Regional Health Insurance Premiums Reset for November, Reflecting 2025 Income and 2026 Property
Self-employed workers, freelancers and retirees enrolled as regional subscribers of South Korea’s National Health Insurance Service will see their monthly premiums recalculated starting this month, with the new bills reflecting 2025 income and property holdings as of June 1, 2026, Yonhap News reported Nov. 7. The premiums set this month will apply for a full year, through October 2027, and the first payment under the new rates is due by Dec. 10.
The change hits regional subscribers differently than salaried workers. Employee subscribers pay premiums based on their monthly wages, while regional subscribers are assessed on the previous year’s income and the current year’s property, creating a lag of roughly a year between when income is earned and when it is billed. Those who paid through October based on 2024 income will now see their premiums rise or fall depending on how their 2025 earnings and 2026 property values shifted.
Income Adjustment System Covers Drops — and Increases
For subscribers whose circumstances have worsened — a closed business, a suspended operation or retirement — the insurance service offers an income adjustment system. Under this system, a subscriber can apply to pay a reduced premium now based on current income, then settle the difference once the tax office confirms final income figures, either paying more or receiving a refund.
The adjustment option extends beyond business and earned income to interest, dividends, pension and other income, meaning retirees whose stock dividends or deposit interest have shrunk can also apply for a lower premium. The reverse works too: subscribers whose income has risen can apply to raise their premiums in advance, avoiding a lump-sum collection when the tax office finalizes their income.
Property-Based Premiums Ease With 100 Million Won Deduction
Alongside the income changes, the November bills incorporate property tax base values for land, housing and buildings as of June 1, 2026. Relief measures for the property portion of the premium include a basic deduction of 100 million won, and premiums previously levied on automobiles are no longer charged.
How to Apply for an Adjustment
Subscribers who need their premiums adjusted for income or property changes can file with supporting documents at a nearby National Health Insurance Service branch, or by mail, fax or online.
South Korea’s annual tax adjustment highlights a persistent difference in how it charges its two subscriber categories: regional subscribers will continue using their 2025 earnings to calculate fees until the next review, even if their income changes in the interim.
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