Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bettypie]

The new E-2 visa regulations seem to require a health screening. Can this be read as a drug screening for foreigners? Just wondering. I'm no degenerate, but could use a little heads up in this department.

[cruisemonkey]

[polonius]

and when you take the test, things like sleeping pills and cold medicine will cause a positive drug test. So, the nurses at Seoul National always tell us not to take any of these pills before hand.

[bettypie]

Okay, good to know. When does this screening happen? After arrival, or before I can even leave?

[polonius]

The medical check is done in Korea. You need it in order to get your Alien Registration Card. You technically have 90 days upon entry to apply for the card, but I always suggest that you get it ASAP, as you can't get medical insurance without it. You are paying for health insurance from the moment you enter Korea on an E2 (or at least should be, by law.) So, if you wait awhile to get the ARC, you will still be paying into health insurance that you cannot benefit from. You can still go to the doctor, and it will cost you more for the prescription, visit and meds, but you can also get the difference back once you have your health insurance. Why bother with the hassle though? It is also more difficult to get things like a cell phone and internet service.

[pinoy0320]

Can you inform us on the whole health check process?

I heard you just take a blood/urine test, or is there more to it?

[polonius]

Different hospitals will do different things. The most important and mandatory are blood, urine and x-ray in order to find STD's, Drugs and TB. Seoul National University hospital does a more comprehensive examination including eye tests and a whole slew of tests with your blood and urine.

[rollo]

Apparently the Korean government is going to make the drug testing much more thourough. New laws because of some legal challenges. Cannibis will be tested for!

[Straphanger]

[Bibbitybop]

[bettypie]

[polonius]