Korean Job Discussion Forums

[A2T]

I'm looking for recommendations for an insurance policy that I can take out before I leave for Korea from the US on Feb. 18th. The purpose of the policy will be to cover expenses and locations not taken care of by the national health insurance plan. I prefer that the provider be based in the US. (I am assuming it would be easier to litigate in the case of a wrongfully denied claim if the provider is based in my home country.)

For example, I might take a vacation outside Korea, not be able to cover my part of the medical expense for a claim submitted through the national insurance, not be covered by the national insurance for a specific treatment, or be forced to return home due to an injury which impairs my ability to hold a job in Korea.

In fact, my main concern is being able to return home with full coverage upon being diagnosed with some life-threatening/chronic disease (think cancer, etc). Yes, the odds are low at my age, but I'm willing to pay for the peace of mind.

Additionally, I want the insurance to cover treatment at the Samsung Medical Center International Health Clinic, as I have read several places that this is the best english language clinic in the country. http://english.samsunghospital.com/

I have found only one provider online so far willing to list hospitals in their network, bupa international.
(http://www.bupa-intl.com/asp/benefits/hospital_locations.asp)

However, the bupa premium when coverage in the US is included is far too high. I cannot devote 1/3 of my pretax salary to a single insurance premium.

Here is a list of providers compiled by the US Dept. of State:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1470.html#questions_toask

Most of these give much lower quotes than bupa, but do not list their network physicians/hospitals, and include a lot of shady language in the policies. This is my first time reading insurance policies, so if I can find loopholes already then in must be pretty bad.

So what am I looking for in a recommendation? A specific provider which is known to allow use of SMC: Int'l Clinic, offers home(US) coverage at a price somewhat less than 1/3 of my salary, and doesn't look like a scam. Or, if I am not looking in the right places, some advice about the proper (i.e. not stupid) way to purchase a policy.

I'm not asking for someone to go out and do this research for me. Just if anyone has person experience with a policy similar to what I require, then I would appreciate a link or phone number. I'll do the rest.

[A2T]

With no replies I feel a bit silly bumping my post like this, but there is an important change.

After additional research I have decided that for any policy worth the premium I will not be able to afford coverage in the US.

Lifting of this requirement makes the bupa plan more affordable, but I still prefer a US based provider.

[waseige1]

I have the same questions and needs. Whatever you learn, I hope you share.