Korean Job Discussion Forums

travelinbri · Joined: 23 Mar 2003

Which I dont mind doing, since most government sponsored teaching jobs do want these, but they just sent me a list of the tests they want done, and they are extensive, and would cost a bucket load in the States, where I am now, have any of you taken medical check ups/ evaluations in Korea? What does it cost over there? Approximately? And did you enjoy that disgusting run on sentence above?

Thanks

-TBri

J.B. Clamence · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

I assume that they want the test results before you get here, right? Otherwise, what would be the point if they're going to hire you anyway? Yes, I'm sure it would be a lot cheaper here, but it doesn't seem like you have that choice.

I've never had an official check-up, but I have had to see doctors and dentists here, and with the national health plan, it's dirt cheap compared to what one would have to pay back home. As far as testing goes, I don't know the amounts, but as long as it's nothing serious like an MRI or a cardiogram, I can't imagine that it would be much more than a nominal fee.

travelinbri · Joined: 23 Mar 2003

They actually are willing to let me do it there (go figure), but the test is pretty comprehensive, including a chest x-ray, so I may just hold off til I get there... it just sounds nutty... I understand the need to see if I am healthy, but...

travelinbri · Joined: 23 Mar 2003

But you're right, I think I will get it done there, much cheaper.

peppermint · Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 12:33 pm Post subject:

I believe it cost around 60,000 W when I got it done here a year and a half ago, and that was at a clinic in Gangnam- one of the pricier areas.

travelinbri · Joined: 23 Mar 2003

Thanks Peppermint. Nice picture.

Wangja · Joined: 17 May 2004 Location: Seoul, Yongsan

Good to have done every so often anyway: bite the bullet, or move somewhere where it's free (well, not quite of you pay tax).

McNasty · Joined: 04 Jul 2003

Peppermint is right on the money with her estimate on the physical. I had one done a few months ago and it cost me 70,000 won. If you get the shots that the doctors suggest(hepatitus?etc) then it will cost a bit more.
Chances are that it will cost less in Korea.
I know another guy that had no health insurance here when he had his physical done and it cost him 130,000 won, including the shots. Which is still reasonably priced.

peppermint · Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 12:42 am Post subject:

shawner88 · Joined: 01 Feb 2003

My tests for a public elementary school cost me 35,000 won and the agency who hired me for the school paid that. Was nice to know I don't have any diseases. I would have paid the 35,000 myself just to feel that sense of relief.

The stupid part was that they had me get the tests done about 3 weeks after I started teaching.

phaedrus · Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Location: I'm comin' to get ya.

How many chest x-rays should a person get done just to satisfy their employer?

I'm sure they are not recommended unless you are actually feeling ill in the lungs.

J.B. Clamence · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

peppermint · Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 2:13 am Post subject:

I remember I had to get one, but since I had just passed through Toronto's airport at the height of the SARS think I didn't mind at all- was surprised they didn't make me go through one at the airport actually

phaedrus · Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Location: I'm comin' to get ya.

I had two medical exams with chest x-rays since I've been in Korea, and I've been here only three years. I don't think I will get another chest x-ray unless the doctor actually thinks I'm ill.

I don't need my internal organs exposed to yearly x-ray radiation.

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

I went 7 years without a physical until this last October. I'm in my mid 30's.

I just wanted to see how my overall health was and get an STD test (negative). The physical exam also included a chest x-ray.

Most of it was just for piece of mind. My bad cholesterol level and blood pressure were fine, for example.

The exam was done at the International Clinic in Itaewon. If you go to their webpage there are a variety of tests that they can run.

The one I did included a nutritional analysis. They find if your body is lacking in any nutrients or minerals.

They even have a detox program I would like to go through to clear my body of unwanted carcinogens, pollution, etc.

Anyway, here's what the clinic says about employment screenings:

Test items
- Height, Weight, Visual acuity, Blood pressure, Auditory function test, Color blindness test.
- Chest X-Ray
- Blood test (8 items), Urinalysis

Examination time: About 20 minutes
Report processing: 1~2 days
Pre-requisite: Fast for at least 8 hours

Call for a price. 82-2-790-0857, 02-790-0857