TRAVEL/Health Insurance
Overview
TRAVEL INSURANCE
International students are required to bring with them travel insurance when traveling to Korea. Travel insurance is critical when traveling abroad as it will help cover any case of emergency or situational issues during to and from, as well as your time spent abroad. The scope of travel insurances will vary and differ across countries as well as travel insurance companies. We strongly advise all prospective students to research what is available and necessary to them BEFORE arriving in Korea.
NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SERVICE (NHIS)
All international students will automatically be registered for the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) once they apply for residence card (formerly known as ARC). The NHIS is a National healthcare service in Korea that helps cover and support a wide range of medical services and resources, including selected pharmaceutical needs (Please refer to the pamphlet below for more information). It is highly recommended whilst staying in Korea but not mandatory for all international students. International students residing in Korea for less than six months (one semester) may choose to apply for an exemption. International students residing in Korea for more than six months are subject to mandatory subscription and payment.
NHIS PROCESSING TIME
Although NHIS registration for all international students will be done automatically upon application for a residence card (RC, formerly known as ARC), there is a processing time in which the NHIS will not apply for students. This will take a few weeks to process through. During this time, students will not be covered by NHIS during and will need to come prepared with a separate health or travel insurance that will help cover any health/travel related costs or risks that may occur. Students will be responsible for addressing their personal health or travel needs before NHIS enrollment.
1-4 months in Korea
For international students who will stay in Korea for less than four months may apply for an exemption to the NHIS under the condition that you have a separate private insurance purchased outside of Korea as well as other criteria set by the NHIS. The private insurance must have no limitations to the premiums covered. Coverage limit above KRW 1 billion is considered unlimited coverage by the NHIS.
Please keep in mind that individuals who apply for an exemption may still be subject to pay if they do not meet the criteria of the NHIS exemption assessment. There are high chances of exemption application being denied. We advise students to reach the following guidebook carefully to fully understand the policies and regulations binding the NHIS.*
For more information, please refer to the NHIS Guidebook.
(Exemption guidelines can be found under The Self-employed insured section)
*Individuals of Japan or France nationality may be of exception. Refer to Exemption Guide below.
INSURANCE FEE (IF SUBJECT TO PAY)
Students will receive an invoice (usually around the 10th of each month) for the prepayment of the following month. The bill is due by the 25th of the received month (Example. The invoice received in March will be the prepayment for April and will need to be paid by the 25th of April).
According to the latest insurance update, the monthly insurance fee will cost an average of 70,000 - 80,000 KRW.
over 4 months in korea
For international students staying in Korea for more than six months, NHIS is mandatory.
INSURANCE FEE
Students will receive an invoice (usually around the 10th of each month) for the prepayment of the following month. The bill is due by the 25th of the received month (Example. The invoice received in March will be the prepayment for April and will need to be paid by the 25th of April).
According to the latest insurance update, the monthly insurance fee will cost an average of 70,000 - 80,000 KRW.
NHIC_Info.PDFExemption Guide
EXEMPTION ELIGIBILITY
Students who hold private insurance that covers emergency and hospital bills abroad similar to the NHIS coverage (has to be from a foreign insurance company), and you are staying in Korea for 4 months or less.
Students from France and Japan are eligible for the exemption from NHIS due to provisions between governments and insurance policies.
HOW TO APPLY FOR EXEMPTION
Fill out the Exclusion for Health Insurance form for overseas Koreans and foreigners.
Have the major parts that state your coverage of the insurance translated into Korean.
Visit the center for foreign residents and turn the papers in.
Center information: http://www.nhis.or.kr/english/wbheaa02100m01.do
* Please contact the NHIS (Tel. 1577-1000) first and prepare the documents.
Please note that you cannot apply for this exemption until you have registered with Immigration and have a residence number. Also, please be advised that even if you submit an application for exemption to the NHIS, it may not be approved.
Application for Exclusion for Health Insurance for Foreigner.docxInsurance Coverage
International students can receive the same level of insurance benefits as Korean citizens. The insurance service covers up to 80% of inpatient treatments and medical services. The service also covers 30 – 70% of outpatient treatments and medical services. In general, the covered amount gets deducted from your medical bill when you check out of the medical institution.
For more information, visit the NHIS website.
Visit Type
Medical Institution Type
Co-Payment
Inpatient Care
(Hospitalization)
All
20% of the total treatment cost
(cancer patients 5%, rare/incurable diseases patients 10%)
Outpatient Care
Higher-level General Hospital
Tertiary Hospital
60% of total treatment cost and other expenses
General Hospital
45 - 50% of total care benefit expenses
Pharmacy
35 - 40% of total care benefit expenses
Hospital
30% of total care benefit expenses
Clinic
30% of total care benefit expenses