If you are a foreign national residing, working, or studying in Korea, it is essential to be informed of the 2025 changes to the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). Effective from January 1, 2025, Korea has revised certain regulations concerning contribution rates, residency requirements, and dependent controls, with the aim of ensuring a fairer and more sustainable healthcare system. This article provides detailed information to help you avoid unnecessary penalties and optimize insurance costs.

I. Legal basis

• National Health Insurance Act
• Ministry of Health and Welfare
• Enforcement Rules of the National Health Insurance Act

II. Overview of key changes to NHIS in 2025 

Any foreigner or overseas Korean who has stayed in Korea for over six months is subject to mandatory subscription to health insurance (From July 16, 2019). In 2025, the updates focus on adjusting monthly contribution rates, strengthening dependent verification, and implementing stricter measures to prevent abuse.

2.1. Monthly contribution rates

• For non-working foreigners (such as students or independent residents), the cost usually ranges from 110,000 to 130,000 KRW per month, but may increase up to 150,000 KRW if income proof is not provided. 
• For international students (visa D-2, D-4), the fixed monthly cost is 76,390 KRW starting from January 2025.
• Employees (visa E-1 to E-7): The monthly cost is approximately 3,545% of the salary, shared equally between the employee and the employer. For example, with a monthly salary of 3,000,000 KRW, the employee’s share would be about 75,000 KRW.
• Long-term residents (visa F-5, F-6): The monthly cost is based on income and assets, ranging from 80,000 to 200,000 KRW.

2.2. Dependent verification

• The Korean government has tightened regulations, resulting in a reduction in the number of registered dependents, particularly within the Vietnamese community (decreasing from 20,499 to 18,881 individuals). This measure aims to prevent fraudulent or ineligible registrations.
• New requirements: Legal documents (such as marriage certificates and birth certificates) and proof of actual residence in Korea must be provided. Dependents who are visiting for a short period are not eligible for registration.
• Objective: To prevent fraudulent or ineligible registrations and ensure the sustainability of the system.

2.3. Late payment penalties

Penalty: 3% per month for late payments, which may result in visa renewal denial if the outstanding amount exceeds 500,000 KRW.

How to avoid:

• Timely payment (bills issued by the 10th, due by the 25th of each month).
• Set up automatic bank transfer (e.g., Woori, Shinhan).
• Download the The건강보험 app to check and pay online.
• Update your address within 14 days at the immigration office.
• Contact the NHIS hotline (1577-1000, English/Chinese support available) for assistance in case of late payment.

2.4. Updates on compensation limits and Insurance costs

• Maximum Monthly Compensation: Increased from KRW 119,625,106 (2024) to KRW 127,056,982 (2025).
• Maximum Monthly Premium (Employer + Employee): Increased from KRW 8,481,420 to KRW 9,008,340.
• Minimum Monthly Compensation & Premium: Remain unchanged at KRW 279,266 and KRW 19,780, respectively.

III. Guide to registering for National Health Insurance (NHIS) in Korea for foreigners by visa type

Visa type	Automatic enrollment?	Mandatory registration?	Registration method
E-7, E-2 (Full-time worker)	Yes	Yes	Employer handles it automatically
Freelancer / Self-employed	No	Yes (after 6 months)	Must visit NHIS and register
D-2 (University student)	Yes (after 6 months)	Yes	Auto-enrollment after ARC 6-month mark
D-4 (Language student)	Yes (after 6 months)	Yes	Auto-enrollment after ARC 6-month mark
F-2, F-5, F-6 (Long-term)	No	Yes	Must register like a Korean citizen
Tourist visa	No	No	Not eligible (must get private insurance)

IV. Advice for foreigners

• Provide proof of income: Tax returns or financial documents can help reduce costs to the minimum and avoid being charged the default higher rate.
• Prepare dependent documents: Ensure all documents are valid to avoid registration denial.
• Manage your NHIS account: Use the app or contact NHIS to check your status and make timely payments.
• Suspend insurance when leaving Korea: Notify NHIS in advance if leaving Korea for more than six months to avoid unnecessary charges.

V. Conclusion

The 2025 NHIS changes in Korea apply to both Korean citizens and foreigners, ensuring fairness within the system. For foreigners, enrollment in NHI is mandatory upon receiving the Alien Registration Card (ARC), and coverage begins the following day. These changes not only affect costs but also require individuals to proactively register and manage their NHI accounts to avoid legal issues.

VI. About NYLA – Korean Legal Office

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