Insurance

All the international students are required to have their private insurance/travel insurance that covers their whole period staying in Korea prior to applying for HYU exchange/visiting student program.

All international students in Korea are automatically registered for the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) once they apply for their residence card (formerly ARC). NHIS is Korea’s national healthcare system that helps cover a wide range of medical services, treatments, and selected prescriptions (For more information, please refer to the NHIS website).

While highly recommended, NHIS coverage is not mandatory for all international students.

• Students staying less than six months (one semester) may apply for an exemption.
• Students staying over six months are required to enroll and pay the monthly premium.

[For stays of 1–4 months]

Students staying in Korea for less than four months may apply for an exemption under the following conditions:

• You must have valid private insurance purchased outside Korea with unlimited or KRW 1 billion+ coverage.
• The insurance must cover emergency care and hospitalization abroad at a level comparable to NHIS.
• Students from France and Japan are eligible for exemption from NHIS under provisions between governments and insurance policies.

Please note:

• Exemption applications are often denied if they do not meet NHIS criteria.
• Individuals may still be required to pay NHIS fees even after applying for exemption.
• Read the official NHIS guide carefully before applying.

How to Apply for Exemption

1. Complete the following forms:
   • Application for Exclusion from National Health Insurance for Foreigners
   • Health Insurance Regional Subscribers’ Declaration of Qualification Loss
2. Translate key sections of your private insurance policy (coverage details) into Korean.
3. Submit the documents at your local NHIS branch or foreign resident center.

🔗 Center information: NHIS English Site
☎️ Contact NHIS: 1577-1000 (Korean/English)
⚠️ You must first register with Immigration and receive your residence number before applying. Approval is not guaranteed even if all documents are submitted.

[For stays over 6 months]

Any foreigner who remains in Korea for more than six months is automatically enrolled in NHIS and must pay monthly premiums under national law (effective July 16, 2019).