Starting in November 2026, National Health Insurance premiums for regional subscribers in South Korea will be recalculated using income earned in 2025 and changes in the taxable value of property. The new premiums will apply through October 2027. If your income has fallen this year because you closed or suspended a business, retired, or experienced another reduction in income, you can apply to the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) for an income adjustment and reconciliation.
If your income has decreased this year but your November premium notice shows a higher amount, check whether the calculation still reflects your previous income. However, an adjustment is not the same as a permanent reduction. Once your actual income is confirmed through the National Tax Service, you may have to pay additional premiums or receive a refund.
Why Are National Health Insurance Premiums Changing in November?
Premiums for regional subscribers are not determined solely by their current monthly income. This is because income data from the National Tax Service and property tax assessment data from local governments are incorporated with a time lag.
Starting with the November 2026 billing period, two types of updated information will be applied:
Income: Comprehensive income data for the 2025 tax year.
Property: Changes in the taxable value of land, houses, buildings, and other property.
The income data used through October 2026 relates to the 2024 tax year. Therefore, if your income increased last year or your property's taxable value changed, your premium may change starting in November.
| Premium application period | Income data | Property data |
|---|---|---|
| January–October 2026 | 2024 tax year | |
| November 2026–October 2027 | 2025 tax year |
This change does not mean that premiums will automatically increase for every regional subscriber. Households with higher income or property values may see increases, while those with lower income or property values may see reductions.
In particular, the November 2026 notice may include amounts resulting from previous income adjustment applications, in addition to the regular recalculation based on updated data. Check the regular premium and any reconciliation amount separately.
Can You Lower Your Premium If You Closed Your Business or Retired This Year?
Yes. Regional subscribers whose current income has decreased compared with previous years can apply for the income adjustment and reconciliation system.
Common qualifying circumstances include:
A self-employed individual has closed or temporarily suspended a business.
An employee has left a job or their employment contract has ended.
A freelancer has stopped working or experienced a decline in business income.
Interest income from deposits or dividend income from stocks has decreased.
Pension income or other income has declined.
Income adjustments are not limited to business income. Employment income, interest, dividends, pension income, and other income may also qualify.
For example, suppose you earned business income in 2025 but closed your business in 2026, resulting in a substantial decline in your current income. Your November premium, calculated using 2025 income data, may not reflect your actual financial circumstances.
Before continuing to pay premiums based on your previous income, you can prepare documents proving the reduction and check whether you qualify for an adjustment.
Where and How Can You Apply for a National Health Insurance Income Adjustment?
Applications can be submitted through the National Health Insurance Service website, the The Health Insurance mobile app, by mail, by fax, or in person at an NHIS branch. People who have registered a business closure or suspension, employees who have retired or been released from a contract, and individuals whose comprehensive income has decreased are among those who may apply online.
How to apply online
1. Visit the National Health Insurance Service website.
2. Log in and open the individual civil service section under the public services menu.
3. Navigate to the health insurance premium menu and select the income adjustment and reconciliation application and results inquiry service.
4. Select the reason for the income reduction and submit the required supporting documents.
You can also use the The Health Insurance mobile app.
Civil Services Here (Minwon Yeogiyo)
Applications and Payments
Income Adjustment and Reconciliation Application and Results Inquiry
Applications are also accepted in person, by mail, or by fax. You may need to submit an income reconciliation form, a consent form, and documents demonstrating the reduction in income.
| Reason for application | Supporting documents you may prepare |
|---|---|
| Business closure | Certificate of Business Closure |
| Business suspension | Certificate of Business Suspension |
| Retirement | Certificate of Retirement |
| Decline in comprehensive income | Certificate of Income Amount and other relevant documents |
Required documents may vary depending on your individual circumstances. It is advisable to confirm the requirements with the NHIS before submitting your application.
The National Health Insurance Service customer center can be reached at 1577-1000 (within South Korea).
Will an Income Adjustment Permanently Reduce Your Health Insurance Premium?
No. The income adjustment and reconciliation system first adjusts your premium based on your current income and later recalculates the difference using actual income confirmed through the National Tax Service and other relevant authorities.
For example, suppose you report a decline in income after stopping your business in 2026 and your premium is reduced. If your actual annual income, confirmed later, turns out to be higher than the amount anticipated when you applied, you may have to pay additional premiums.
Conversely, if your actual income is lower, you may receive a refund of the amount eligible for reconciliation among the premiums you have already paid.
One important point is that even if you apply to adjust only one type of income, the reconciliation process considers business, employment, interest, dividend, pension, and other income together.
Therefore, even if you applied because your business income decreased, income from other sources may affect your final reconciliation amount.
You can also apply for an adjustment if your income has increased. Reporting an increase in advance may help you avoid having to pay a large additional amount all at once later.
What If Your Premium Increased Because of Property After You Sold Your Home?
Income adjustments and property adjustments are separate matters. Applying for an income adjustment and reconciliation does not automatically change the property tax assessment data used to calculate your premium for a house or plot of land.
In particular, if you sold your home after June 1, 2026, the property you owned before the sale may still be reflected in your November premium. This is because the reference date for regular property data and the actual sale date may differ.
In this situation, check the sale and ownership transfer details and contact the NHIS to ask whether the property assessment information can be adjusted.
Documents you may prepare include:
Documents confirming the transfer of ownership
Sale and purchase documentation
Whether the property change can be reflected depends on the actual ownership transfer date and the NHIS's data processing rules. Do not assume that your premium will immediately decrease simply because you have sold your home.
What to Check Before Paying Your November 2026 Health Insurance Premium
If your November notice shows a higher amount than expected, do not compare only the total. It is better to review the following items in order:
1. Compare the regular premium shown on your October and November notices.
2. Check how your income data for the 2024 and 2025 tax years has changed.
3. Review whether the taxable value of your property has changed.
4. Check whether a reconciliation amount from a previous income adjustment application has been added.
5. If your current income has decreased, check whether you qualify for an adjustment and which supporting documents are required.
The first payment deadline for the November 2026 National Health Insurance premium is December 10, 2026. Prepare your adjustment application before the payment deadline, and contact the NHIS to confirm whether an adjustment can be applied starting with the November billing period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why is my November premium high even though I closed my business in 2026?
Because income data for the 2025 tax year is applied starting in November 2026. Even if you closed your business in 2026, income earned in the previous year may still be used to calculate your new premium.
Q. Can I request an adjustment if my bank interest income has decreased?
Yes. Interest and dividend income are also included in the income adjustment and reconciliation system. Prepare documents that demonstrate the actual reduction in your financial income and check whether you qualify to apply.
Q. Can I apply for an adjustment even if my premium has increased?
Yes. Applications are possible not only when income decreases but also when it increases. However, your actual income will be reviewed again during the reconciliation process.
Q. Will my premium definitely decrease starting next month if I apply?
No. Whether an adjustment is granted and when it takes effect depend on the reason for the application, supporting documents, and the NHIS review and processing results. Submitting an application does not guarantee a reduction.
Q. Are salaried employees also subject to the same November recalculation?
The regular November recalculation described here concerns changes to the income and property assessment data used for regional subscriber households. It should be distinguished from the reconciliation of income-based premiums for workplace subscribers.
If Your Current Income Does Not Match Your Premium Notice, Do Not Ignore the Difference
Your November 2026 premium may have increased because last year's income and updated property assessment data are being reflected in the calculation. In particular, if your previous income is still being used after you closed or suspended a business or retired, it is worth checking whether you qualify for the income adjustment and reconciliation system.
However, an adjustment is not a final reduction; it is subject to subsequent reconciliation. Since the final amount is determined using your actual income from all relevant sources, review changes in your annual income before applying.
The most practical approach is to distinguish the regular premium from any reconciliation amount on your notice and check which adjustment options apply to your current income and property circumstances.
*Note: This article is provided for general informational purposes to help readers understand market trends. It does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to invest in any particular stock or asset. All final decisions and investment responsibilities remain with the individual.*
