Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Caffeinated]

What's your experience been like at an international clinic in a SK hospital? I've read online that some international clinics will charge more but the ease of communication may make the cost and extra commute (compared to a hospital with English-speaking staff and closer to me) worthwhile.

http://www.korea4expats.com/article-seoul-hospitals-intl-clinics.html

[atwood]

Does the pope wear funny hats? They gauge you.

[machoman]

the international clinic at itaewon charges a lot. there's an international department at konkuk university hospital and it's the same price as the rest of the hospital, they just have translators to help you.

[aweitzm1]

I have been to both Yonsei Hospital and Seoul National University hospital at their international clinics and have paid arounf 20-25,000 won for the visit.

I know this is more than going to another doctor but I find it well worth the price as I do not speak Korean. This price is also a lot less than I would ever spend back in the states. I do not find it too expensive.

[toby99]

The Int'l Clinic in Itaewon will take you to the cleaners but if you go to the Hallyn clinic I believe it's called (near Hangangjin station), the prices are more reasonable for similar quality.

[atwood]

[AHawk843]

How is stating that US healthcare is expensive an ignorant statement?

My Uncle had a rare thyroid cancer and was forced to pay somewhere in the neighborhood of 1.75 million out of pocket for his treatment, despite having the insurance of a tenured University professor. Needless to say, he almost lost his house and drained a lifetime's worth of liquidity. What's worse is that the hospital RECOMMENDED he default on all of his outstanding debt and 'deal with the creditors later' once they consolidated/discounted the debt.

If that isn't an horrific example of the woeful state of the US healthcare system then I don't know what is.

[bobbyhanlon]

if its not a very serious illness, just go anywhere. most doctors i met have pretty decent english.

[blade]

[crossmr]

The international clinic at seoul national university is more than the guy around the corner that's for sure. Mostly because they constantly insisted on making me see an unnecessary specialist each visit and who insisted on blood tests each time as well (for something that only warranted a blood test every couple years back home) after 3 or 4 times of that, I stopped going.

Sure the english was better, and they sent a volunteer translator around with you, but it's a hassle for me to get there and I didn't find the quality of care any better.

I'll pay 2600w at the local guy rather than 30000w and a 1 hour round trip.