Foreigners and Koreans abroad (who retain Korean citizenship) can only qualify for National Health Insurance (NHI) as dependents if they reside in Korea for at least 6 months.
The requirement to reside in the country for at least 6 months for foreigners and Koreans abroad to receive NHI does not apply to dependents including spouses and children under 19 years old. At the same time, individuals with visas in categories D-2 (study abroad), D-4-3 (special training programs), E-9 (non-professional employment) and F-6 (immigration married), as well as F-5 permanent resident card holders, also qualify as dependents.
According to the announcement on April 2 of the Korean Ministry of Health, this stricter and stricter regulation is expected to take effect from April 4.
Health care insurance criteria have become stricter in recent years, aimed at preventing foreigners from taking advantage of South Korea's national health insurance system by entering the country during short period of time, then pay a nominal premium for high-cost treatment.
Many foreigners working in Korea have declared siblings and other relatives as dependents and arranged temporary visits to Korea for medical treatment.
According to The Korea Herald, before the new regulations were applied, all foreigners residing in Korea could register their family members as dependents under the public health insurance program for to employees when specific criteria are met, such as income and assets. As of 2022, the number of foreigners registered for public health insurance in Korea reached 1,32 million, of which Chinese citizens accounted for 52%.
HAPPY
