Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tomduff]

What would people recommend doing in terms of medical/travel/contents insurance whilst teaching in Korea? In particular, I want to have some medical insurance in place to deal with bigger ticket injuries and ailments.

I plan on doing a fair bit of hiking (up mountains), some skiing, as well as more regular activities (soccer, cycling, jogging etc.).

I've looked at some 'gap year' travel insurance policies, but they come out to around $1k when I throw in Winter sports coverage.

[NYC_Gal 2.0]

My husband and I use Cigna's global expat insurance. We signed up for the "light sports" package (golf, tennis, swimming, jogging) rather than the more intense ones (team sports, mountain climbing, etc...) but it's pretty affordable. It's about $110 per month for each of us, but we're covered for up to $3 million each per year for inpatient stuff, and have both inpatient and outpatient for cancer treatment (heaven forbid). It would probably cost a bit more for yours, but it can't hurt to call and find out.

Phone: +44 (0)1475 788 182
Toll Free: 1 800 835 7677

[tomduff]

That seems a bit pricey to me. Does look like expat insurance is the most appropriate for teaching in Korea though, so will look into getting some, cheers

[Wildbore]

Expat insurance is mostly REDUNDANT.

The Korean national insurance (NHIC) monthly premium is less, the copay is less, and it immediately subsidizes necessary medical care, usually at about 70%, at the point of delivery. It also covers your direct family members in Korea, and childbirth, for no extra cost.

You should just get the NHIC insurance and find a supplementary plan (cancer care, private rooms, cash payout, etc.) in Korea. It would be a lot more efficient, and cheaper.

[NYC_Gal 2.0]

My expat insurance is a supplementary insurance. It covers what NHIC doesn't. It's worth it, imo.

[Swampfox10mm]

The Korean national insurance does not cover A LOT of things.

Basically, if you are over 35 (my guess at a number), you should be getting something extra in addition to national.

Samsung, Hyundai, Chartis... lots of choices. I pay about 120,000 per month now for full extra coverage through Samsung. Of course, the prices are all about your age and needs.

Another member on here had a family situation where Korean national insurance didn't cover their problem... to the tune of like 6 million won. If he reads this, he can add his story.

[Lazio]

On the top of the national health insurance for about 30k/month you can get insurance that covers 90% of ALL hospital bills including cancer, giving birth, everything.

[tomduff]

I'm more worried about skiing accidents etc. rather than long term illnesses. Wondering whether it's worth getting medical insurance then; maybe I should just get travel insurance when I go on trips if I'm doing anything particularly risky.

[waseige1]

I have tried (with no luck) to get additional insurance in Korea. In my 4+ years here I have known/heard of several expats who ended up with additional bills not covered by NHIC.

If ANYONE has contact info for insurance agents/offices that sell their product in English it would be GREATLY appreciated.

[tigershark]

I have extra health insurance with metlife korea. It's about 45 000 a month i think.

[wishfullthinkng]

my supplemental insurance is through LIG. highly recommended.

however, they do not cover dental. if anyone knows insurance that covers dental here in korea, please do pm me.