Delinquent health insurance premiums owed by foreigners enrolled in South Korea’s state system total 37.5 billion won (about $27.9 million) as of the end of 2025, according to a government report cited by multiple outlets. The report is based on a National Assembly Budget Office assessment.
The unpaid amount rises to 42% from 26.4 billion won in 2021, and the number of delinquent households increases by 58.1% from 21,728 to 34,349 over the same period. Foreign nationals account for most delinquent households, with 33,725 owing 34.4 billion won. Over the past five years, 134,505 cases totaling 47.7 billion won have been written off as uncollectible.
The outlets also note that under current law, health insurance benefits are suspended while an insured person is abroad. However, some foreign workers reportedly leave their foreigner registration cards and health insurance eligibility behind when traveling or returning home, potentially enabling people who remain in Korea to use others’ identities to access medical treatment.
