Korea’s foreigners face tighter insurance requirements: Report

Non-nationals will qualify for health insurance if their stay is at least six months.

To address concerns over the misuse of the health insurance system by foreign nationals, the requirement for foreign health insurance dependents in South Korea has been tightened to a minimum stay of six months. 

This decision was made by the Health and Welfare Committee of the National Assembly in response to cases where foreigners designated relatives as dependents solely to enter the country for medical surgery or treatment.

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The bill, proposed by Representatives Joo Ho-young and Song Eon-seok of the ruling People Power Party, stipulates that non-nationals must reside in South Korea for at least six months to qualify as health insurance dependents. 

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However, there are exceptions for immediate health benefits, including for dependents who are spouses, young children, or individuals with specific residency statuses such as marriage immigration, permanent residence, or studying abroad.