What happens to the qualification for health insurance when foreign residents leave the country?

<Question> I am a foreign resident with an F-4 visa. I plan to go back to my hometown for about two months. How long after leaving the country will my health insurance benefits stop? What should I do to sign up for health insurance after 2 months re-entering Korea? 

<Answer> When a foreign resident leaves the country, the National Health Insurance Corporation is automatically notified of the departure and loses health insurance eligibility one month after the date of notification. After that, re-qualification for health insurance varies depending on the type of visa. Foreigners with F-5 Permanent Residence will be re-qualified for health insurance upon re-entry to Korea. However, foreigners with other visas will go through the same procedures as when they first entered Korea. If you are an employer applicant, you can receive health insurance benefits at the same time as you report the four major insurance policies at work, but if you are a local applicant, you will have to wait 6 months before signing up for health insurance. If you have to go to the hospital and receive treatment while waiting for 6 months, you will have to pay for the treatment at your own expense. Even if you re-entitle yourself to health insurance after 6 months, you cannot get your medical expenses back.

The reason why the Korean government put a six-month elapsed period on the health insurance subscription for foreign residents who entered Korea is that in the past, because health insurance fraud happened. Some foreigners brought their sick parents to Korea, received treatment with health insurance, and then left the country immediately after. 

Legal Consultation for Foreign Residents ‘Papaya Story Living Legal Visa Support Center’ English 031-8001-0211 / Law Firm (Limited) Min ‘Immigration Legal Support Team’ 02-3477-5550, email beobil2002@lawmin.net