Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, where he focuses on helping people compare health plans for life abroad. He emphasizes clear information, neutral analysis, and practical decision support.
Our Top Picks
Korean expats are concentrated in the US, Canada, Australia, and increasingly in Southeast Asia. Korean-language support and strong networks in these destinations matter. Here's what we recommend:
- Cigna Global: Best overall for Korean expats. Korean-language support, strong US networks (important for the large Korean-American community), reliable service.
- Samsung Fire & Marine: Korean insurer with international products. Familiar brand, full Korean service, includes Korea coverage.
- DB Insurance: Another major Korean insurer with competitive international offerings. Good value with Korean service.
- Bupa Global: Premium option with excellent US and UK networks. Limited Korean support but top-tier coverage.
- Allianz Care: Good global coverage at competitive prices, though Korean support is limited.
Large Korean Community in the US
Los Angeles, New York, and Atlanta have significant Korean populations with Korean-speaking doctors and hospitals. Your insurer can help locate Korean-speaking providers.
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Leaving Korean Healthcare
Korea's National Health Insurance (국민건강보험) is mandatory for residents and provides excellent coverage. Here's what happens when you leave:
Employee Insurance (직장가입자)
If you're leaving employment in Korea, your workplace health insurance ends when employment ends. Corporate expats on overseas assignments may continue under company coverage—check with your HR department.
Regional Insurance (지역가입자)
Self-employed or unemployed residents are covered under regional insurance. When you report your overseas relocation to your district office, this coverage ends.
Reporting Your Departure
Report your overseas relocation to the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) before leaving. This officially ends your NHI coverage and premium obligations. Failure to report may result in accumulated premiums while abroad.
Private Korean Insurance
Private insurance (실손보험) from Korean insurers typically provides limited international coverage—usually 30-90 days of emergency treatment. For long-term stays abroad, you need dedicated international coverage.
National Pension (NPS)
Korea's National Pension Service (국민연금) has important implications for expats:
Voluntary Continuation
Korean citizens abroad can voluntarily continue NPS contributions. This protects your pension entitlement and is worth considering if you plan to return or want to maximize your pension.
Totalization Agreements
Korea has social security agreements with many countries including the US, Canada, Germany, and Australia. These prevent double contributions and coordinate pension rights.
Lump-Sum Refund
Foreigners leaving Korea may claim a lump-sum refund of their NPS contributions. Korean citizens typically maintain their pension rights rather than withdrawing.
Before You Leave
Visit your local NHIS office and NPS branch before leaving Korea. They can explain your specific situation and help you decide on voluntary contributions and coverage termination.
Quick Comparison
| Provider | Korean Support | US Network | Korea Coverage | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Yes | Strong | Add-on | $190/mo |
| Bupa Global | Limited | Excellent | Add-on | $210/mo |
| Samsung Fire & Marine | Full (Korean) | Good | Included | $200/mo |
| DB Insurance | Full (Korean) | Good | Included | $180/mo |
| Allianz Care | Limited | Good | Add-on | $185/mo |
Detailed Reviews
Cigna Global
Cigna Global is our top recommendation for Korean expats. They offer Korean-language support through their Asian operations, strong US networks (critical for the large Korean community in America), and comprehensive global coverage.
Plans come in three tiers with coverage up to unlimited. Direct billing works at major hospitals worldwide. Korea coverage can be added for visits home.
Best for: Korean expats who want reliable global coverage with Korean-language support.
Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance
Samsung is Korea's most recognized brand, and Samsung Fire & Marine offers international health insurance for Korean expats. Service is fully in Korean, the brand is familiar, and Korea coverage is included automatically.
Networks are strong in Asia and adequate globally. Pricing is competitive with international insurers.
Best for: Korean expats who prefer dealing with a familiar Korean brand and want seamless Korea coverage.
DB Insurance
DB Insurance (formerly Dongbu Insurance) offers competitive international health products for Korean expats. Full Korean-language service, Korea coverage included, and competitive pricing make this a solid alternative to Samsung.
Best for: Korean expats seeking good value from a Korean insurer.
Bupa Global
Bupa Global offers premium international coverage with excellent US networks. While Korean support is limited, English service is excellent. Plans are comprehensive including mental health and maternity.
Best for: Korean expats comfortable with English who want premium coverage.
Compare Korean and International Options
Korean insurers offer familiar service; international insurers often have stronger global networks. Compare both to find the best fit.
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Returning to Korea
Returning to Korean healthcare requires re-enrollment in NHI:
Re-registering Residence
Report your return at your local district office (주민센터) within 14 days. This triggers automatic NHI enrollment.
NHI Re-enrollment
You'll be automatically enrolled in NHI based on your employment status—either workplace insurance or regional insurance. Coverage begins immediately upon registration.
Premium Calculation
Premiums are calculated based on income, property, and other factors. If you had no Korean income while abroad, initial premiums may be lower but will adjust as your situation changes.
Transition Period
Keep your international insurance active until you've confirmed your NHI enrollment. The process is usually quick, but having overlap coverage prevents gaps.
Common Questions
Can I keep NHI while abroad?
No. NHI is for Korean residents only. When you report your overseas relocation, coverage ends. You need international health insurance abroad.
What if I don't report my departure?
You may be charged premiums while abroad and face penalties. Always formally report your overseas relocation to NHIS before leaving.
Should I continue NPS contributions?
If you plan to return to Korea or want to maximize your pension, voluntary contributions are worth considering. Check totalization agreements for your destination.
Are there Korean doctors in the US?
Yes, especially in LA, NYC, and Atlanta. Koreatown in LA has extensive Korean-language healthcare options. Your insurer can help locate Korean-speaking doctors.
Is Samsung or Cigna better?
Samsung offers Korean familiarity and includes Korea coverage. Cigna has stronger global networks and Korean support. Compare based on your destination.
What about coverage during Korea visits?
Korean insurers include Korea coverage. International insurers offer it as an add-on. Without coverage, you pay full prices (no NHI subsidy).
Final Verdict
Korean expats should prioritize comprehensive international coverage to replace Korea's excellent NHI system. Cigna Global is our top recommendation for reliable coverage with Korean-language support. Samsung Fire & Marine and DB Insurance are ideal for those who prefer Korean insurers.
Bupa Global offers premium coverage for those comfortable with English service.
Before leaving, report your departure to NHIS and consider voluntary NPS contributions if you plan to return. Ensure continuous coverage with no gap between Korean and international insurance.
