WWorkmate

Korea Health Insurance Calculator for Foreigners

If you live in Korea for 6+ months, NHIS enrollment is mandatory. Estimate your monthly premium — salary-based if employed, average premium if self-employed. (2026 basis)

Enrollment

Estimated monthly NHIS premium

Choose your enrollment type and calculate.

What this tool does

If you live in Korea for six months or more, enrollment in the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) is mandatory. Employees pay based on salary (7.19% split with the employer, plus long-term care), while the self-employed, unemployed, and students pay under a foreigner rule: the higher of income/asset scoring or the average premium — about ₩158,640 per month in 2026. Students on a D-2 or D-4 visa get a 50% reduction. This calculator estimates your monthly and annual premium by enrollment type. All inputs stay in your browser.

Who uses this

  • New arrivals estimating their premium before the 6-month mandatory enrollment
  • Employees checking the health + long-term care deduction on their payslip
  • Self-employed and freelancers budgeting for the regional premium
  • International students confirming the 50% reduced rate
  • Anyone comparing employee vs self-employed enrollment cost

How to use (4 steps)

  1. 1Choose your enrollment type: employee (working at a company) or self-employed/student.
  2. 2If employed, enter your monthly salary. The calculator applies your 3.595% share plus 13.14% long-term care.
  3. 3If self-employed, check the student box if you hold a D-2/D-4 visa and meet the income/asset limits for the 50% reduction.
  4. 4Click Calculate to see your monthly and annual premium, with the employer's matching share shown for reference.

Formula (NHIS 2026)

Employee (your share): Health = monthly salary × 3.595% (capped between ₩10,080 and ₩4,591,740) Long-term care = Health × 13.14% Monthly = Health + Long-term care (employer pays the same amount) Self-employed (foreigner rule): Monthly = max(income/asset score, average premium ₩158,640) Student (D-2/D-4) = ₩158,640 × 50% = ₩79,320

Real examples (2026)

Employee earning ₩3M/month

Health = 3M × 3.595% = ₩107,850. Long-term care = ₩14,171. Monthly = about ₩122,021 (your share); the employer pays the same amount on top.

Self-employed foreigner

Most pay the average premium — ₩158,640/month (₩1,903,680/year) — even with low reported income, because of the foreigner floor rule.

International student (D-2)

With the 50% reduction, ₩79,320/month, provided annual income is ₩3.6M or less and assets ₩135M or less.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to join NHIS as a foreigner?+

Yes. After six months in Korea you are automatically enrolled as a regional subscriber. Employees join immediately through their company, and students (D-2/D-4) join upon foreign registration.

Why is my premium fixed even though I earn little?+

Foreign regional subscribers pay at least the average premium (about ₩158,640 in 2026). Income/asset scoring only raises it above that floor — it cannot go below.

How much is the student discount?+

50% off the average premium, about ₩79,320/month, if your annual income is ₩3.6M or less and assets are ₩135M or less.

What happens if I don't pay?+

Unpaid premiums can block your visa extension — immigration checks tax and NHIS arrears. Late fees and asset seizure are also possible.

Is long-term care insurance included?+

For employees, yes — it is 13.14% of the health premium, shown separately. The regional average premium already reflects the total payment.

Does this include income/asset scoring for the self-employed?+

No. It uses the average-premium floor that most foreigners actually pay. High-income or high-asset foreigners may pay more.

Can I be exempted?+

If you have equivalent coverage through foreign insurance or an employer contract, you can apply for an exemption with NHIS.

Cautions

  • •Regional income/asset scoring is not modeled — the calculator uses the average-premium floor most foreigners pay. High earners or asset holders may pay more.
  • •The average premium (~₩158,640) is set yearly by NHIS each November — this is a 2026 estimate, verify annually.
  • •Employee figures apply the health-premium cap; very high or low salaries differ from a simple percentage.
  • •Reduction eligibility depends on individual income/asset review — confirm with NHIS (1577-1000).
  • •Reference estimate only; official assessment follows NHIS rules.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-15

Korea Health Insurance Calculator for Foreigners — NHIS Premium