Foreign seasonal workers may be exempt from enrolling in long-term…

This amendment allows for the exclusion of foreign seasonal workers enrolled in the National Health Insurance as workplace subscribers from the Long-Term Care Insurance enrollment requirements upon their request. The effective date is Wednesday, May 6, 2026, following the conclusion of the Cabinet meeting, and the distribution date has been announced as Monday, May 4, 2026.

The seasonal worker (E-8) visa allows holders to work in the agriculture and fisheries sectors for up to eight months. Under the current “Long-Term Care Insurance Act,” the principle is that both Korean nationals and foreigners are automatically enrolled in long-term care insurance upon enrollment in the National Health Insurance.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare explained that concerns have been raised that, given the age criteria and length of stay for foreign seasonal workers, they are unlikely to utilize long-term care services yet are included in the mandatory enrollment group, thereby placing a burden on both employers and workers. As of December 2025, there were 914 seasonal workers enrolled through workplace registration, with approximately 398 million won in insurance premiums paid, and no reported cases of long-term care service utilization.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare stated that foreign workers with workplace-based health insurance under similar residency statuses—such as Non-Specialized Employment (E-9), Visiting Employment (H-2), and Technical Training (D-3)—have been eligible for exemption upon application since 2009. The amended decree will take effect on the date of promulgation (scheduled for May 13), and to promptly alleviate the burden on employers and others, it will be applied equally to foreign seasonal workers who are currently enrolled in the National Health Insurance as workplace members. Foreign seasonal workers wishing to be exempted from long-term care insurance enrollment can visit their nearest National Health Insurance Service branch and submit an application for exemption.

Source: Policy Briefing (korea.kr), Ministry of Health and Welfare, [https://www.korea.kr/briefing/pressReleaseView.do?newsId=156759996&call_from=rsslink](https://www.korea.kr/briefing/pressReleaseView.do?newsId=156759996&call_from=rsslink)