Infant and Child Health Screenings for Foreign Children: Who Can Apply and How Guide

The Infant and Child Health Screening Program is a national health check-up system for children from 14 days old to 71 months old (under 6 years of age). It monitors whether each child is growing and developing well over time. The program aims to detect and manage conditions such as obesity, developmental delays, hearing problems, vision problems, and dental caries (tooth decay) at an early stage. The full cost is covered by the government (through the National Health Insurance Service or medical aid funds), so there is no out-of-pocket cost for parents or guardians.

Overview of the Process

1. 1. Receive your screening notice

   The National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) sends a health screening notice by electronic document (email, KakaoTalk, etc.) or by post.

2. 2. Book an appointment

   Find a nearby participating infant health screening facility on the NHIS website, then book by phone or online in advance.

3. 3. Complete the pre-screening questionnaire

   Filling in the questionnaire for your child's current screening round before your visit helps the appointment run more smoothly.

4. 4. Attend the screening

   Visit the facility with your child on the scheduled date. Dental screenings are conducted separately at a dental screening facility.

5. 5. Receive and keep the results

   The screening facility will give the results directly to the parent or guardian. If you need to submit a copy to a daycare centre or kindergarten, ask the facility for a separate copy of the results.

Who Is Eligible

• Children aged 14 days to 71 months (up to the day before their 6th birthday)
• Children enrolled as National Health Insurance (NHI) subscribers or as dependants
• Children of medical aid recipients

Who pays:

• Children of NHI subscribers: fully covered by the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS)
• Children of medical aid recipients: fully covered by the national and local governments

Number of Screenings and Schedule

The program consists of 12 screenings in total (8 general health screenings plus 4 dental screenings). Each screening must be completed within the designated age window, so please be careful not to miss the timing. Before applying, check the most up-to-date information by calling 1345 (the NHIS customer centre) or contacting your local Korea Immigration Service (출입국·외국인청, the government agency that handles immigration and foreigner registration).

The exact schedule and details for each screening round may change over time. Please check the latest information on the NHIS website or by calling 1345 before making an appointment.

If a Developmental Concern Is Found: Support for Developmental Disability Assessment Costs

If a child receives a result of “further assessment recommended” from their health screening, they can undergo a more detailed developmental disability assessment, and the government will cover part of the cost.

Children who receive a “further assessment recommended” result from the infant health screening are eligible for support. The maximum support amounts are: up to 400,000 won for basic livelihood recipients and near-poverty households, and up to 200,000 won for NHI subscribers. The detailed assessment must take place within one year of the original infant health screening. For details on how to apply, contact your local public health centre or call 1345.

How to Receive Your Screening Notice

The NHIS first sends the health screening notice to the workplace-registered subscriber or the head of household by electronic document (email, KakaoTalk, etc.). If the electronic document is not opened, a postal copy is also sent to the address on the resident registration record.

Even without a screening notice in hand, you can check your child’s eligible screening dates and access the notice through the following:

• NHIS infant screening date lookup and questionnaire forms
• Call the NHIS customer centre at 1345
• The ‘The 건강보험’ (The Health Insurance) mobile app also lets you check screening dates and find nearby facilities

How to Find a Screening Facility

Screenings can be carried out at designated infant health screening facilities across the country, including hospitals, clinics, and public health centres. Dental screenings are conducted separately at designated dental facilities.

Use the links below to find a facility near you:

• NHIS health screening facility search: Visit the website, go to “Find a Screening Facility/Hospital,” select your province and city or district, then click the “Infant” tab.
• You can also search using the “Find a Screening Facility/Hospital” menu in the ‘The 건강보험’ (The Health Insurance) mobile app.

Receiving the Results

Once the screening is complete, the facility will give the results directly to the parent or guardian. If you need to submit a copy to a daycare centre or kindergarten, simply ask the facility for a separate copy of the results. For families with foreign residents, it may also be helpful to read our article on education visa applications for long-stay children and residency guidance for parents and children.

Where to Get Help

If you have issues related to health insurance premium payments or your residency status, please refer to our article on health insurance premium arrears for refugees and humanitarian stay permit holders, restrictions on extending stay, and household member registration.

Reference Links

• NHIS Infant Health Screening Information
• Infant Screening Date Lookup and Questionnaire Forms
• Ministry of Health and Welfare: Infant Dental Screening Expansion Notice
• Government24 (정부24) Health and Medical Services Guide