Korea NHI contribution estimator

How National Health Insurance works in Korea

Korea's National Health Insurance (NHI, 건강보험) is a mandatory single-payer system covering virtually all residents, including registered foreign workers and their dependents. Once enrolled, you have access to the same hospital network as Korean citizens, with the government covering the majority of treatment costs.

Employee subscribers (직장가입자)

If you work for a Korean employer, you are automatically enrolled as an employee subscriber. Your employer registers you and withholds your premium directly from your paycheck. The total NHI rate from 2026 is 7.19% of your standard monthly income, split equally between you and your employer: you each pay 3.595%.

On top of this, a long-term care insurance premium (장기요양보험) is added at 13.14% of your health insurance amount. This brings your actual monthly share to roughly 4.07% of your salary. Your employer pays an equal matching amount.

Self-employed and regional subscribers (지역가입자)

Freelancers, self-employed individuals, and those without an employer are enrolled as regional subscribers. Unlike employees, there is no employer to split the cost with, so you pay the full 7.19% combined rate plus the long-term care surcharge.

The actual calculation for regional subscribers is more complex than for employees. The NHIS uses an income score system that factors in your declared income, property value, and vehicle ownership. This estimator uses income only, so your actual premium may differ. Contact the NHIS directly for a precise quote.

Dependents (피부양자)

If you are registered as a dependent under a family member who is an employee subscriber, you are covered at no additional cost. Common qualifying relationships include spouses, parents, and children. Dependents must meet income and property thresholds set by the NHIS. If your income exceeds these limits, you will be moved to the regional subscriber category and required to pay your own premium.

Foreign workers

Most foreign workers with a valid work visa (E-series, F-series, D-8, etc.) are required to enroll in NHI from their first day of employment. Enrollment is mandatory, not optional. If you work for a Korean employer, you are an employee subscriber. If you are self-employed or work without a local employer, you register as a regional subscriber.

Short-stay visa holders (C-series, certain D-series) may have different rules. If you are unsure about your enrollment obligation, contact the NHIS at 1577-1000 or visit an NHIS branch with your ARC and passport.