Korean Job Discussion Forums

sarbonn · Joined: 14 Oct 2008 Location: Michigan

Does anyone have any advice on what international clinic is of the better choices here for both cost and quality care? I've been going to the International Clinic in Severin Hospital in Sinchon, and it appears to be a bit on the expensive side, although I don't have a lot of comparisons of other choices.

HBC007 · Joined: 27 May 2007

Severance hospital in Sinchon definitely overcharges those who go through their International Clinic. Their manager told me with a straight face that due to Korean Law, that they had to charge foreign patients 50% more than Korean ones. That is how he explained away their 25 000 won basic charge to see a doctor--despite the fact that Yongdong Severance charges 3 500 + 12 000=15 500. Look at what they charge you when they ship you if to one of their specialists--for the first visit they usually double or even triple that extortionate fee.

Oh really? I checked the Korean National Medical Insurance website and it says no such thing. In fact it states that foreigners with Korean insurance cannot be charged more than Koreans.

No other hospital rips off the foreign community the way they do. Every other hospital that has an International clinic --Hanyang University or Seoul National University charges the same fees to both their foreign and Korean patients. Hanyang University's International clinic is a little small but Dr Ahn was trained in the US.

I switched to Seoul National University hospital in Daehangno and could not be happier. If the doctor does not speak English, they will send along a translator and they actually have real nurses who work there. In studied contrast to the ones at Yonsei Severance. Seoul National actually cares whereas with Yonsei Severance the feeling I had was that they only cared about how much money I had, not my health.

Trevor · Joined: 16 Nov 2005

I was cheated out of 600,000 won for a medical procedure and was pressured physically by a security guard at the hospital to pay it (with a credit card). This was at Dankook University Hospital in Cheonan (avoid!)I called the ministry of health (or rather my korean friend did) to have my bill audited and the money was returned. eventually. It was one of the worst experiences I have had in Korea. The money was just blatantly stolen and they muscled me to pay it (when I was really, really sick, too).

Hospitals WILL cheat you on account of you being a foreigner! I can tell you that, firsthand. However, you can do something about it. Request an audit from the ministry of health. You may need a Korean friend to help. Keep all receipts. If you do not get the correct response from one government worker, do what successful waygooks always do: call back and speak to another government worker. You are guaranteed to get a completelydifferent answer. Repeat this procedure until you get the correct response. Wink

nomad-ish · Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 4:30 pm Post subject:

i went to severance hospital recently as well and i can't believe their prices!! such bs. plus the annoying korean doctor pushed some university-developed medicine my way that was freakin' expensive... i accepted it because i doubt she would've renewed my prescription if i didn't. will NOT be going back there.

kimbabworld · Joined: 20 Jun 2006 Location: Seoul

Seoul National University Hospital (Hyewha Station) has an international clinic and the staff is excellent. Also, I find it way cheaper than the international clinics in Iteawon.

kimbabworld · Joined: 20 Jun 2006 Location: Seoul

Seoul National University Hospital (Hyewha Station) has an international clinic and the staff is excellent. Also, I find it way cheaper than the international clinics in Iteawon.

crossmr · Joined: 22 Nov 2008 Location: Hwayangdong, Seoul

dr. love · Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Location: Seoul

Our hospital offers full international health care services for no extra charges. We have doctors in every major specialty with no waiting lists.
Most of our doctors are fluent and we have a bilingual nurse to help with communication.

Our hospital is The East-West Neo Medical Center, Kyung Hee University. We are located in South Eastern Seoul in Kangdong-gu. Kodeok Station Line #5.

We offer full Oriental Medical Services as well.

If you'd like more info or an appointment, please send me a pm.

pungnapdonger · Joined: 17 May 2009

Hey dr. love (or anyone),
I have been in Seoul for a few months, but have had enough of my prescription meds to last me, and I should be fine for a couple more. I am on medicine for Crohn's, so it is necessary that I keep taking it. I was wondering how easy it would be to get my prescription here, and what I would have to do--would I have to see a gastroenterologist (and if so, any recommendations?) I live near the Asan hospital, but would be willing to go farther if there was someplace better. Any help is appreciated!!!

phoneboothface · Joined: 26 Apr 2009 Location: Korea

I can also say Yonsei Severance in Shinchon overcharges foreigners. Way too much. It is 미쳐.

Don't go through their International desk. Get a Korean to help or something if you must go there.

The actual visits I've had were fine. But I knew the doctors I was seeing spoke English before I went in.

KuroBara · Posted: Mon May 18, 2009 3:55 pm Post subject:

Is there a good clinic for foreigners in Ilsan? I need refills on many Rxs. Also, could anyone recommend an optometrist? It's time for an eye exam and new specs!

Zulethe · Joined: 04 Jul 2008

The international clinic in itaewon is expensive but one word is why I use it: confidentiality. I don't worry about them disclosing my medical history or reasons for treatment to my school because they won't do it.

That's the main reason many foreingers choose to use this clinic. The doctor speaks great English, is effective, and is patient centered.

I also like him because he is an anti-aging specialist, which I will pursue when I hit my mid 40's.

vegemite99 · Joined: 23 Mar 2009

I have found Dr. Choi at Asan Hospital (at the international clinic) to be excellent. The nurses are lovely and with Health Insurance its cheap. Though its the only place I have been in Korea so have nothing to compare it to. They definitely do not tell your school anything either

chrisyurhee · Joined: 20 Jan 2009 Location: Seoul

I've been to many hospitals during the 7+ years that I've been here. I'm sticking with Severance. A botched operation, mediocre food and facilities, and just pure hassle at another LARGE hospital made up my mind.

You get what you pay for folks!

I am going to check out the others that are mentioned above, and would love it if anyone else has recommendations. Any resource for non-Korean-speaking teachers is helpful!

BTW-I just got a follow-up call from Severance as I was typing this.

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004

I agree with Chris. I go to Severance, and specifically ask for John Linton, when I have anything major that needs seeing to. He and I've known each other for as long as I've been in Korea (9+ years) and I trust him almost completely.