS cover birth control?

In general, contraception for the purpose of preventing pregnancy is not covered by NHIS. This includes contraception consultations, emergency contraception, and IUDs placed for contraception. When an IUD is used to treat a medical condition, coverage may be different. Ask the clinic before the procedure.

Can I use NHIS at any clinic in Korea?

Yes. NHIS is accepted at almost all clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies in Korea. You show your residence card at reception, and the clinic checks your coverage. You do not need to register with a specific doctor.

What does 비급여 mean on my receipt?

비급여 (bi-geup-yeo) means non-covered. These items are not paid by NHIS, so you pay the full clinic price. 급여 (geup-yeo) means covered. A Korean receipt usually lists both, which is useful for private insurance claims.

Related pages

•  Insurance & payment
• Fees & prices
• Without Korean insurance
• Cervical Screening in Korea
• Gynecologist Cost in Korea

This page provides general health information for patients and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Individual results vary. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or other urgent symptoms, call 119 or go to the nearest emergency room. Page updated September 2026.