Korean Job Discussion Forums

Smee · Joined: 24 Dec 2004 Location: Jeollanam-do

Hi,
Does anyone have any recommendations for insurance policies for people here on a so-called tourist visa (i.e., being in Korea visa-free)? I'll be here a little while as a student, and want to get coverage just in case (and also to cover any routine trips to the doctor).

In earlier threads I've seen mention of AIG and World Nomads . . . how would these work in Korea? Will they cover basic trips to the "hospital," the general practitioner, the eye doctor, etc.?

Any recommendations? Anyone have experience with something like this?

Thanks.

hwarangi · Joined: 17 Nov 2008

Im currently studying & I paid into the Korean National Health Insurance scheme (the same one we have when we're working). It is 75,000 won per month.

I have a student visa but I imagine you could get it on a tourist visa; ring them to find out: 02.390.2000

I also have emergency medical insurance (evacuation; repatriation of remains etc) for about 10 dollars a week - its not thru Nomads but a similar Australian one.

catchshime · Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 3:31 am Post subject:

What are ER costs like in Korea?

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

Facebook groups

Dazed and Confused · Joined: 10 Jan 2003

My family called up their insurance provider from home and asked about options. Luckilly they are covered under their current policy and will be reimbursed when they return home.

mr tom · Joined: 16 Jul 2009 Location: ireland

i'm in korea as a tourist and i got my bank to give me travel insurance - 5 euro a month, bargain i think

tom

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

You can find it online, but that bank insurance thing mentioned above is far cheaper than I've heard of.

I did a podcast or two on insurance. It was interesting to learn that travel insurance would not cover me if I returned home for vacation.

http://www.themidnightrunner.com

Gina from AIG (may have changed their name) is on there discussing it, too.

Smee · Joined: 24 Dec 2004 Location: Jeollanam-do

Any other recommendations? I might end up having to do a post on this to reach a broader audience. I even took crossmr's wonderful advice and asked on Facebook, but haven't received a response.

As someone without a visa, it doesn't look like I'd be eligible for the national plan.

http://www.nhic.or.kr/eng/nhic_sub4/nhic_sub4_1/faq.html

Will have to check with my bank, but it's doubtful.

Of course insurance is just that . . . insurance, against some unforseen accident or disaster. But serious injuries or illnesses are not covered, correct? My primary purpose in getting it would be to cover any routine trips to the doctor. But how much does a visit to the doctor cost without insurance? How much does your average set of pills cost at the pharmacist?

Smee · Joined: 24 Dec 2004 Location: Jeollanam-do

And thanks bassexpander, I'm going to listen to those podcasts now.

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

Smee · Joined: 24 Dec 2004 Location: Jeollanam-do

Listening to the first podcast reminds me that hospitals probably won't treat me here without insurance, making it a good idea to pick some up.

thoreau · Joined: 21 Jun 2009

I think world nomads runs a reputable organization

http://www.worldnomads.com/insurance.aspx