South Korea has become one of the most appealing destinations to study in Asia. International students come to obtain engineering, medicine, business, language courses and culture. They enjoy high-speed life, good education system and a medical system that is founded on efficiency and good national protection.
However, there is one thing that is usually shocking to new people, and that is health insurance is not optional. It is obligatory and strictly controlled.
The international students in Korea who are living over six months are obliged to take the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). The rule is practiced whether in terms of nationality or type of program. When students are enrolled, they are given nearly the same medical benefits as the Korean citizens such as inpatient, outpatient, pharmacy, rehabilitation and maternity coverage.
This need cushions the students against sudden medical bills and offers them an equal opportunity to access the national health care system.
Nevertheless, students who remain not more than six months or students who wish to have additional convenience and quicker access to private clinics may use the services of the most popular international insurance firms. These schemes close the gaps, provide travel cover and assist visa compliance of short- term or exchange students.
It implies that the insurance requirements might change based on the duration of your residence, the location, and the mode you would wish to use when traversing hospitals.
This guide is a breakdown of the best health insurance among international students in South Korea. A combination of national coverage, Korean national providers and international insurers will be available. More to the point, you will know how to make a pragmatic, economical choice that will not conflict with your academic career.
Why Health Insurance Matters for Students in Korea
Korean medical care is highly advanced. Hospitals are modern, technology-driven, and efficient. But medical costs, especially without insurance, add up quickly.
A basic outpatient visit can cost 30,000–100,000 KRW uninsured.
Specialist consultations may exceed this.
Diagnostic imaging, such as MRI or CT scans, can cost several hundred thousand won.
Emergency room visits involve additional fees and tests.
Hospital admission and surgery can escalate into large bills without warning.
NHIS reduces the financial burden dramatically by covering:
- 80% of inpatient costs
- 30–70% of outpatient care, depending on the treatment
- Prescription medication subsidies
- Maternity care
- Dental services, including scaling and simple treatments
- Emergency and ambulance services
Private insurers complement what NHIS offers. They can provide higher reimbursements, wider hospital choices, faster service lines, and support for travel back home or to neighboring countries.
Simply put, insurance is your safety net. It ensures that you study with confidence, not fear of unexpected expenses.
Top Health Insurance Providers for International Students in South Korea
Below is a detailed, practical review of the best options, with actionable insights for each provider. The list includes national, local, and international companies trusted by students and universities.
1. National Health Insurance Service (NHIS)
Plan Type: Public / Mandatory after 6 months
Cost: Around 70,000–80,000 KRW per month
Why it matters: All long-term international students must register.
NHIS is the backbone of Korea’s healthcare system. After six months of residence, all international students are automatically enrolled, unless they qualify for specific exceptions. Students receive almost identical benefits to Korean citizens.
What NHIS covers:
- Inpatient treatment: About 80% coverage
- Outpatient care: 30–70% coverage depending on hospital level
- Pharmacy benefits: Partial medication subsidies
- Maternity care: Prenatal, delivery, and postpartum services
- Dental: Cleaning and basic procedures
- Emergency room access
- Rehabilitation and chronic disease management
Why students rely on NHIS:
- Standardized benefits across the country
- Accepted everywhere, from clinics to major hospitals
- Lower financial risk for long-term stays
- Transparent monthly premiums
- Strong support systems for foreign residents
If you plan to study for one or more semesters, NHIS will form the basis of your medical coverage.
2. Cigna Global
Plan Type: International insurance
Best for: Students who want global care beyond Korea
Cigna Global is known for flexible international policies designed for expats and globally mobile students. Plans are customizable, making it ideal for students who travel during holidays or conduct research outside Korea.
Key benefits:
- 24/7 multilingual support
- Global hospital network
- Telehealth and virtual consultations
- Mental-health services
- Flexible deductible options
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation
Cigna is a strong complement for students who want broader protection or who remain abroad temporarily before NHIS enrollment kicks in.
3. Allianz Care
Plan Type: International
Strength: Reliable global coverage with Korea-compatible features
Allianz Care is widely accepted in Korean universities and popular among short-term and long-term students.
Highlights:
- Comprehensive inpatient and outpatient coverage
- Mental-health support
- Direct billing options
- Mobile claims app
- Worldwide hospital access
Whether you are enrolled in Korean language schools, undergraduate programs, or postgraduate research, Allianz Care provides stability and convenience.
4. IMG International Student Insurance
Plan Type: International / Student-specific
Ideal for: Short-term students or those needing gap coverage
IMG offers multi-tier plans—Lite, Plus, Platinum—allowing flexibility for budget and coverage needs.
Reasons students choose IMG:
- Telehealth availability
- Mental-health services
- Strong emergency evacuation coverage
- Affordable short-term packages
- Visa-compliant plans
IMG is especially useful for those staying less than six months or for students who want extra coverage before NHIS enrollment.
5. Hanwha General Insurance
Plan Type: Local Korean provider
Strength: Trusted in the Korean market with reliable emergency care
Hanwha is one of Korea’s established insurers. Its travel and medical packages are popular among international visitors, including short-term students.
Benefits:
- Emergency medical services
- Evacuation coverage
- Hospital access across Korea
- Korean-language support (may require assistance)
Students who want local affordability with straightforward emergency benefits may find Hanwha appealing.
6. Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance (SFMI)
Plan Type: Local Korean insurance
Why it’s notable: Largest and most well-known insurer in Korea
SFMI has a vast hospital network and fast claim processing.
What SFMI offers students:
- Travel medical insurance
- Emergency medical coverage
- Reimbursement for hospital treatments
- Strong network across Korea
- Well-rated customer service
SFMI is a good choice for students needing dependable local insurance before joining NHIS.
7. Lotte Insurance
Plan Type: Local / Travel
Ideal for: Short-term students or exchange programs
Lotte Insurance is often offered through universities or travel agencies.
Key features:
- Emergency medical coverage
- Travel interruptions and delay coverage
- Lost passport protection
- Affordable pricing
This plan works well for international students attending seasonal programs or language institutes before transitioning to NHIS.
8. World Nomads
Plan Type: International insurance
Strength: Flexible coverage, ideal for adventurous students
World Nomads is known for covering unique travel activities.
Student-friendly features:
- Coverage for adventure and outdoor activities
- Emergency medical care
- Flexibility for multi-country travel
- Easy online signup
Students involved in outdoor excursions or cultural travel across East Asia often choose this provider.
9. SafetyWing
Plan Type: International
Best for: Long-term students needing affordability
SafetyWing is popular among digital nomads and travelers for its low monthly cost and global flexibility.
Key advantages:
- Month-by-month subscription
- Basic emergency and hospital coverage
- Worldwide accessibility
- Easy extension for long stays
SafetyWing is ideal for students who want a flexible, low-cost solution before joining NHIS.
10. April International
Plan Type: International / Expat-focused
Why it’s useful: Direct billing and NHIS supplement options
April International supports students with seamless hospital access and clear reimbursement processes.
Features:
- Direct billing at many private hospitals
- Expat and student-focused plans
- Strong worldwide network
- Easy claims and digital tools
- Supplements NHIS for higher comfort
Students who want both national and private coverage often use April to boost service convenience.
Comparison Table
| Provider | Plan Type | Key Features | Remarks |
| National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) | Public/National | 80% inpatient, 30–70% outpatient, dental, maternity | Mandatory after 6 months |
| Cigna Global | International | Flexible, global network, 24/7 support | Ideal for travelers |
| Allianz Care | International | Comprehensive, mobile support | Works for all stay lengths |
| IMG | International | Multi-level, telehealth, mental-health | Perfect for short-term |
| Hanwha General | Local | Medical + emergency coverage | Local reliability |
| Samsung Fire & Marine | Local | Fast claims, large network | Widely used in Korea |
| Lotte Insurance | Local | Medical, travel delays, lost passport | Good for short-term |
| World Nomads | International | Adventure coverage, flexible | For active students |
| SafetyWing | International | Monthly subscription | Budget-friendly |
| April International | International | Direct billing, student plans | NHIS supplement |
How to Choose the Right Plan
Choosing insurance in Korea depends on your study duration, lifestyle, and personal health needs.
✅ If staying less than six months
Pick: IMG, World Nomads, SafetyWing, Hanwha, SFMI, or Lotte Insurance
These are visa-friendly, affordable, and quick to activate.
✅ If staying more than six months
NHIS is mandatory.
Supplement it with Cigna, Allianz, or April International if you want added coverage or faster private-clinic access.
✅ If you travel frequently
Pick an international provider with worldwide coverage.
✅ If you want strong mental-health support
Consider: Cigna, Allianz, IMG, or ISI.
✅ If you prefer local Korean providers
Choose: Hanwha, SFMI, or Lotte Insurance.
Actionable Steps for Students
- Check your university’s insurance policy before enrollment.
- Determine your stay length—this decides whether NHIS applies.
- Compare inpatient and outpatient coverage.
- Ask insurers about direct billing versus reimbursement.
- Confirm mental-health and telehealth provisions.
- Review exclusions like dental, sports injuries, or pre-existing conditions.
- Choose an activation date starting before or on your arrival date.
These steps ensure smooth registration and reliable access to care.
Pro Tips:
Health insurance is not just a requirement for students in South Korea—it is a vital part of student life.
NHIS provides strong national protection at a fair cost, while private insurers add flexibility and convenience. When you choose the right plan, you protect your health, your finances, and your academic goals.
South Korea is a rewarding place to study.
Good insurance ensures you can enjoy the experience with confidence.
