How does overdue health insurance premium affect my visa extension?

If you do not pay overdue health insurance premiums, your extension will, in principle, be limited to 6 months or less. If you pay everything before you apply, you can get a normal extension.

When you apply for an extension, the immigration office (출입국) checks whether you have overdue taxes or health insurance premiums. This applies to registered foreigners aged 19 or older (international age). If you owe money, the officer will tell you to pay. If you pay everything then, your extension is granted as usual. The period depends on your status of stay, but it is usually 2 to 5 years. If you do not pay, in principle only 6 months or less is granted.

💡 Good to prepare in advance

• You can apply for an extension from 4 months before your period of stay ends. Before that, check your overdue premiums at the National Health Insurance Service (국민건강보험공단) and pay them.
• Keep your payment receipt.
• If premiums stay overdue for a long time, your health insurance benefits may be blocked when you see a doctor. If the Service approves an installment plan and you pay at least 1 time, you can get the benefits again.

Check once more at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or 1345 for exact details.