US E-7/E-2 specialist health insurance guide
Korean health insurance for US specialists & English teachers, compare with US insurance, and FATCA tips.
When and what to do?
Arrival & alien registration
Within 14 days after arrivalRegister as an alien at the immigration office within 14 days after arrival.
Automatic health insurance enrollment
From day one at work, you're automatically enrolled as a employee in health insurance. Your company (academy, etc.) reports it to NHIS.
Check US insurance adjustment
If you keep US insurance, you might be double‑covered with Korean NHIS. See if you need to adjust.
Check NHIS exemption
If you keep US health insurance (like TRICARE), you can apply for NHIS exemption. Usually NHIS is better.
Pension totalization when you return
The Korea‑US Social Security agreement lets you add Korean pension periods to US Social Security.
How much do you pay?
Company pays half. Premiums are way cheaper than US insurance.
Benefits that apply to you
Cheaper premiums than US
Korean NHIS costs only 3.6% of salary (your part). Much cheaper than US premiums.
Pension totalization (Totalization)
Since 2001, the Korea‑US agreement lets you combine Korean pension time with US Social Security credits.
Medical indemnity Tier A
E-7/E-2 are Tier A. You can join any insurer's medical indemnity.
Tax treaty benefits
Korea‑US tax treaty avoids double tax. Teachers (E-2) have a 2‑year tax‑free clause, check it.
Please note
NHIS exemption possible (optional)
If you keep US health insurance, you can apply for NHIS exemption. But Korean NHIS gives better coverage for the price, so most people stick with NHIS.
Watch out for double coverage with US insurance
If you keep US insurance (parent plan, etc.) and also join Korean NHIS, you'll pay double premiums. Decide which one is primary.
Gap when changing academy on E-2 visa
If there's an employment gap when you switch academy (school), your health insurance may pause. Ask the new academy to report your enrollment quickly.
What to prepare
Need help?
Learn more
FAQ
It's optional. Korean NHIS alone gives enough coverage. If US premiums are high, you can just keep NHIS while staying in Korea. Just check the waiting period for insurance after you return to the US.
NHIS costs about 3.6% of your salary, cheap, and covers most treatments. No network limits, so you can go to any hospital. Dental and Korean medicine may have different coverage.
Your Korean pension period counts toward US Social Security credits, helping you reach the 40‑credit minimum. Ask NPS (1355).
Under the Korea‑US tax treaty, teachers/researchers can be exempt from Korean income tax for 2 years. Check details at NTS (126).
This guide is for information only, not legal advice. Policies may change — check official sources for the latest.
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