When do D-2 and D-4 students enrol in NHIS?

D-2 and D-4 do not share one enrolment date. Current government guidance distinguishes the exact residence status and whether the person is entering for the first time or re-entering Korea.

For a D-2 international student, first entry normally leads to local NHIS eligibility from the date of foreign-resident registration. After registration, re-entry normally uses the re-entry date. The same first-entry approach is shown for D-4-3 primary or secondary school students.

For D-4 general training, including language training, the normal starting point is six months after entry. A student who takes covered employment may instead become employee-insured from the employment start date. Because the D-4 category has subtypes, do not rely on “D-4” alone: check the code printed on your residence document.

NHIS enrolment is generally automatic once the eligibility information is available. The health-insurance notice and bill go to the registered Korean address. A change of school, status, address, employment or travel history can affect the record, so contact NHIS if the date on the notice does not match your circumstances.

Eligible D-2, D-4 and certain F-4 students may receive the student contribution reduction under the current income and property conditions. The reduction is not proof that every student pays the same amount, and it can change if eligibility or household circumstances change.

Before relying on a date

• Confirm whether your code is D-2, D-4-3 or another D-4 subtype.
• Distinguish first entry from re-entry after registration.
• Check whether workplace insurance began first.
• Confirm any reduction on the actual NHIS bill.

See also how NHIS contributions are calculated and what happens after departure and re-entry. Return to the NHIS guide.

Official sources

• Study in Korea — National Health Insurance
• NHIS — eligibility, reductions and contributions for foreign residents
• Government guide for international students

Last verified: 18 September 2026.