Korea National Health Insurance 2026 — Premiums, Dependents, and Caps

Korea's National Health Insurance is a single-payer system covering essentially everyone living in the country. Premiums depend on whether you are a workplace member, regional member, or dependent. For 2026, the basic rate is 7.19% of monthly salary, split evenly between employer and employee.

Workplace vs Regional Subscribers

Workplace subscribers (직장가입자) pay 3.595% of monthly income plus 0.472% long-term care, with employers matching. Coverage extends to dependents at no extra cost.

Regional subscribers (지역가입자) — typically self-employed, freelancers, and the unemployed — pay based on a formula that includes income, property, and vehicle value. The single household contribution can be substantially higher than workplace subscribers earning the same amount.

Becoming a Dependent (피부양자)

Joining a working family member's policy as a dependent eliminates your own premium entirely. Eligibility requires:

• Annual income under KRW 20 million (effective from late 2022 reform)
• Property value under KRW 540 million (lower if income exists)
• Business income essentially zero, or under KRW 5 million if from passive sources

These thresholds were tightened in 2022 — many former dependents were converted to regional subscribers, often at premiums of KRW 200–400k per month.

Voluntary Continued Enrollment (임의계속가입)

When you leave employment, regional premiums can spike. The voluntary continued enrollment program lets you keep your workplace rate for up to 36 months, paying both the employee and employer portions. Apply within 2 months of leaving employment via NHIS. For long-tenured employees facing high regional rates, this is almost always the right choice.

Out-of-Pocket Maximum (본인부담상한제)

Even with insurance, copays can accumulate. The annual out-of-pocket cap ranges from KRW 870k (lowest income decile) to KRW 8.08 million (top decile). Any amount paid beyond your bracket cap is refunded automatically the following August. Keep your NHIS records updated to ensure correct refund routing.