Korean Job Discussion Forums

[APETRO]

I was just wondering what your average out of pocket costs are in comparison to the states? How do you feel the National Health Plan stacks up with private insurance from states? Also I've heard that Korea actually has a private insurance you can buy into as well....does anyone know anything about that? What are average costs for seeing a specialist/prescriptions/hospital stay etc.?

[giraffe]

my wife goes to hospital all the time. Her wrist was swollen for some reason. She went to specialized clinic for that kind of stuff , saw the doctor, doctor examined it , they took x rays ect... They gaver her a shot on her bum and then they gave her physiotherapy in an other room for 45 minutes. Cost for all that was 8$ then 2$ for 1 week of prescriptions. soo 10$ 0_o

not sure how much that would be in canada/us but sure wouldnt be 10$. =p

[thoreau]

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[oldtactics]

I'm Canadian so I don't have any comparison for health care but prescriptions are much, much cheaper here in Korea.

In terms of medical care - general doctors visits usually cost about 13,000 - when I sprained my ankle, the x-rays cost about 8,000, the cast and fitting cost about 40,000 and the specialist visit cost about 12,000. I got three mystery pills, one of which was an upper, in my opinion, and the whole two-week course cost me 6,000.

The health insurance that we get through EPIK doesn't cover 'cosmetic' prescriptions (i.e. acne meds) but even still, the meds are much, much cheaper here.

[I-am-me]

I had several chest x-rays taken, a Citi-Scan, Sonogram test, and 2 days in emergency room. Total bill was $140. I am afraid to ask what that would have cost in the USA.

[DAC]

My understanding is that the national medical "insurance" covers only conditions/diseases etc once they've been diagnosed. It seems tests etc to find out what's ailing you are full-priced.

I agree it's more like a "discount plan" than an insurance, unless you consider it an insurance that has a different deductable for everything.

[Shiktang]

Prescriptions and treatment with your korean I.D. are very cheap. If you happened to not have your Korean I.D. at the time the service is doulbe the cost, and it's still cheap. Some doctors wont see you without youc I.D., because they would feel bad about the extra charge.

[crossmr]

[taobenli]

I am wondering if students and researchers can buy into the national insurance plan. I have major medical travel insurance from the U.S. for the year but it's quite pricey, about $1800. If I could get access to the national plan, would it cover me better than this insurance and for less? The insurance I have has a $250 deductible (but not for things like routine visits, which should be cheaper). [/i]

[Shiktang]

[joshualion]

[SeoulESLteacher09]

is there a website where you can see a list of what's covered and what's not under the medical plan that ESL teachers get? I'm assuming is the 'national' plan that every one speaks of.

I just want to know what I'll get a discount on and what I'll have to pay full price for. In the USA when you get insurance through your workplace you always get a list of what is covered and what wont be covered under your plan. We don't get that here!!

[Jane]

The Korea Tourism Organization has started a medical tourism hotline for people looking into medical stuff in Korea. Maybe they would be able to answer your questions? The hotline is 02) 1339.

Also, I was at the KTO tourism info center the other day and they have opened a medical center for tourists. You can check your blood pressure, stress level, and even get a foot massage for free!!

[I-am-me]

[benji1422]