Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Trevor]

(Mods, sticky please)

Anyone with a work visa in Korea pays into Korea's national health insurance plan . It's not cheap (about 600,000 won a year for an individual) and it entitles everyone to the same quality of healthcare that native Koreans enjoy. The quality of healthcare in Korea varies from really excellent - rivaling any western country - to downright third world, depending on where you go. Understanding the healthcare system, and what sort of care you are purchasing, can be difficult because of language and cultural differences. Many people have posted in this forum with reports of being overcharged and underserved. (Of course, the United States has the same problem -- perhaps worse).

A few things to note:

Korea has first tier, second teir, and third tier hospitals with entirely different pricing and insurance copay guidelines. It's a good idea to know what kind of hospital you are going to and what their charges are going to be. To get a blood test, you obviously don't need a 1st teir. For major surgery, it might be a good idea to shell out the extra dough for a first rate hospital. When you get sick, you probably won't be in the mood to go shopping for the best hospital, but it is really important to do so. (A Korean-speaking friend is priceless in helping out with navigating the healtchare system -- especially if it is something more than a routine procedure).

If you have a dispute with a health care provider, there are several things you can do. You can:

1) Call National Health Insurance at 02 390 2000 (for insurance related issues).

2) Call the Ministry of Health and Welfare at 129. This is the national number. They will most likely refer you to the regional office where the provider is located. You can request that your bill be reviewed. Again, a Korean friend might be helpful to talk to the local branch, though you may be able to ask someone at the national office to translate your concern to the local office.

After a small "misunderstanding" with a hospital in Korea (regarding an administrative issue) they quickly addressed the problem after I asked the Ministry of Health to give them a call. If you feel a healthcare provider has not satisfactorily resolved any billing or other issues, it will definitely get their attention if they receive a friendly call from the Health Ministry.



And as a last resort:

3) Call the Legal Aid Society at 02 3476 4000.

The first two numbers have excellent service in English. Legal aid is potluck, so I am told. Again, a Korean friend is very helpful here. The legal system is an even bigger nightmare here than it is in the west so, obviously, going to law should be a last resort.


I hope others will add to this list of with more helpful infoirmation.

[Ya-ta Boy]

Avoid smaller hospitals for emergency care in the middle of the night. Many do not have a doctor on night duty. Go to the biggest one around and even travel if necessary. You will save time in the long run.

[CentralCali]

Here is a list of major hospitals with English-speaking staff. If it's not an emergency, call first as not all hospitals here admit without a doctor's referral.

You can also plan ahead by checking with the hospitals in your neighborhood or your school's neighborhood to see if there is anyone competent in English.

[justaguy]

The bunch at Severance Hospital x-rayed my leg and were unable to tell me if it was broken or not.....Seriously. I have no faith in them. And yes it was broken.

Doctors I have spoken to have said to me that Samsung Medical Center is the best hospital in the country. I'm just relaying what they told me. It is pricey though.

[Trevor]

I have never had a language problem with a doctor or dentist in Korea. They all must speak some English because so many medical textbooks and other necessary terminology are in English and they need it for their profession. It definitely helps, though, when the nurses and administrative staff speak English as well.

[Trevor]

Samsung has three-tier pricing depending on the type of doctor you see. Yes, they are considered the best (accrding to my local doctor) but can be pricey. For English, dial 02 3410 3000, press '1' and ask for Miss Yu in English. She is very efficient and knowledgeable.

[sistersarah]

[Trevor]

(sigh) A lot of Korean doctors look like teenagers. I like silvery-haired, avuncular looking fellows that look like they have a year or two to retirement and have seen my medical issue countless times.

Antibiotics for a stomach ache? Without tests?

[justaguy]

I have often wondered if the people working at Severance were unable to tell me my leg was broken, or unwilling to tell me. Was it that they couldn't read an x-ray? Or was it that they wanted to schedule me for an unnecessary and expensive MRI along with a few other tests?

I guess I'll never know.

[sistersarah]

[dr. love]

Glad to hear you found a solution Trevor.

[Snowflake]

I can't recommend the East West Medical centre enough. My boyfriend is currently there and everyone- doctors, nurses and the great "Dr Love" have all been amazing.
I do agree with avoiding smaller hospitals in an emergency - we were sent away from a local place after my boyfriend had a bad bike crash on Thursday and was concussed. All they did was bandage his cuts and give him a painkiller. A CT at East West showed signs of bleeding in his brain. I don't want to think about what could have happened if we'd just listened to the hospital here.

[Trevor]

I found Dr. Love to be a good resource, also, though I have not visited East West Medical Center.

And yes, it is often a good idea to make sure you are getting the right diagnosis with a second opinion.