Korean Job Discussion Forums

chaz47 · Joined: 11 Sep 2003

I'm definitely going to a doctor today. My fever has dipped .1 degree. My throat has begun hurt, and I'm coughing up brown mucus from time to time.

Do I need the little insurance booklet for treatment or will my ARC be enough?

chris_J2 · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Location: From Brisbane, Au.

Take both the med insUrance booklet, & ARC.

chaz47 · Joined: 11 Sep 2003

sojourner1 · Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 7:37 pm Post subject:

Yep, health care is often cheap, but tests are rarely done and it appears you get a random shot in the rump and packs of pills with limited assessment. They have all the technology, but it's minimally used which makes service a snap when you need things like antibiotics or pain relief.

The only time I know of Korean doctors doing any tests is for a physical exam.

Don't expect much here despite there being high technology in place. The National Health care Insurance Corporation will not let costs get out of control. If you were to have serious problem: 1. You pay big money if you have it. 2. You're a dead duck.

nomad-ish · Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 7:41 pm Post subject: Re: Sick

boyne11 · Joined: 08 Jul 2007

Voyeur · Joined: 19 Jun 2003

Getting self-righteous won't help you.

No matter what you yteach until doing so actually threatens your long-term health - or life. In your case, if your term really is 103+ then you probably are in danger. In that case you rightly go to the hospital, warn your boss, and do what you have to.

But you can't really control what the consequences will be. It isn't fair here. Even if you do what you have to and miss class - it still might ruin your rep at work, make your boss hate, you, or get you fired. To minimize this, you should be extremely apologetic. You need to try to get back to work at the soonest possible moment - once your life is out of danger. Don't wait until you are actually healthy. Show your boss that you are doing everything possible to teach class by getting a doctor's note, going to the hospital and not just a local doctor if that is what your boss wants, etc... You have to internalize and act like you have done a horrible, horrible injury to your boss by missing even 1 hour of class and your attitude and demeanor needs to reflect this. You can't apologize enough.

TheChickenLover · Joined: 17 Dec 2007 Location: The Chicken Coop

The Japanese have a term from this. It's called KAROSHI. People have literally been worked to death in this country. Their boss gives 30,000 won & then fills in the position with another disposable person.

Your health is far more important than your employer's feelings. Take your time with your health (both mentally & physically) and do NOT accept "but everyone is in the same boat" excuse. YOU are responsible for yourself & not concerned with other people's problems.

I've taken sick days before. I never asked to take them, I simply "informed" them that "I was not available to work" that day & provided a doctor's note everytime even though it was not required. They can get angry, but they will get over it. You are ultimately your own boss, I suggest you start acting like it & assert yourself. No employer who frowns on that is worth respecting.

Chicken

icicle · Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Location: Gyeonggi do Korea

chris_J2 · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Location: From Brisbane, Au.

"Until more effective treatments are available to treat the common respiratory viruses responsible for the majority of cases, treatment of URIs with rest, increased fluids, and symptomatic care with over-the-counter medications will remain the treatment of choice."

Source: Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upper_respiratory_tract_infections