Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Been There, Taught That]

When my wife and I arrive in Korea in October with our two-year-old, one of the things key will be my daughter's health. In fact, in our discussions about it, one of them happened when she was running a bit of a fever. My wife's orientation, since she hasn't been anywhere, done anything like this, etc, was that if the kid should get sick in Korea we should turn around and come home.

She's gotten over that--somewhat--but I still think it's a good idea to find out more from those who know. What did you do or are you doing to keep your child(ren) healthy and, of course, happy, especially if you've taken them away from what they've gotten used to and brought them to, well, this place?

Needless to say, I don't intend to encounter--meaning I do intend to avoid--anything so serious as to need to abandon the country; that's an almost unencounterable circumstance. I already have everyone on a pretty good food regimen and I know I will have to take new foods little by little with both of them. But it can't hurt to get any advice a parent out there might have and hopefully establish or join some kind of network of those who have the same concerns.

In the 21 months I spent in Korea 2001 to 2003, I didn't have any problems, health-wise, adapting to the culture, food, anything. I'm hoping my daughter will be the same way. She's in no way heavier than she should be and has been surprisingly free of all health problems all her 32 months of life. She isn't vaccinated and is still nursing, which we consider two strong points.

Any advice can only be of help, especially to my worried wife.

By the way, we'll be in Hwaseong-by-the-sea, our little section being Don-tan (or Dong-tan, whether I go with my recruiter's take or that of the city's website), and naturally we'll be pushing for the school to do the right thing by National Insurance. If anyone has a better line on health insurance for a family, let me know.

[poet13]

Health care here is good.
I have a son here, and about to have another (3 weeks).
There are lot's of doctors, and health care is quite reasonable.
My family is on my health insurance. My premiumalmost doubled to put 2 more people on it. The school still pays half of that too.

There is no reason to flee the country is she gets sick.

You daughter may be required to be vaccinated before they even let her in the country. Not sure about that. ttompatz might know though.

I'm sure there are alternatives, but I see these horrific vaccination scars here, even on small children, and I will gladly pay the extra so that my children don't have those blemishes.

Sorry to ramble a bit, typing really fast.

[Been There, Taught That]

[Hoegaarden]

How exactly is not having your child vaccinated making him or her healthier?

[poet13]

Thanks.

The Heps are important. TB is also very important here as it's a rather common ailment. I am very protective also, but at the same time, catching a microbe or bacterium isn't something we can guard well against.

[D.D.]

Vaccinations just like all medications have both positive and negative aspects. The whole medical industry is profit based and most research is suspect. There is many people who believe vaccinations cause many problems. The problem is the research dollars don't go to proving they don't work they go into getting them up for sale. I have seen many young patients have reactions to vaccinations and my friend's son died. With kids if possible keep them away from sugar and make sure they get plently of water and exercise. Kids also follow parents and stressed parents will lead to sick kids. Kids crave and need attention and if parents are not that relaxed kids with feel ingnored. Water good food and quality time leads to healthy kids.

[taobenli]

Regarding vaccinations: when I was young I didn't get any because my parents didn't (and still don't) believe in them. I was one of the very healthiest of my group of friends growing up (I also had a very healthy diet for much of my life- I've slipped a little and trying to get back into it now).

I anticipate some problems when my husband and I have kids. He is quite pro-Western medicine and jumping through all its hoops, and I am quite anti-Western medicine. However, I know there's a time and a place for everything- sometimes I've really benefited from Western medicine (it saved my life on one occasion for sure), and other times from things like acupuncture.

I think Hep and TB could be important in Korea- I got those as a teenager because I was working a lot with kids and starting to travel to places where these two illnesses in particular are a concern.

[Typhoon]

As long as you get on the national health plan you are good to go. Health care for the little things is great here. If it is a big thing you may want to consider going home. They tend to not be great with big medical problems here.

The care my daughter has received has been top notch, but she hasn't been seriously ill (knock on wood). I would consider getting Hep B vacs(for the whole family). It is very common here and not a nice disease to catch. Also, the yearly Japanese Incefilitis (SP???????) is a good idea according to the adjuma network.

[Typhoon]

Rey, call the health insurance office yourself...they will get you on the plan even if the school doesn't want you on it and they will bill the school their 50%. Don't fight with your school just do what you would do back home and take care of business. Also, sorry to hijack the thread...just wanted to give some help.

National Health Insurance Corporation (not being enrolled is illegal)
Phone number: 1577-1000
Website: http://www.nhic.or.kr/wbe/index.html

[ED209]

With the travel insurance see if you can get repatriation on that too. If you child should fall seriously ill or find themselves in a serious accident it's going to be further nightmare getting them flown back home. However, healthcare here is generally good though there have been some incidences reported of incompetent paramedics and doctors.

Here's some recommendations for vaccines,

http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/destinations/asia/south_Korea.php

All medicines carry some risk, but not vaccinating your child is inviting danger.

[Join Me]

I would research the hospitals and clinics in your area before you arrive and find yourself a doctor that speaks English. I think many people will agree that health care is decent here but some Korean doctors can be a bit odd when it comes to diagnosing foreigners...they believe we are different in some way from Koreans in case you don't recall from you last stint here.

Once your daughter gets sick do you really have the time to search for someone you can communicate with clearly?

[Been There, Taught That]

This link works: http://www.nhic.or.kr/eng/

[Cheonmunka]

Yeah, bring the vaccinations list of those she has received previously.