Are there cases where foreigners are exempt from joining national health insurance?

Yes, there are. If you can receive medical coverage equal to Korean health insurance through foreign laws, foreign insurance, or a contract with your employer (company), you can apply to be excluded from enrollment.

Cases where you can be excluded from enrollment

• You receive medical coverage through foreign laws or foreign insurance. Foreign insurance is accepted only if you joined it before your alien registration.
• You receive medical coverage through a contract with your employer. A group insurance plan bought by the company may also be accepted. Korean insurance is also possible.

How to apply and documents

• Submit the Report of Loss of Workplace Subscriber Status (직장가입자 자격상실 신고서) and the Application for Exclusion of Foreigners from Health Insurance Enrollment (외국인 건강보험 가입 제외 신청서). The employer submits them in person, by fax, or by mail, or applies online through the EDI portal.
• For foreign laws or foreign insurance, submit a document that proves medical coverage (a certificate or insurance contract). A Korean translation is also needed. You may translate only the medical coverage part.
• For an employer contract, submit the employment contract that provides medical coverage and a document proving payment of medical expenses. A Korean translation is also needed.
• In both cases, you need a document from the worker saying "I will not join."

⚠️ Things to note

• The exclusion period is up to 1 year at a time. You can join again, or apply again, on the day after it ends.
• You cannot apply for exclusion again based on the same foreign law.
• If you were excluded through an employer contract and change jobs, you must become a workplace subscriber from the day you start at the new company.
• "I just don't want to join" is not a valid reason. You must prove alternative medical coverage.

For final confirmation of your exclusion application, contact your nearest National Health Insurance Service (국민건강보험공단) branch or call 1577-1000.