Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Mikazo]

Hi there. I got a job offer in Korea. I understand that I will be covered under Korea's national health policy, but some recruiters such as Footprints recommend taking out an additional expat insurance policy. I am assuming this is in case something really bad happens and you need a medical evacuation or some such thing.

Does anyone have any experience with this? How necessary is it? What plans would you recommend?

If there are any other threads that go over this please direct me to them.

Thanks a bunch in advance.

[Swampfox10mm]

I have no idea what additional insurance they are talking about, but I know you do have additional options for extra insurance.

If you're a foreigner living in Korea for just a few years, I'd suggest getting a policy through Gina's Agency near Itaewon/Yongsan. She's located not too far from the Crown Hotel, and can set you up with something.

From an ad I saw: If you'd like to contact Gina directly, call 82) 02-794-7414, 82) 02-793-6903 (Office), 82) 011-9873-7415 (Mobile) or e-mail: [email protected]

If you plan on staying in Korea long-term, I'd look into Samsung insurance, or something from Hyundai. I know you can reach Samsung at 1588-5114. That's their call center, anyway. My agent was Park Gun Su. His cell is 011-419-1118, but he only speaks Korean. Been two years since I talked to him, though. My policy is called Samsung All-Life Super Insurance III, and runs me 120,000 per month. That's pretty expensive for a single person, and more than you should spend. It would be more to join now, I know.

Foreigner insurance through Gina is going to be cheaper. Even better, if you can get some kind of extended travel insurance, that might be great, too. Ask Gina what you should do.

I think some kind of travel insurance might be cheapest, by far, if they still offer that longer term. You might need to buy this before leaving home, though.

[Swampfox10mm]

Canada/UK:

http://www.travelinsurance.co.uk/backpackers-insurance.htm


Aussie:

http://www.1cover.com.au/long-term-travel-insurance.html


USA/All countries:
http://www.worldtravelcenter.com/eng/information/cm_category_products.cfm?sCategory=global

http://www.allaboardbenefits.com/policy_permanent.htm
http://www.insureandgo.com/Long_Stay_Travel_Insurance.htm
http://www.mnui.com/

[Caffeinated]

Long-term travel insurance sounds appealing price-wise.

Here's an option for expat insurance.

http://www.imglobal.com/img-insurance/international-health-insurance/global-medical-insurance.aspx

[Big Mac]

I think what they are trying to say to you is that the national health insurance covers you only partially. The national insurance is really good for the odd visit to the doctor for a cold or flu. You show them your card and you're covered for something like 90 per cent of the charge and then you only pay $1 or two. It also covers prescriptions in a similar manner. If that's all you ever do, then it's fine.

The problem is when you get really sick and have to stay in the hospital. I've known people who have had to pay $1000 or more in medical and hospital room rental fees for an extended stay in the hospital for things like appendix attacks, etc. The national health insurance covers some of that, but you can still end up with a pretty big bill at the end.

The extra insurance that you can get from private medical insurance companies is like a top-up to the national insurance. You can use if you get really sick and end up in the hospital for a while.

I hope that helps.

[minos]

Aetna offers foreigner life insurance too.

A little pricy though.

[nathanrutledge]

[Mikazo]

I notice a lot of these insurance plans will cover "usual, reasonable, and customary" expenses in a lot of cases. Is this reasonable? It seems kind of vague.

[Oppa]