Korean Job Discussion Forums

[waseige1]

Do any of you that are USA citizens, carry some kind of supplemental health insurance while you are in Korea?

As I am sure most of you from the USA know, our Health Insurance industry leaves something to be desired. I am planning on coming over in the next few months and wonder if anyone found a good policy for the time you are there.

I know that I would be covered under the South Korea system, but I am sure that if something large happened I would be deported rather than helped long term.

I am also sure you all understand the problems in the US with pre-existing conditions.

Thanks.

[bassexpander]

Yes.

I did a podcast interview with Gina Jun, an insurance agent in Seoul, last month.

You can listen to it at: www.themidnightrunner.com

Short answer: buy travellers insurance from your home agent before you leave. It's cheaper there, and provides excellent extra coverage past the 50% that Korean national health insurance doesn't cover. Listen to what she has to say.

If you are in Korea, and you are of the correct visa-type (E-2 teaching visas are the correct type) you can buy travelers insurance from her, but she was pretty honest that it's probably a bit cheaper back home. If you are an F-2 (married to a Korean, for example), then you cannot get travelers insurance, and have to opt for more expensive Korean plans. Same for F-5's, most likely. Similar for other diplomatic visas (I think, you'll have to listen to what she has to say).

[Mr Crowley]

I have a cancer policy back home on my wife and I. If one of us is diagnosed with cancer, will that policy be any good here ?