Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Otherside]

Many teachers (especially those from the US) tout getting health insurance as a major perk in Korea. Fortunately, I've never had any major problems, and when I have visited the doctor, a good chunk has been covered by my insurance (however, these savings would probably only have added up to a couple 100 bucks over the past few years)

Yet, literally a month doesn't go by where I don't read about tragedy befalling a fellow English teacher followed by the obligatory asking for donations (being part of multiple forums and fb groups serves to multiply this from what one sees just on Dave's). Two key things are common with almost all of them.

1. Said teacher has to pay an exorbitant sum of money (often upfront).
2. "They said it wasn't covered by Health Insurance"

This leads to me to believe two things: firstly, the NHIC is just providing an illusion of security. Many of the times we will actually NEED the insurance (as opposed it just "saving" us a bit of money, it won't come through), and secondly, one probably should go about getting secondary (more comprehensive) insurance.

Is it really as simple as this? Or am I missing something important.

[ttompatz]

Missing the fact that the vast majority of E2 workers in hagwons do not have NHIC and most don't have any medical at all (in spite of what their contract reads) other than the employer paying 1/2 of the minor bills and cutting you loose if something major happens.

BIG RED FLAG = if the tax rate in your contract is listed at 3.3% and the contract reads like you are an employee you will get screwed.

.

[cabeza]

[youtuber]

In my experience, the NHIC provided poor coverage and I had to pay a lot of money. Most Koreans have secondary insurance (through Samsung for example) and you should too, if you are in Korea for the long-term.

It is also a good idea to get emergency medical travel insurance from an insurance company back in your country. Can get it for about $1 per day for a one year policy.

[Otherside]

[ttompatz]

[atwood]

[tob55]

One thing to remember about ANY insurance here, whether NHIC or private is that none of them pay out any money until you have been in the hospital for at least 3 days. I happen to have NHIC, Dongbu, Meritz, and AIA insurance. My wife was able to make the arrangements for me way back when, and I have had to use them on occasion. My wife needed them more than I when she had a serious health issue several years ago, but we have them, so they saved us thousands of dollars. The times I have needed them, I came out of the hospital with my bills paid and money in my pocket, because the system allows ALL providers to pay their limits on hospital stays rather than working cooperatively to pay off your hospital expenses.

I don't recommend having insurance as a supplementary income plan, but they will help in catasptrophic situations where they are needed. You will need help from a Korean friend or relative when applying for a private policy, but it can be done. The cost of private insurance is relatively cheaper here than back in the USA where I came from, but it depends on your own country and cost.

I have never regretted having the extra insurance simply because you are never sure when it might be needed, and while the cost of medical care in Korea is significantly lower than other western countries, it can still be expensive if it is in an emergency situation.

[cabeza]