How to Check Your Korea Health Insurance Premium Refund (2026): Claim It Before 3 Years Pass

A Korea health insurance premium refund check (건강보험료 환급금 조회) shows whether the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) owes you overpaid premiums, and lets you claim them to your bank account. Refunds arise from double or mistaken payments, retroactive loss of coverage, or retroactive premium adjustments. Per Gov24, claims expire after 3 years for health (long-term care) insurance and 5 years for National Pension.

General information only — not professional advice. Confirm with NHIS (☎1577-1000).

Why do health insurance refunds happen?

• Double or mistaken premium payments
• Retroactive loss of coverage (e.g., job change, moving)
• Retroactive premium adjustments

How do I check and claim a health insurance refund? (step by step)

1. Open nhis.or.kr or the NHIS mobile app (“The 건강보험”).
2. Log in with a certificate or simple authentication.
3. Go to Unpaid refund integrated inquiry & claim (or “Premium refund inquiry/claim”).
4. Enter your bank account and submit.

You can also apply at a branch, by fax, mail, or phone (1577-1000).

Why is the deposit smaller than the amount shown?

Refunds are first offset against premiums you owe; only the balance is paid.

What if nothing shows up online?

Online inquiry is available only to one person who was the household head within the last 3 years. Refunds go to the person liable for payment (household head or subscriber). Otherwise contact your local branch.

How long do I have to claim?

• Health (long-term care) premium refunds: 3 years (NHI Act Art. 91)
• National Pension premium refunds: 5 years (Gov24)

Is a hospital overpayment the same thing?

No — overpaid co-payments and the annual out-of-pocket cap refund are separate. See medical expense cap refund.

FAQ

Q. Is there a fee?
A. NHIS lists no fee for direct claims. Be wary of “agents” asking for money or personal data.

Q. I got a refund link by text.
A. Don’t tap it; go to the NHIS site or app directly.

Q. Are pension refunds included?
A. NHIS’s premium refund service covers both health insurance and National Pension subscribers.

Q. More than 3 years have passed.
A. Once the limitation period ends, claims are generally barred; ask NHIS about exceptions.

Read next

• Find hidden money in Korea
• Unclaimed insurance money
• National Pension back-pay & repayment
• Medical expense cap refund

📘 $4.99 PDF guide – hidden refund checklist: https://kzk.kr/go/guide

Not professional advice. Information as of Oct 27, 2026.