Korea National Health Insurance (NHIS) for Foreigners 2026: Who Must Enroll, Costs & Rules If you are a foreigner living in Korea, you don't really get to choose whether to join the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). Once you have stayed long enough, the law enrolls you automatically — and the bill arrives whether you've been to a doctor or not. This 2026 guide explains exactly who must enroll in Korea's National Health Insurance (NHIS) , how much foreigners actually pay, the special rules for students, workers and families, and — importantly — what happens to your visa extension if you don't pay. Quick answer: Registered foreigners who stay in Korea for 6 months or more and are not employees are automatically enrolled as "regional subscribers." In 2026 the minimum monthly premium for a foreign regional subscriber is about ₩158,630 (roughly US$110–115, varies with the exchange rate). Employees and students hav...