South Korea said Tuesday that foreigners should stay at least six months to be eligible for the country's health insurance program in a move to keep them from taking advantage of a loophole in the system.

Currently, foreigners who stay in South Korea for more than three months can voluntarily join the National Health Insurance Service.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare also said those who receive a humanitarian stay permit can join the country's health insurance program.

The ministry, which oversees the health insurance program, announced the legislation to revise the rules of the health insurance program.

The move comes as some foreigners join the health insurance program and receive expensive medical treatment before departing South Korea.

Last year, 913,000 foreigners, including South Koreans living abroad, signed up for the state health insurance program. (Yonhap)