Best Insurance for Long Stay in Korea – Complete Foreigner’s Guide to Choosing Long-Term Health Coverage
Whether you're moving to South Korea as a student, teacher, digital nomad, or on a work assignment, having the right long-stay insurance is essential. South Korea offers excellent medical care, but it is not free for non-residents , and healthcare costs can be substantial without proper coverage. In fact, medical expenses for foreigners must be paid upfront , unless you’re covered by the Korean National Health Insurance (NHI) or a global policy with direct billing agreements. Without the right long-term insurance, even a minor health issue can lead to thousands in unexpected bills. While short-term travel insurance may be sufficient for tourists staying under 90 days, it is not suitable for longer stays . Long-term foreign residents need policies that offer comprehensive benefits , renewal options , and local compliance . Moreover, most long-stay visas in Korea, including the D-2 (student) , E-2 (teaching) , D-4 (language training) , H-1 (working holiday) , and F-series (family...