Is this your situation?
- I went to hospital without insurance and the bill was very high.
- My parents have insurance but I do not know if I am covered.
- I arrived recently. Can I join already?
- I am worried about how much the premium will be.
Rights you should know
Employees join through their workplace
If you are employed by a company you are enrolled as a workplace subscriber, regardless of nationality.
Long-term residents join as local subscribers
Foreign nationals who have stayed in Korea for six months or more are enrolled as local subscribers. Conditions differ by visa status, so check with the service.
Family coverage is possible in some cases
If a parent is a workplace subscriber, a child may be covered as a dependent, subject to eligibility rules confirmed by the service.
Insurance cuts hospital costs sharply
When insurance applies, the service pays a large part of the treatment cost, so your own payment is far smaller.
Try this
- 1.
Call 1577-1000 to check your eligibility
Give your alien registration number and visa status and they will tell you whether you can enrol.
- 2.
Visit a local NHIS branch
Bring your passport and alien registration card and staff will guide you through enrolment.
- 3.
Arrange interpretation in advance
Use the Danuri Call Center (1577-1366) or ask your local Family Center for interpretation support.
- 4.
Ask about support if premiums are hard to afford
Some regions run medical cost support schemes. Ask your Family Center or community service centre.
Please note
Eligibility and premiums depend on your visa status and income. Always confirm your own case with the National Health Insurance Service (1577-1000).
Checklists to use with this information
You might also want to know
- Hospital & Health
I'm sick. How do I go to a hospital?
In Korea, people usually go to a local clinic first and then to a larger hospital if needed. If you are worried about language, you can get interpretation help.
Your residence status (visa type) sets out what you are allowed to do in Korea. Knowing your status exactly is the first step for every procedure.
Where to get help
National Health Insurance Service 1577-1000
Area: NationwideHealth care
How they can help
Handles health insurance enrolment, premiums and eligibility, including rules for foreign residents.
- Languages
- Korean · English · Chinese · Vietnamese
- Opening hours
- Weekdays 09:00-18:00
WebsitePhone 1577-1000
nhis.or.kr
What to say once the call connects
- “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about something.”
- “Can I get advice in English, Chinese, Vietnamese?”
- “Can young people get advice here too?”
- “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”
These are examples only. Please follow the organisation's own instructions.
Last reviewed 6 September 2026
Danuri Call Center 1577-1366
Emergency lineArea: NationwideFamilyViolence & safety
How they can help
A 24-hour multilingual call center for migrants, covering daily-life questions and violence support.
- Languages
- Korean · English · Chinese · Vietnamese · other languages
- Opening hours
- 24 hours
WebsitePhone 1577-1366
liveinkorea.kr
What to say once the call connects
- “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about something.”
- “Can I get advice in English, Chinese, Vietnamese?”
- “Can young people get advice here too?”
- “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”
These are examples only. Please follow the organisation's own instructions.
Last reviewed 6 September 2026
Local Family Center (Multicultural Family Support)
Area: NationwideLocal centresFamilyEducation & school
How they can help
Local centres offering Korean lessons, interpretation and study support. On the Family Center portal (familynet), choose your city or province to see nearby centres and their contact details.
Find one near youPhone 1577-9337
familynet.or.kr
What to say once the call connects
- “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about something.”
- “My Korean isn't very good. Can I still get advice?”
- “Can young people get advice here too?”
- “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”
These are examples only. Please follow the organisation's own instructions.
Last reviewed 16 September 2026
Immigration Contact Center 1345 (HiKorea)
Area: NationwideStay & visa
How they can help
Multilingual advice on visa status, extensions and alien registration. Office visits are booked on HiKorea.
- Languages
- Korean · English · Chinese · Vietnamese · other languages
- Opening hours
- Weekdays 09:00-18:00
WebsitePhone 1345
hikorea.go.kr
What to say once the call connects
- “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about something.”
- “Can I get advice in English, Chinese, Vietnamese?”
- “Can young people get advice here too?”
- “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”
These are examples only. Please follow the organisation's own instructions.
Last reviewed 6 September 2026
What to say once the call connects
If you are not sure how to start the call, use these sentences as a guide. They are only examples and do not replace advice from the organisation.
- 1. “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about Hospital & Health.”
- 2. “This is what happened. (Briefly say when, where and what happened.)”
- 3. “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”
Tips for the call
- If Korean is hard for you, ask: "Can I get advice in another language?"
- Keep dates, places and things like text messages or contracts next to you so it is easier to explain.
- You only need to give your name or contact details if the counsellor asks for them.
Follow the organisation's own guidance on how advice works. If you are in danger now, call 112 (police) or 119 (ambulance) straight away.
Sources for this page
Official sources (organisation websites, open in a new window)
- National Health Insurance Service · National Health Insurance Service
- Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service · Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service
Last reviewed 6 September 2026
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