Korean Job Discussion Forums

[majoba82]

Anyone else take medication every month? I am ready to sign a contract but can't do so until I know I can get my medication in Korea. It's Tegretol XR - anyone know the cost? availability? I've tried to get supplemental traveler's insurance but no one will cover me- apparently epileptics are incredibly dangerous and expensive. Please help ASAP! Thanks

[icicle]

[Oreovictim]

Cost might not be a big deal. Prescription drugs are rather cheap here. Doctor's visit + 100 Xanax pills = $30.00 U.S.

You only have two problems.

1. Availability

2. Access. Find a Korean friend ASAP, and ask him or her to help you find a doctor. My last boss helped me, but then the next year when I had interviews, he told some of the schools that I take a "nervous sedative."

A lot of drugs in Korea are considered taboo, so don't let anyone know that you take certain medications.

[garykasparov]

( 1 ) Tegretol XR is not sold in South Korea but pharmacies sell Tegretol CR. As far as I know, they are the same medicines. I took Tegretol CR and I had no problems when I switched over from Tegretol XR. However, everyone is different.

( 2 ) You will have to see a doctor when you want to get your prescription refilled. The doctor will issue you a "prescription slip" and then you'll take it the pharmacy. There is no medical privacy in Korea. If you work in a small town, then it would be in your best interest to consult with a doctor in another city. Your doctor may ask where you work. There have been several cases where doctors have contacted the teacher's school directly, so don't tell the doctor where you work.

( 3 ) The Tegretol will be cheaper if you don't buy it from the hospital pharmacy.

( 4 ) Bear in mind that pharmacies in small towns may not carry the Tegretol you need. If you work in a small town, availability will be an issue. The previous forum member made an excellent point about availability.

( 5 ) I take four medicines for my epilepsy. I take Tegretol (1800 mg. day), Lamictal (600 mg. a day), Topamax (150 mg. a day) and Ativan (1 mg. a day). I purchased a 30 day supply without health insurance for a tad over 450,000 Korean Won. With insurance, all my medicine cost around 170,000 Korean Won (rough estimate depending on the pharmacy).

[lapd]

I would suggest that you contact the manufacturer of Tegratol. They are probably your most reliable source. Do not know if a world health organization,or an organization for epilectics might help also.

I am not yet in Korea, but understand from literature and people who have been there that they have a high standard of healthcare, at least in large cities like Seoul. Also, it cost less than US.

As to supplemental health insurance...DON'T. I took out such a policy (Medex) for my stint in China at the recommendation of the Canadian school who oversaw the program. They were useless and it was a waste of money. All they do is reimburse you and you have to wait until you return to the US to get your money. Also, they do not cover medications.

(1) In Korea, your employer will pay for half of your medical costs.
(2) These policies usually have a high dedcutible. In my case it was $500. The cost of health care in China at a Chinese facility was so low that I could never have reached that and my school paid the first $100.
(3) The closest Western style facility which charged Western prices was in another city, and Chinese healthcare was so bad it wasn't worth going to see a doctor, so NO policy would have helped me.

I don't know where in Korea you are going, but I think if you look into the above suggestions you will do okay with the coverage you have through your school. Nothing can cost as much as it does in the US.

Hope this helps you.

[dr. love]

You will have to see a specialist when you arrive in Korea to receive a prescription for your medication. If the drug you are currently using is not available the doctor will recommend/prescribe another drug for you.

If you would like more detailed information send me a pm and I'll try and help you out.

[Milwaukiedave]

I don't think getting the medication will be a problem. You probably should try to bring a month or two with you and find someone you can trust to go to the doctor with you the first time.

I'd be more worried about how much of your medical information you are going to share with your school. You should be very very careful about this. A school could try to get rid of you if they become aware of your condition.

[garykasparov]

OP,

If your seizures are controlled by this medication, then I think Korea would be an option for you. Please consult with your physician before you come to Korea.

OR

seizure in class = students are concerned, some will act out = students complain to parents = your boss firing you.

What type of seizure do you have?
http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/types_seizures