United States H-1 Working Holiday — Under 6 Months Guide
Medical guide for United States H-1 visa holders under 6 months. Not NHIS eligible.
When and what to do?
Buy travel insurance before you leave.
Get travel insurance covering your whole Korea stay, add some extra time.
Entry & alien registration.
Within 14 days after entry.Get your alien registration card within 14 days of arrival.
Use Hospital Finder.
When sick, use Hospital Finder to find a hospital that speaks your language.
Check free medical programs.
Free medical programs for foreigners exist—use them if you need help.
How much do you pay?
Stay <6 months? No NHIS. Get travel/private insurance before you go.
Benefits that apply to you
Use travel insurance.
Cover medical costs with travel insurance instead of NHIS—get it before you leave.
Hospital Finder
Find hospitals that can treat you in your language.
Free medical program.
Get basic care at free clinics for foreigners.
ER available.
In emergencies, you can use the ER no matter your visa.
Please note
No NHIS — pay all hospital fees yourself
If you stay less than 6 months, you don't join NHIS. You have to cover all medical costs yourself.
Risk if you don't have travel insurance
Going to a hospital without insurance can cost millions of won. Be sure to get insurance.
What to prepare
Need help?
Learn more
FAQ
After 6 months you automatically must join NHIS. See the 'Stay over 6 months' guide.
Yes, you pay first, then submit the receipt to the insurer for reimbursement.
Yes, ER costs apply. But you can get emergency care regardless of status. Claim it with travel insurance.
This guide is for information only, not legal advice. Policies may change — check official sources for the latest.
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