Korean Job Discussion Forums

[JFuller317]

I'm coming back to Korea this weekend. I'm running pretty low on a certain medication that I take every day, and for various reasons I couldn't get more before I was due to leave. I don't know how long it will take to get set up with an ARC when I get here. Is it possible for me to go to a clinic, see a doctor and get a prescription without having the card?

[Forever]

Yes - you do not need an ARC to visit a doctor or collect medicine from a pharmacy.

Some doctors or pharmacies may ask for it - but its only because they want it for their own records. Simply show them your passport if they ask for it.

[storysinger81]

If you have a foreign friend, borrow their medical papers. I know, it's wrong, but honestly, with a foreign name on the paper, they won't question your identity. I've never been asked to show my ARC at the hospital (except when I was getting official papers for my visa), just the white booklet. I have known ppl who did this successfully.

[JFuller317]

Is there a huge price difference? Without the ARC, I wouldn't be getting any subsidy from insurance, right?

[storysinger81]

Depends on the meds you need. Insurance covers a little more than 50% of medical procedures, but more or less for different medications.

But again, if you borrow someone's insurance book, they'll think you're that person. They won't ask for the ARC.

[JFuller317]

[whome?]

You don't need an ARC to see a doctor, nor do you need it to get a script filled.

It will cost you much more to see the doctor and to get the pills, though. simply antibiotics can skyrocket in price from let's say 4000 to 25000.

The visit might only cost you 10,000, if it's quick and easy.

some places only want to see your insurance card, so you could borrow a friend's and hope they don't ask for the ARC. Or if a friend vaguely resembles you, grab their ARC as well.

[Skippy]

Yes please do tell people to commit FRAUD! Yes we english teacher do not break the law.

Buddy (OP) you can go to any doctor here in Korea you do not need an ARC. Maybe at the most your passport. Your ARC does NOT cover costs you need to get Insurance (for that reason does you drivers license also cover you health in your home country). Just expect to pay more when you visit, a few years ago I was paying about 15000 to 25000 a visit sans health card.

Also expect to be given only 3 days of your prescription and you have to come back to the doctor for each refill. The costs will start to build up after a while. Really annoying when you have no health insurance and you have tonsillitis.

You may want to check out the International clinic in Itaewon, I hear they give long term prescriptions. Also be careful on what you need to fill. Getting some drugs like Ritalin is hard.

Good Luck