Complete Guide to Health Insurance Transfer When Moving Your Rental Apartment — National vs. Social Insurance Procedures

Why Health Insurance Procedures Are Necessary When Moving

A residential address change when moving your rental apartment directly affects your health insurance procedures. Simply updating your resident registration is not enough—the necessary procedures vary depending on the type of insurance you have. Neglecting these procedures can result in your insurance card retaining an outdated address or complications when seeking medical care.

Additionally, the procedures differ depending on whether you're moving within the same municipality or across municipalities. Identify which case applies to you before taking action.

First, Verify: Which Health Insurance Do You Have?

There are two main types of health insurance:

If You Have Social Insurance (Company Health Insurance)

If you're enrolled in social insurance, your insurance card is issued through your employer, and the basic procedure for address changes is to notify your company's human resources or administration department. Your company will then report the change to the relevant health insurance organization.

Procedures:

1. Submit an "address change notification" to your company's HR or administration department
2. Report address changes for any dependents (spouse, children) in the same manner
3. Return your old insurance card if a new one is issued

Although your insurance card will usually still work at medical facilities even if the address on it differs from your current address, it's best to update it promptly for proper record management.

If You Have National Health Insurance

National health insurance is managed by municipalities, so if you move to a different municipality, you need to complete both withdrawal and enrollment procedures.

By Case: Procedures Differ by Moving Destination

Case 1: Moving Within the Same Municipality

If you have national health insurance and move within the same municipality, your insurance coverage continues.

Required Procedures:

• •When you submit your residential change notification (moving registration), your health insurance address is often updated automatically
• •If you need to update your insurance card's address, apply at your municipal office

Case 2: Moving to a Different Municipality

If you move to a different municipality, you need to complete both "withdrawal procedures" at your old address and "enrollment procedures" at your new address.

What to Do at Your Old Address (Before Moving):

1. Submit a "Certificate of Loss of Eligibility" for national health insurance at your old municipality's office
2. Return your insurance card
3. Obtain a "Certificate of Loss of Eligibility"—don't forget this!

What to Do at Your New Address (Within 14 Days of Moving):

1. Submit a "national health insurance enrollment application" at the same time as your moving-in registration or separately
2. Bring your Certificate of Loss of Eligibility
3. Receive your new insurance card

The 14-Day Rule:

You must submit your moving-in registration within 14 days of changing your address, or you'll violate the Resident Registration Act. Complete your national health insurance enrollment promptly as well. Although enrollment is possible even if delayed, any medical expenses incurred during the gap period will be your full responsibility.

What Happens to Your Insurance Premiums When Moving?

National Health Insurance Premium Settlement

National health insurance premiums are calculated and settled on a monthly basis.

• •Old address premiums: Through the month before you lose coverage
• •New address premiums: From the month you enroll

You won't be double-charged during your moving month, but since calculation methods and payment schedules vary by municipality, we recommend confirming details at your new municipality's office.

If Your Income Changes

If you change jobs, become unemployed, or become self-employed when moving, your income situation changes and your premiums will adjust accordingly. Since premiums are calculated based on the previous year's income, some municipalities allow you to apply for "premium reductions" or "installment payment plans" if your income drops significantly.

Common Mistakes

1. Forgetting to Receive Your Certificate of Loss of Eligibility

If you forget to obtain your Certificate of Loss of Eligibility when returning your old insurance card, enrollment at your new address will be complicated. Always make sure to get this certificate.

2. Neglecting Procedures During a Temporary Housing Period

If your move happens in two stages (temporary housing → permanent housing), you'll need to complete moving-in registrations and insurance procedures at each stage. If you neglect this thinking "I'll just move again soon," you could end up with a period when your insurance card is unusable.

3. Forgetting to Update Family Members' Insurance

You need to complete procedures for all household members. Even if one spouse has social insurance while the other has national health insurance, each requires separate procedures.

Unified Mynumber Card and Health Insurance Card

As of December 2024, the shift to "Mynumber Insurance Cards" (integrating health insurance with your Mynumber card) has been underway. When moving, updating your Mynumber card's address (IC chip update at your municipal office) at the same time will make using your integrated insurance card at medical facilities smoother.

Summary

Health insurance procedures when moving are not automatically completed when you submit your moving-in registration. Especially for moves across municipalities, you need both withdrawal procedures at your old address and enrollment procedures at your new address. Always obtain your Certificate of Loss of Eligibility and aim to complete procedures within 14 days. If you're an employee, don't forget to notify your employer's HR department. Amid all the hustle and bustle of moving, early confirmation is key to ensuring there's no gap in your medical coverage.

Essential residence card address change procedures for foreigners after moving. Expert explanation of the 14-day rule, how to register with your municipal office, and risks and solutions if you forget.