National Health Insurance Service: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how South Korea's National Health Insurance Service provides medical subsidies for residents and how premiums are calculated.
The National Health Insurance Service is a public program that provides subsidized medical coverage to residents of South Korea. This system is designed to help manage the costs of healthcare for individuals living in the country.
Who it's for
This scheme is available to all residents. Whether you are an employee or self-employed, the service is designed to cover the population living in South Korea to ensure medical care is accessible.
What you get
The primary benefit of this service is the subsidy provided for medical care. This means that when you seek healthcare, the program helps cover a portion of the costs. Specifically, the service provides support for:
- Standard medical visits to doctors.
- Surgical procedures and operations.
- The cost of prescription drugs.
What it costs you
To maintain this coverage, you must pay monthly premiums (known locally as 건강보험료). For those who are employed, these premiums are typically handled automatically through deductions from your monthly salary.
The catch to know
The way your premium is calculated depends heavily on your employment status. While employees have premiums tied to their salary, the rules change if you are a freelancer. If you are a freelancer, your premium is determined by looking at both your income and your assets to calculate what you owe.
How to apply
- Verify your residency status within South Korea to ensure you are eligible for the coverage.
- Determine if you are classified as an employee or a freelancer, as this changes how you pay.
- Check the official portal to understand how your specific income and assets will affect your monthly premium.
- Review your payment methods, such as salary deductions, to ensure your coverage remains active.