Using Korea’s National Health Screenings and Free Vaccinations

The diagram below is a self-made illustration, not a real screen.

The government pays for certain checkups and vaccines. This covers official program information only. Ask a doctor whether a screening or vaccine is right for you.

Who this suits

• Anyone unsure whether they’re due for a checkup this year
• Families with children, pregnant members, or members 65+

1. General health screening (NHIS)

| Group | Who | How often |
|—|—|—|
| Regional insured | Householders, members 20+ | Every 2 years |
| Employee dependents | Age 20+ | Every 2 years |
| Employees | Office / non-office | Every 2 years / every year |
| Medical aid recipients | Age 20–64 | Every 2 years |

• For the 2-year cycle, eligibility follows even or odd birth years.
• Period: January 1 – December 31 every year. If you’re due this year, go before year-end.
• The notice comes by mail (employees’ lists go to the workplace). If lost, call 1577-1000 or visit a branch.
• The clinic checks eligibility with your ID.

2. National cancer screening (6 cancers)

| Cancer | Who | How often |
|—|—|—|
| Stomach | 40+ | 2 years |
| Colorectal | 50+ | 1 year |
| Liver | 40+ high-risk | 6 months |
| Breast | Women 40+ | 2 years |
| Cervical | Women 20+ | 2 years |
| Lung | 54–74 high-risk | 2 years |

• Cost: NHIS 90%, you 10%. Cervical and colorectal are fully covered.
• People in the national cancer-screening program in the bottom 50% of premiums, and medical aid recipients, pay nothing.

3. Children’s national vaccinations (KDCA)

• Who: children 12 and under (born 2013-01-01 or later, as of 2026)
• What: full cost for vaccines against 17 diseases (hepatitis B, tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hib, pneumococcus, rotavirus, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, hepatitis A, Japanese encephalitis, HPV, influenza)
• Age limits differ by vaccine. Vaccines outside the program (percutaneous BCG, 9-valent HPV, etc.) are self-paid.
• Where: public health centers and designated clinics

4. Free flu shots (2026–2027 season)

• Children: 6 months to 14 years (born 2012-01-01 to 2026-08-31). Newly extended to age 14 this season.
• Pregnant women: any stage of pregnancy (show a maternity record or pregnancy certificate)
• 65+: born on or before 1961-12-31. Started in October, oldest first, and every 65+ age group is now in its period.
• Ends: April 30, 2027 for all groups
• Where: any designated clinic or health center nationwide, regardless of address. Check availability before you go.
• Others pay. Some local governments add their own support (ask your health center).

5. Pneumococcal vaccine for 65+

• Who: born on or before 1961-12-31 (as of 2026)
• What: one dose of PPSV23. Check your vaccination record with a public health center or clinic.
• When: year-round
• Where: health centers and designated clinics only

Common mistakes

• Missing the December 31 checkup deadline
• Getting a shot at a non-designated clinic and paying
• Assuming 14-year-olds aren’t covered for flu (they are this season)

Checklist

• ☐ Check this year’s general and cancer screening (1577-1000)
• ☐ Check which family members get a free flu shot (until 2027-04-30)
• ☐ Check pneumococcal history for family members 65+
• ☐ Find a designated clinic

For more money you may be missing, see our guide to finding hidden money.

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