Seoul:Delinquent health insurance premiums owed by foreigners and overseas Koreans in South Korea amounted to 37.5 billion won (approximately US$27.9 million) by the end of 2025, as revealed by a government report on Monday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the report from the National Assembly Budget Office indicates that these unpaid premiums increased by 42 percent from 26.4 billion won in 2021. Additionally, the number of delinquent households rose 58.1 percent, from 21,728 to 34,349, during the same period.
The majority of these delinquent households were foreign nationals, numbering 33,725 and collectively owing 34.4 billion won. Over the last five years, 134,505 cases, totaling 47.7 billion won, have been written off as uncollectible.
Under the current law, health insurance benefits are suspended when an insured person is abroad. However, issues have arisen with foreign workers reportedly leaving their foreigner registration cards and health insurance eligibility in South Korea upon leaving the country. This allows others to use their identities for medical treatment.
In certain instances, individuals have used the identities of those who have left the country to acquire costly prescription-only medications, subsequently sending these drugs overseas.
The National Assembly Budget Office suggests that authorities should enhance collection efforts before foreigners and overseas Koreans depart the country. They also recommend establishing a monitoring system to track changes in residency status and promptly suspend health insurance benefits. Implementing these measures could prevent unpaid premiums from being written off after the insured parties leave South Korea.