Studying in Korea is exciting, but figuring out how to see a doctor can be confusing at first. You may wonder when your insurance starts, how much you need to pay, whether a clinic visit is covered, or what to do with a prescription.

This guide explains the basics of South Korea’s National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), with practical steps for international students.

1. What Is the National Health Insurance Service?

The National Health Insurance Service, commonly called NHIS, is Korea’s public health insurance system. Eligible international students can receive health insurance benefits similar to those available to Korean residents.

When you receive treatment covered by NHIS, the insurance generally pays part of the cost and you pay the remaining amount, called a co-payment. The amount you pay depends on the type of treatment, the medical institution, and whether the service is covered. Some treatments and services are not covered, so it is a good idea to ask about costs before receiving them.

2. Who Is Enrolled Automatically?

Many international students are enrolled automatically. In most cases, you do not need to submit a separate NHIS application. However, the enrollment date depends on your visa type and entry history.

Student status	General enrollment timing
Degree-seeking student (D-2)	From the date of foreigner registration upon initial entry; from the re-entry date after a later trip abroad
General language-training student (D-4)	Six months after entering Korea
Student of Korean descent or overseas Korean	May qualify from the date of school admission after submitting proof of enrollment

These are general guidelines. Your visa subtype and personal circumstances may affect the exact start date. If you are unsure, contact NHIS or your university’s international student office and ask them to confirm your enrollment date.

What to Check After You Arrive

1. Complete your foreigner registration, if required.
2. Keep your Korean address up to date with the relevant authorities.
3. Check your NHIS enrollment notice and confirm the date your coverage begins.
4. Contact NHIS if you do not receive a notice or bill.
5. Ask whether private insurance is needed before your NHIS coverage starts.

Do not assume that your insurance begins on the day you arrive. The start date can depend on your visa and registration status.

3. How Much Does Student Health Insurance Cost?

For 2026, university guidance lists the monthly premium for international students at approximately KRW 79,320. That is about USD 60 using the approximate conversion rate shown below. Your actual bill can differ, so use the amount on your NHIS notice as the final reference.

Estimated payment period	Korean won (KRW)	U.S. dollars (USD)
One month	About KRW 79,320	About USD 60
Six months	About KRW 475,920	About USD 361
Twelve months	About KRW 951,840	About USD 721

USD amounts are approximate, calculated at KRW 1,320 per USD. Exchange rates change.

A premium reduction may apply to eligible students. The government’s Study in Korea guide lists conditions including a qualifying visa status, monthly income of KRW 300,000 or less, and a property tax base value of KRW 135 million or less. The reduction rate and your final premium depend on the applicable rules and your eligibility. Confirm your status with NHIS rather than assuming the reduced amount will apply automatically.

4. When and How Do You Pay?

Check the payment deadline printed on your bill. University guidance for 2026 says student premiums are paid in advance, generally by the 25th of the previous month. For example, the notice will show the deadline that applies to the next payment period.

Premium notices may be sent to the address registered in Korea. If you move, update your address promptly so you do not miss a bill. NHIS also provides electronic billing options. Ask NHIS whether you can register for electronic notices or automatic payment.

Do not ignore an overdue bill. Unpaid premiums may restrict access to insurance benefits, and university guidance warns that unpaid premiums may affect visa-related services. Check with NHIS if you receive a bill you do not understand or believe is incorrect.

5. What Does NHIS Cover?

NHIS provides benefits for eligible medical care, including treatment for illness and injury. Depending on your eligibility, it may also cover certain health checkups and prescription medicines.

Keep in mind:

• You may still need to pay a co-payment. Insurance usually does not mean that every visit or treatment is free.
• Coverage depends on the service. Ask whether a test, procedure, or medicine is covered before agreeing to it.
• Some services are non-covered. You may have to pay the full price for those services.
• Health checkups have eligibility rules. Confirm your eligibility and make an appointment before visiting.
• Cosmetic procedures are generally not covered when they are not medically necessary.

At the clinic or hospital, the NHIS-covered amount is generally reflected in the bill. Ask the billing staff to explain any amount that seems unclear.

6. How to Visit a Clinic

For a common illness or a non-emergency health concern, a nearby clinic is often a practical place to start. You can choose a clinic based on the part of the body or type of concern.

Korean department name	Common English name	Often visited for
내과	Internal medicine	Colds, fever, stomach problems, general health concerns
가정의학과	Family medicine	General health concerns and routine care
이비인후과	Ear, nose, and throat (ENT)	Ear pain, sinus problems, sore throat
피부과	Dermatology	Skin problems
정형외과	Orthopedics	Joint, muscle, or bone problems
산부인과	Obstetrics and gynecology	Reproductive and women’s health
치과	Dentistry	Teeth and oral health

These descriptions are general. If you are unsure which clinic to visit, ask your university’s international student office or call the clinic before going.

What to Bring

Bring your Alien Registration Card (ARC) or another form of identification accepted by the provider. If you have an NHIS card or mobile insurance information, bring that as well. If you take regular medication, write down its name or bring the package so the doctor can understand what you are taking.

What Usually Happens at a Visit

1. Register at the clinic’s reception desk.
2. Show your identification and tell the staff whether this is your first visit.
3. Explain your symptoms to the doctor.
4. Ask whether any recommended tests or treatments are covered.
5. Pay the clinic bill.
6. If you receive a prescription, take it to a pharmacy.

Some clinics may not have English-speaking staff. If possible, bring a Korean-speaking friend or prepare a short written description of your symptoms.

7. Getting Prescription Medicine

If the doctor gives you a prescription, take it to a pharmacy. The pharmacy is often identified by the Korean word 약국. You usually pay the pharmacy separately from the clinic.

Tell the pharmacist about any medication allergies, medicines you already take, or relevant health conditions. Follow the instructions on the medicine label. If you do not understand how often to take a medicine, ask the pharmacist to explain it before leaving.

8. Emergencies and Finding Medical Help

For a serious or life-threatening emergency in Korea, call 119 for emergency assistance. The National Emergency Medical Center’s E-GEN website provides information about Korea’s emergency medical system.

For a health concern that is not immediately life-threatening, contact a nearby clinic or your university’s international student office for guidance. The government’s Study in Korea website also provides information for international students about medical treatment and healthcare resources.

9. Useful Korean Phrases

Korean	English
건강보험 적용되나요?	Is this covered by National Health Insurance?
처음 방문했어요.	This is my first visit.
어디가 아프세요?	Where does it hurt?
보험료 고지서를 확인하고 싶어요.	I would like to check my insurance bill.
처방전을 주세요.	Please give me the prescription.
약을 어떻게 복용하나요?	How should I take this medicine?
영어로 상담할 수 있나요?	Is an English-speaking consultation available?

10. Before You Go: A Quick Checklist

• Confirm that your NHIS coverage has started.
• Check the monthly premium and payment deadline on your bill.
• Update your Korean address if you move.
• Bring your ARC or another accepted form of identification.
• Ask whether a treatment or test is covered before receiving it.
• Keep your prescription and medicine instructions.
• Contact NHIS if you do not receive a bill or have questions about your eligibility.

For assistance in English, contact the NHIS English-language counseling line at 033-811-2000. You can also call 1577-1000 and select the foreign-language consultation option.

Official Information

• NHIS Guidance for Foreign Residents
• Korean Government Study in Korea: Living and Housing Information
• NHIS English Contact Information

This article provides general information, not an individual coverage decision. Enrollment dates, premiums, and benefits can vary by visa status and personal circumstances. Confirm your details with NHIS or your university.