Dependents to require six-month Korean residency to join health insurance

The National Health Insurance Service office in Jongno District, central Seoul [YONHAP]

Beginning in April, foreigners and Koreans living abroad must reside in Korea for at least six months to be registered as dependents of an insurance subscriber.

The amendment to the Health Insurance Act takes effect on April 3, the National Health Insurance Service announced Wednesday.

Following the change, foreigners and Korean nationals living abroad will have to have stayed in Korea for at least six months to be registered as a dependent and be eligible for coverage under the national health insurance.

The National Health Insurance Service said the change aims to prevent people who don't reside long-term in Korea from briefly traveling to the country to receive national health insurance coverage.

Currently, direct family members of an employee in Korea who is subscribed to the national health insurance can be registered as dependents regardless of nationality or whether they live abroad.

The only requirement is that the dependent earns less than 20 million won ($15,000) a year.

There are exemptions to the new six-month residency rule.

Children under 19 and the spouse of an insurance subscriber can be registered as a dependent and receive health insurance coverage, regardless of residency.

Foreigners who are residing in Korea through the D-2, D-4-3, E-9, F-5 and F-6 visas can also be registered as dependents regardless.

BY LEE TAE-HEE [lee.taehee2@joongang.co.kr]