Public coverage, migrant eligibility, and private insurance options.
Universal Public Health (National Health Insurance - NHIS)
South Korea has a mandatory National Health Insurance (NHI) system administered by the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). It covers approximately 64% of total health costs. The system covers outpatient care, inpatient care, prescription drugs, dental, and mental health.
Foreign nationals with a work visa registered as residents are required to join the NHIS. Registration occurs automatically for employees - premiums are deducted from salary (~3.5% employee + 3.5% employer). The Korea Immigration Service issues an Alien Registration Card (ARC) used for all healthcare and insurance purposes.
Supplementary private insurance: Samsung Life Insurance, Kyobo Life, Hanwha Life. Monthly cost: KRW 30,000-80,000.
Common provider examples
Examples from the sourced guide; compare coverage independently.
Official source
Verified: June 2026
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