Job Discussion Forums

lyla · Joined: 03 May 2005 Posts: 17

Which countries require a medical exam to obtain a work visa? Is this a cost I can negotiate to have my employer cover?

Celeste · Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 12:32 am Post subject:

I don't know if the countries themselves will require a medical exam, but many companies will, and you usually will have to pay for it yourself. Any job in which you will be teaching in public schools usually requires a medical. (They want you to be checked for TB and hepatitis because they can be so contagious - for my job in Japan, I also had to have a kidney function test - not sure why.) Generally, you will need a chest x-ray, a blood test, and a urine test. In Canada 3 years ago, the whole kit and kaboodle cost me about $200CAD.

lyla · Joined: 03 May 2005 Posts: 17

Thanks for your input! I've been researching tesl for about a month now, and today was the first time I heard about medicals. It's good to know about these costs ahead of time Smile

anthyp · Joined: 16 Apr 2004 Posts: 1320 Location: Chicago, IL USA

I don't know if you're looking at China, but you do need a medical exam to work here.

Actually, you don't need it for your (Z) visa, but you will need to have one done for your living and working papers (Temporary Residence Permit and Foreign Expert's Certificate). You can get one done before leaving for China, but they might make you get another one here anyway, so it's easier to just wait till you get here.

Your employer should pick up the cost, yeah, I think most public schools do. Otherwise it should run you about 500 - 800 RMB (that's about $60 - 100 USD), depending on what tests you get done. You will need blood tests, an eye exam, X - rays, and a few others. Actually it's pretty harmless and the whole thing should take you about 15 minutes.

By the way, if you test positive for HIV, you will not be allowed to work here.

Girl Scout · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 525 Location: Inbetween worlds

Taiwan also requires a medical exam. Most countries require them to be completed in the country after you arrive. In Taiwan a large number of companies and private buxiban will cover the cost.

These medical exams are also harmless. It mostly just confusing as people are pushing you here and there very rapidly.

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

I worked with a guy in the Gulf. He found out he was HIV+ after the medical. He was arrested and deported. After he left, his desk was sprayed with disinfectant Shocked

WYSIWYG · Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 8:57 pm Post subject:

There is a pretty lengthy thread on the China forum here:

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=4192

SandyMcIvor · Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 6:02 am Post subject: and Malaysia

CfBT Malaysia requires a mediacal WITH A DRUG TEST (but they dont tell you about the drug test part).

I've started a thread about this in the General Discussion

WYSIWYG · Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 11:51 am Post subject:

I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if you were secretly drug tested in China either.