How to Pay Your NHIS Premium in Korea: A Foreigner's…

Paying your National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) premium on time is one of the most important monthly tasks for any foreign resident in Korea. Miss it for six months, and your Alien Registration Card (ARC) extension can be denied. Pay it correctly, and you get access to one of the world’s most affordable healthcare systems.

This guide walks you through every official payment method available through the National Health Insurance Service, with the exact steps each one requires. All information is sourced from NHIS English-language materials and the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW).

Who Has to Pay NHIS Premiums as a Foreigner?

All foreigners staying in Korea for six months or longer are automatically enrolled as locally enrolled subscribers under the National Health Insurance Act, unless they qualify as workplace-based subscribers through an employer. The premium bill arrives by mail or SMS each month, and payment is mandatory.

Two Enrollment Categories

• Workplace subscriber (직장가입자): Your employer deducts the premium from your salary. You usually do not pay separately.
• Local subscriber (지역가입자): You receive a monthly bill and must pay it yourself. Most students, freelancers, dependents, and unemployed foreigners fall into this category.

If you are unsure of your status, log in to the NHIS English portal with your ARC number, or call the multilingual hotline at 1577-1000.

NHIS foreigner registration coverage

How Much Is the Monthly Premium in 2026?

For 2026, the minimum monthly premium for a locally enrolled foreign subscriber is approximately 152,000 KRW, based on the national average household contribution announced by NHIS. The actual amount depends on your income, property, and household size, but foreigners pay at least the average premium even with low or no reported income.

“Foreigners and overseas Koreans subject to local subscription must pay the higher of the calculated premium or the average premium of all locally enrolled households.” - National Health Insurance Service, English notice for foreign subscribers

This floor rule is unique to foreign residents and was introduced to prevent under-reporting of overseas income. The premium is announced in November each year by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and takes effect every January.

Method 1: Auto-Debit (CMS) - The Easiest Option

Auto-debit, called CMS (Cash Management Service) in Korean banking, is the recommended payment method for most foreigners. NHIS automatically withdraws the premium from your Korean bank account on the 25th of each month, and you receive a 200 KRW discount per payment.

How to Set Up CMS Auto-Debit

1. Visit any branch of your bank (KB, Shinhan, Woori, Hana, NH, IBK, etc.) with your ARC and bankbook.
2. Ask for an “NHIS premium auto-debit registration form” (건강보험료 자동이체 신청서).
3. Fill in your NHIS subscriber number (found on your bill) and account details.
4. Submit the form. Registration takes 5-7 business days.

Alternatively, you can apply online through the NHIS website using a joint certificate (공동인증서) issued by your bank, or by calling 1577-1000 with a Korean-speaking helper. After registration, your monthly bill will show “자동이체” (auto-debit) status.

Korea bank account foreigner setup

Method 2: Virtual Account Bank Transfer

Every NHIS bill includes a unique virtual account number assigned to you. You can transfer the exact amount from any Korean bank account (online banking, mobile banking, or in person) to this virtual account, and the payment is credited within minutes.

Steps for Mobile Banking Transfer

• Open your bank’s mobile app and select “이체” (transfer).
• Choose “가상계좌” (virtual account) or simply paste the account number from the invoice.
• Enter the exact premium amount shown on the bill.
• The recipient name should auto-fill as “국민건강보험공단” (NHIS).
• Confirm and complete with your PIN or biometric authentication.

The virtual account is valid only for that month’s bill. Each month, NHIS issues a new virtual account number, so always check your latest invoice or SMS before paying. This method is popular among foreigners who do not have a Korean joint certificate yet.

Method 3: GIRO Payment at Banks and ATMs

GIRO is Korea’s universal bill-payment network operated under the Financial Telecommunications and Clearings Institute. NHIS bills are printed in GIRO format, meaning you can pay them at any bank counter, ATM, or via internet GIRO.

Where to Use GIRO

• Bank counter: Bring the paper bill and cash or your debit card. Tell the teller “지로 납부” (GIRO payment).
• CD/ATM machines: Most bank ATMs have a “공과금 (utility) / 지로” menu. Insert your card, select GIRO, enter the GIRO number from the bill, confirm the amount, and pay.
• Internet GIRO: Register at www.giro.or.kr (Korean only, but supports English browser translation) using a joint certificate.

GIRO payments are confirmed instantly, and a receipt is issued. Keep this receipt for at least three years, as NHIS sometimes requires proof of past payment during ARC extension reviews at HiKorea immigration offices.

Method 4: Convenience Store and Mobile App Payment

For smaller premiums and last-minute payments, two additional methods are widely used by foreign residents.

Convenience Store CD Machines

Major convenience store chains (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, Emart24) have CD machines that accept GIRO bill payments 24 hours a day. The procedure is the same as a bank ATM, but a small surcharge of 600-1,000 KRW per transaction applies. This is convenient if your bank is closed and the due date is approaching.

The NHIS Mobile App (“The건강보험”)

NHIS operates an official app called “The건강보험” (The Geon-gang Bo-heom), available on Google Play and the Apple App Store. After logging in with your ARC number and a joint certificate, you can:

• View your current and past premium bills
• Pay directly through linked bank account or credit card
• Download payment receipts in PDF
• Apply for premium reduction if eligible

The app currently has limited English support, so beginners often use it with Papago or Google Translate. The Government24 portal also allows premium payment for residents with a digital ID linked to their ARC.

Korea government apps for foreigners

What Happens If You Pay Late or Miss a Payment?

Missed payments trigger an automatic surcharge under Article 80 of the National Health Insurance Act. The surcharge starts at 2% if you pay within 30 days after the due date, rising up to 9% if you remain unpaid beyond 31 days. After three months of non-payment, NHIS may suspend your benefits, meaning hospitals will bill you the full uninsured rate.

Consequences for Visa Holders

Unpaid NHIS premiums also affect immigration procedures. The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and the Korea Immigration Service check NHIS payment status when reviewing ARC extensions, F-2 point applications, and F-5 permanent residency requests. According to MOJ guidelines, applicants with more than six months of overdue premiums may be denied extension.

If you cannot pay due to financial hardship, contact your local NHIS branch and ask about installment plans (분할 납부) or premium reduction for low-income households. The Ministry of Government Legislation publishes the full English text of the National Health Insurance Act for reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ