What happens to your insurance when you leave Korea?

Leaving Korea does not automatically end every private insurance policy you hold. Some products may remain in force for the agreed policy period if premiums continue to be paid and the contract is neither cancelled nor allowed to lapse. A policy remaining in force, however, is not the same as accidents or treatment abroad being covered.

Before leaving, check each contract separately:

• Can the contract remain in force after you leave?
• Can you continue paying premiums from abroad?
• How can you change your Korean address and contact details?
• Can you view, claim under or cancel the policy from abroad?
• Are accidents or illnesses occurring abroad covered?
• Do claim documents require translation, originals or authentication?
• Is there a premium suspension or refund arrangement for a long stay abroad?

Take particular care with Korean medical-expense insurance. A product intended to cover expenses at Korean medical providers may not cover medical costs incurred at a hospital abroad. Travel insurance or long-term overseas-stay insurance, by contrast, may be designed separately for risks outside Korea. Do not assume that keeping Korean insurance means an Italian hospital bill will be covered.

An example from official insurer information

Current information from one insurer says that its Korean medical-expense insurance does not reimburse expenses incurred at overseas medical providers. It also says that some of its medical-expense products allow the policyholder to apply for a temporary premium-payment suspension when staying abroad for at least three months.

This is an example concerning a particular insurer and product. Overseas coverage and the requirements for premium suspension or refund may differ by insurer, product and generation of contract. Check your own policy terms and the insurer’s current guidance.

Check National Health Insurance separately

National Health Insurance eligibility is governed by legal rules different from private insurance. Because departure, residence status and workplace enrollment may affect eligibility and premiums, confirm your position separately with the National Health Insurance Service.

Hasty decisions to avoid

• Cancelling every policy first on the day you leave
• Assuming that a policy remaining in force provides every coverage abroad
• Failing to arrange the premium debit account and contact details
• Leaving without checking for benefits you have not yet claimed

Official sources and examples

• General Insurance Association of Korea consumer portal — long-term policy periods and effect
• Samsung Fire & Marine Direct — example guidance on overseas providers and stays under medical-expense insurance
• KB Insurance — example long-term overseas-stay insurance products
• National Health Insurance Service — eligibility guidance for foreign residents