Korean Job Discussion Forums

manlyboy · Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 3:19 am Post subject: Health insurance rip-off?

I got a 400 000 won bill from the government yesterday.

Last May, I finished my contract, left the country and came back in on a tourist visa to get married. We spent June in Europe for our honeymoon. In July we returned (me on a tourist visa). I then found a new job, which I started in September.

Yesterday I get a bill saying I owe 400 000 won of health insurance for the months of May, June, July and August. During that time I was on a tourist visa, was not working, and wasn't even in the country for quite a while.

My wife phoned them up today and they are telling her that there is no mistake and that I must pay this money. The guy went on about local resident health insurance as opposed to company insurance, and that a six month gap between jobs is needed to avoid the tax.

Is this for real!?

prairieboy · Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Location: The batcave.

I'm in a similar position. I've got private insurance through AIC and my company. NHIC sent a bill and a collection notice to my old hagwon threatening to garnish my salary.

At this point they haven't actually done anything and likely won't (knock on wood).

If you get any other info please update me on your situation.

Cheers