Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sarahmilberry]

Hi,
Im planning on coming to Jeonju, Korea, (from Canada) to teach ESL for a year. This is what my contract states for insurance: (is this even good?)

Medical Insurance: Employee may be covered by medical benefits under the National Health Insurance Cooperation , a Government Health Organization or another insurance company. The costs of this coverage will be borne half by employer and half by employee. Payment will be made monthly deduction from employee's salary, at present 1.5%, and a like amount contributed by employer. Coverage commences four weeks after arrival in Korea.
Accident Compensation: In the event that employee sustains injuries from natural disaster or fire during the
course of normal work duties, the employer agrees to pay all medical and hospital costs in accordance with the medical insurance law of Korea. But in the event that employee sustains injuries from an accident outside the
course of normal working duties, or as the result of prior sickness, disorder or mishap, the employee understands and agrees that employer will have no responsibility for, nor obligation to pay medical or hospital costs.


Should I get something to cover me while I am flying? What about if I get hurt skiing, break a leg or something? Is the medical care good in Korea?
I have been pricing insurance from Nova Scotia and it is like 400 bucks.... seems to be alot to me, and I personally can't justify paying that for something that " may happen".
Please send me any stories, advice, etc... what did any other Canadians do?

[ttompatz]

[garykasparov]

Reword it as such;

Medical Insurance: The employer will enroll the full-time employee into the National Health Insurance Plan. Employee will be covered by medical benefits under the National Health Insurance Plan, a Government Health Organization. The costs of this coverage will be borne half by employer and half by employee. Payment will be made monthly deduction from employee's salary, at present 2.385% unless adjusted otherwise, and a like amount contributed by employer. The employer shall provide the employee with a health insurance card within four weeks of the employees entry into Korea.

[normalcyispasse]

National health care is actually pretty great. Your employer is required to enroll you in it; your cost will be about $45/mo.

[cangel]

Recently, a Jeonju expat got his @ss waxed by a car while riding a motorcycle. While I didn't know this man personally, I have heard various accounts of abhorrent treatment at the hospital. Evidentally, and please don't quote me, the fellow was kept on as stretcher in a hallway for a couple of days with some compound fractures. Why? Because his national health insurance did not cover the surgery or a room. It turns out he did getthe surgery but had to pay out of pocket because it wasn't covered. I believe he is now recovering in Canada. Please, refrain from flaming me because, like I said, I don't know this guy or much about the national health system. What I have just written is just what I have read and heard here in Jeonju.

[Dazed and Confused]

It is possible to buy accident/hospitalization insurance here as well as life insurance. I have both and was paid 600,000 by the insurance companies when I broke my arm. My insurance also pays about 100,000 each day I spend in hospital which is nice if I have to get a replacement teacher. If you'd like information pm me for my agent's telephone number.