Korean Job Discussion Forums

[the_test]

Hi there,

I wondered if any UK teachers took out medical insurance before going to Korea and if so, what company gave a good deal? My recruiter has strongly advised getting it so I'm just working out my finances; I've spent a fortune on this process and hope it's worth it!

FYI I'm going to Gangwan-do via EPIK in September this year. First timer...!

Thanks,

The Test

[Blanca]

UK teacher here. I'd strongly recommend getting medical insurance for the first month, because before you get your ARC (a process which takes a few weeks), you won't have any provided by the state.

Once you get your foreigner card though, your school should be paying into the NHIC so you don't need any extra insurance. If the school won't pay NHIC, tell them to jog on.

[the_test]

Thanks Blanca! Ok I'll do that then and get insurance for first month. Yes, the school will be paying half my medical and the other half comes out my wage I believe.

Cheers

[Blanca]

No problem. Just make sure they're getting you NHIC rather than some bullsh!t private insurance. You should get the little grey healthcare book.

[ttompatz]

With EPIK it shouldn't be an issue getting enrolled in the NHIC.

.

[the_test]

Thanks ttompatz. It should work out fine, but just my recruiter gave me a few horror stories of situations where teachers had really bad accidents and didn't have full insurance from their home countries...!

[NYC_Gal 2.0]

Look into getting expat insurance to supplement the NHIC (national) insurance. I went with CIGNA, and it's reasonably priced, and covers what NHIC doesn't.