International insurance vs Korean insurance: Which one should I get?
International insurance like Cigna or Allianz? Or NHIS? Do you need both?
NHIS is mandatory. Exemption from NHIS with international insurance is almost impossible. Best value combo: NHIS + Medical expense reimbursement insurance (silson insurance) (monthly Dasan Call Center (Seoul),000~160,000 KRW).
Korean health insurance (NHIS) is mandatory.
First, the important fact. Foreigners who stay in Korea for more than 6 months must join the NHIS.
"I already have international insurance, so I don't need to join NHIS, right?" — In principle, no.
Even if you have international insurance, you still need to pay NHIS separately. To get an exemption (exclusion from enrollment), you must meet strict conditions and apply separately.
In other words, for most foreigners, there are two choices:
International insurance you joined after entering Korea does not qualify for NHIS exemption. If you want an exemption, please make sure to join before entering Korea.
The price difference is this big.
Let’s compare based on a Workplace subscriber.
NHIS (Workplace subscriber):
→ 3.6% of salary (the company pays half)
→ If your salary is 3,000,000 KRW, your share is about 100,000 KRW
→ About Dasan Call Center (Seoul),000 KRW/month including Long-Term Care Insurance
International insurance (typical products):
→ Cigna Global Silver: about 150,000~250,000 KRW per month
→ Allianz Care: about 200,000~350,000 KRW per month
→ Comprehensive plan: about 300,000~500,000 KRW per month
NHIS is 3 to 10 times cheaper than international insurance.
But if you do not join NHIS?
→ You have to pay 100% of the hospital bill
→ Also, some hospitals apply international rates to foreign patients (2.5~3 times the normal rate)
→ Even for the same treatment, you may pay 10~15 times more than an NHIS patient
What does it cover better?
Can I get exempted from NHIS with international insurance?
It is possible, but the conditions are strict.
NHIS 100,000~140,000 KRW per month + Medical expense reimbursement insurance (silson insurance) 10,000~20,000 KRW per month = total Dasan Call Center (Seoul),000~160,000 KRW. It is much cheaper than one international insurance plan, and even Non-covered service under NHI (bigeupyeo) is covered.
It must be foreign insurance that you signed up for before coming to Korea.
You need to have coverage equivalent to NHIS NHI-covered service (geupyeo).
The exemption period is up to 1 year. You need to apply again every year.
Pre-approved countries:
🇫🇷 France — recognized by the national health insurance itself
🇯🇵 Japan — government civil servant medical coverage
🇺🇸 United States — insurance for soldiers/government employees (TRICARE, etc.)
For other countries, it is reviewed individually. There is no public data on the approval rate, but they say there are many cases of rejection.
Important: You cannot get an exemption with international insurance that you joined after coming to Korea!
So what should I sign up for?
After entering the country, what should I do about the 6-month insurance gap?
Resident subscriber can join NHIS only after 6 months from entry. This period is the problem.
Workplace subscriber is okay:
→ NHIS applies from the first day of work
→ There is almost no gap period
International students (Student/Language Training) are okay too:
→ Mandatory NHIS enrollment as soon as you enter Korea
The problem is Resident subscriber such as F visa:
→ No NHIS for 6 months
→ If you get sick during this period, you pay the full amount yourself
If a foreigner does not pay the NHIS premium, NHI-covered service (geupyeo) stops right away. Koreans have a grace period, but foreigners do not. (Law revision planned by June 2025) If the unpaid amount is 500,000 KRW or more, the visa extension is also refused.
Before departure, sign up for travel insurance/short-term international insurance (monthly 70,000~200,000 KRW)
Check the insurance provided by your school or company
Avoid major procedures for 6 months (if possible)
In an emergency, go to the emergency room → file an insurance claim later
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NHIS mandatory check
Foreign nationals staying for more than 6 months must join NHIS. Even if you have international insurance, you still need to pay separately.
Coverage range comparison
NHIS: Strong for general treatment, hospitalization, and childbirth. International insurance: Strong for dental care, mental health, overseas treatment, and English support.
Choose a recommended combination
Choose one of NHIS only, NHIS + private indemnity insurance (best value), or NHIS + international insurance (premium).
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NHIS is 3~10 times cheaper
Workplace subscriber monthly ~Dasan Call Center (Seoul),000 KRW vs international insurance monthly 150,000~500,000 KRW.
Best value: NHIS + private indemnity insurance
NHIS 100,000~140,000 KRW per month + private indemnity insurance 10,000~30,000 KRW per month = coverage up to Non-covered service under NHI (bigeupyeo).
International insurance: English + overseas
Full support in English, overseas medical treatment, and emergency evacuation included.
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NHIS exemption is almost impossible
Sign up before entering + strict screening. Even if exempt, hospital costs are 2~3 times higher because NHIS rates do not apply.
If you don't have NHIS, hospital bills can be huge
Full out-of-pocket payment + international rates (2.5~3 times). You may pay 10~15 times more than NHIS patients.
Unpaid insurance premium = immediate suspension
If a foreigner misses NHIS payments 3 times, NHI-covered service (geupyeo) is suspended. If unpaid amount is 500,000 KRW or more, visa extension is denied.
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No. NHIS is mandatory. Exemption is only possible with insurance you joined before entering the country, and most are rejected.
NHIS is applied first, then you can claim the out-of-pocket cost with international insurance. You can reduce your out-of-pocket payment to close to 0.
Yes. Separate enrollment is required. Check with NHIS in advance to see if exemption is possible.
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This guide is for information only, not legal advice. In emergencies, call 119 immediately.