Korean Job Discussion Forums

[JeJuJitsu]

Just curious. Had a hospital emergency, and luckily was able to get money wired from overseas to pay for what insurance didn't, but when I suggested I go home, and pay the bill later, they weren't having any of that--pointing to the armed guards at the exit of the emergency room at YongDong Severance Hospital, "You can not leave here until you pay."

OK, no problem, as my money was being wired shortly thereafter, but as I was leaving, met another expat who was also "Not allowed to leave until payment is made," even though she was to be paid in a few days.

Freaky.

Has anyone tested this policy and simply walked out? I mean, if I had no access to money, their logic was to keep you there, adding 115k won per night to the total bill, when clearly some people are not in a position to pay all medical costs upon emergency situation.

To rub salt in a wound, I swear to mock us, they ask you for a credit card.
Nice, if they would give us credit cards.

Anyway, make sure you bring your wallet filled with wnough money to pay the total bill if you have an emergecy accident in Korea. FYI

[ttompatz]

[Cohiba]

I am totally in favour of a system that makes you responsible
for your own health. And I should add to that: makes you
responsible for your own welfare to. I am planning for my
retirement. I put aside money for when I am sick or unemployed.
Too many people have the "pigs at the trough" mindset and walk
around with their hands out looking for my hard earned cash.
Well not here buddy.

The only people that should get money from the government are
those with some disability or orphans. That's it!

[JeJuJitsu]

[SeoulShakin]

I have been at Yongdong Severance Hospital about four times in the last two weeks for a knee injury. At the emergency room I had to pay, but not until after I was treated (same at the hospital in Ilsan where I was first brought to - long story). My first visit with the Orthopedic surgeon I didn't have to pay anything. My MRI was pay before the service. On my second visit with the Orthopedic surgeon, I was asked to sit in the waiting room after the visit. A lady from the International Clinic came down to bring me to the payment area. I guess this was their way of making sure I knew I had to pay this time.

I've never been asked to pay before treatment, other than the MRI. The MRI was a set appointment anyway that I knew I'd have to pay for, so it didn't bother me. Both times in the ER I had to pay, but not until after I was treated.

Asking for a credit card should not be taken as an insult at all. I used a credit card for my payments, although it was a card I had from Canada. It is not unreasonable to ask an adult if they will be paying by credit card. The one time I wasn't, I simply said "no I'll pay in cash today" and they said "ok no problem". Not a big deal. Overall I found that the service I received at Yongdong Severance Hospital to be quite good, and very compatible with what I'd receive back home. The only difference I noticed was that things got done a lot faster here in Korea - namely the speed at which I got my MRI.

[hellofaniceguy]

[JeJuJitsu]

[princess]

[ttompatz]

[aek541]

I don't know much about the US health care system. But in Canada you get basic health coverage (i'm pretty sure) just because tyou live there. I got it anyway. But since I've been in Korea I know what its like not to have the money to pay. I got sick last January and I didn't have the money to pay for my bills. I did (but it was all tied up in the banks back home for savings)....I ended up getting my boss to come down to the hospital and pay for my services. It was 300,000 and because my school hadn't finished processing my health plan I had to pay half and the school paid the other half. I think you can never count on NOT getting sick.....opt for the health plan if you can. I also don't understand how people CAN't save money in this country.

[JeJuJitsu]

[JeJuJitsu]

[jurassic82]

This is why I hate Dave's sometimes. The topic was on if anyone has been held hostage by a hospital and now we're bashing each others countries. You guys have too much time on your hands and need to get a life. I look to this board for advice when it comes to my job and adjusting to my life in Korea. I feel many of you abuse it and post ignorant comments like what I'm seeing right now. If more of you focused more time on preparing for your classes than on this board making stupid comments then maybe more people would take us seriously as teachers. Anyways enough with my rant. By the way I'm American and I do think health insurance is way too high but at least they will help you if you are dying or seriously injured and let you go home afterwards without threat unless you don't pay later unlike here.

[ttompatz]

[Young FRANKenstein]