When calling your parents, you probably start by asking whether they've eaten or taken their medicine. Why not add one more question: "Have you checked whether there's any money to be refunded from your health insurance?" Even if you paid your hospital bills and premiums diligently, you may be entitled to refunds through later settlement processes. That is why 'National Health Insurance refund checks' deserve a place on your family's household budget checklist.

First, Distinguish Between Premium Refunds and Hospital Bill Refunds

The first distinction to make is between 'insurance premiums' and 'hospital bills.'

Health insurance premium refunds occur when premiums are paid twice or paid in error, or when premiums are recalculated due to changes in enrollment status or income. If your health insurance enrollment status changed due to retirement or a job change, it is worth checking your payment records for possible refunds. However, not everyone whose status changed will receive a refund.

Regarding hospital bills, you can look into 'excess amounts over the out-of-pocket maximum.' This system refunds the amount by which the annual total of cost-sharing amounts covered by health insurance exceeds an individual's cap. However, it is not calculated based on the entire amount paid to hospitals, so one cannot assume refund eligibility or amounts simply because medical expenses were high.

Forfeited Amounts Up Eightfold — Even With the System in Place, Receipts Must Be Checked

There is also the problem of failing to claim refunds on time. According to government audit data obtained by Representative Park Ji-won of the Democratic Party of Korea, a member of the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee, from the National Health Insurance Service, the amount of forfeited out-of-pocket maximum excess refunds increased eightfold, from 3 billion won in 2018 to 24 billion won in 2025. This shows that even when a refund system exists, checks are needed to ensure refunds are actually received.

Concentrated Premium Refund Payment Period Until November 30

Meanwhile, the National Health Insurance Service is running a 'concentrated refund payment period' until November 30 to return unclaimed health insurance premium refunds. This period is designed to return premium refunds, and the basis differs from the out-of-pocket maximum excess refunds mentioned earlier. November 30 should also not be interpreted as the date when all health insurance refunds expire at once.

How to Check and Apply

You can check through the 'Refund Inquiry/Application' menu on the Service's official website. Complete identity verification, review the results, and if there are applicable items, follow the instructions to proceed with the application. If online access is difficult, you can get guidance on how to check through the Service's customer center or a nearby branch. If you are helping your parents with the process, you should first review the identity verification and proxy application requirements.

Beware of Phishing Texts Impersonating Refund Notices

Be also wary of text messages impersonating refund notices. The Service stated that its refund notification texts and emails do not include web addresses. Rather than clicking links in text messages, it is safer to access the official website or app directly.