One of the things we international students worry about the most while living in Korea is, 'What should I do when I get sick?' it will be Foreign students who are studying alone in a faraway place away from their hometowns, do not know where to go and what to do when they are sick in Korea, a foreign environment, language, and culture. But don't worry too much. This is because Korea has a well-established health insurance system, so foreign students can also receive health insurance benefits. This time, we will learn about health insurance in Korea.

Due to a recent change in Korean law, foreign students staying in Korea for more than six months are obliged to subscribe to health insurance and pay insurance premiums. The Ministry of Health and Welfare, a Korean government agency , announced that it would newly apply the 'health insurance application standards for long-term foreign nationals and foreigners' from March 2021. So, international students staying in Korea for more than six months must sign up for health insurance and pay insurance premiums. If you do not pay the insurance premium, it will be reflected unfavorably when applying for an extension of your period of stay in Korea, so be careful!

D-2 (study abroad), D-4-3 (elementary, middle, high school), and D-4 (general training) VISA are all compulsory to subscribe to health insurance. You must pay in advance by the day. You will receive a health insurance payment notice (letter) on the 10th of every month.

International students can receive the same health insurance benefits as Koreans while living in Korea. Hospital treatment, dentistry, health checkup, pregnancy, and childbirth-related care are supported. However, hospital treatment for cosmetic purposes, such as skin care or plastic surgery, is not covered by health insurance. International students are covered by Korea's health insurance benefits, so you pay only 30% of the total cost, so it doesn't cost a lot of money. So if you get sick, don't hesitate and go to the hospital right away!

Call 1577-1000 for health insurance related questions or advice.

* 033-811-2000 Please note that this number is exclusively for foreigners and provides consultation in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Uzbekistan!