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Starting July 16, 2019, in Korea, foreigners with an Alien Registration Card and who have been in the country for over six months must join Korea's National Health Insurance. To avoid this, foreigners can show they have health insurance from their home country. This insurance costs about KRW 120,000 monthly.
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To get an exemption, foreigners must submit a special form (available on the NHIS website by searching "외국인") and proof of home country insurance to the NHIS office in person or by fax. The form is in Korean and can be downloaded as a PDF if you don't have the Korean Word program. It's important to add your contact number on the form.
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You'll need a copy of your home country's health insurance card or certificate. Some NHIS offices might ask for these documents in Korean.
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This exemption lasts only one year, after which you must reapply. Also, if you don't pay for Korean health insurance or apply for the exemption, it could affect your visa status. So, it's crucial to either apply for the exemption or pay the insurance fee monthly.
