Korean Job Discussion Forums

[naturegirl321]

My husband and I have decided to move from Peru to Korea and would like to start a family there. Before people tell me that it's bad to raise kids in Korea, let me just say that Peru isn't that great and it's dangerous. In Korea, I could work, my husband could stay home and finish his degree and take care of the kids. We've got property here that we rent out. We won't be rich, but money should be ok.

Which brings me to insurance. HOw long do I have to have insurance in order to be covered for pregnancy and birth? What about my husband, would he have to have insurance? How much would it be? He' won't be working, but staying at home.

Thanks so much.

[tzechuk]

National Health Care here backdates, meaning that if you don't get covered right away, you get sick and need to have medical assistance, you will get a portion of your money back from the government. Once your insurance is taken out (which takes an hour, btw), you are covered right away. There is no waiting period.

If your husband isn't working, then he doesn't need to pay health insurance. Your payment covers the whole family.

[taobenli]

I'd like to follow up on this question. I will be in Korea as a student for 6 months, as will my husband, as so we will be on major travel insurance we bought in the U.S. After 6 months, though, my husband plans to start teaching and so will be on the National Insurance (I will be doing independent research). Does this mean that I will also be covered? I assume that it's a good idea to still have some kind of supplementary travel insurance, in case I need to be evacuated from Korea, or something (unlikely, but...). I have also started contemplating having a baby while in Korea, and would want to make sure all my bases were covered.

Thanks!

[tzechuk]

Yes, tao, you will be covered. Just make sure his school knows about you and register you at the same time as a dependent.

[naturegirl321]

Thanks so much for the info. Another question, how much time is given for maternity leave?

[bassexpander]

Make sure the school bothers to register at all! They are required to but some hagwons shuffle their feet. You will get a small paper booklet when registered.