Korean Job Discussion Forums

s.tickbeat · Joined: 21 Feb 2010 Location: Gimhae

Hello!

I've got a nasty, nasty throat infection which I thought would go away on its own but hasn't. I need to see a doctor ASAP. Unfortunately, I don't have one of those health card thingies (I pay into the plan though, according to my director). I've been waiting patiently for one for about a month. So, does my ARC allow me medical care in the country, or do I need the health card thingy?

Likewise, if I am a bit screwed, anybody know the cost of a doctor's visit? Not like I need surgery or anything, just some antibiotics.

blackjack · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Location: anyang

without insurance maybe 10,000 max (that's won not dollars)

s.tickbeat · Joined: 21 Feb 2010 Location: Gimhae

Oh my god thank you so much. I really just need a prescription.

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

I would go anyway and if you have your ARC card, ask them to look up your health insurance. It's possible that the card is on its way and you already have a number. However, if your employer is dodgy, it's possible they haven't applied.

If you are sick, go get treatment before it gets worse. I think many of us experienced the same thing our first year in Korea.

The difference in price is not going to be severe and if the employer hasn't gotten you health insurance you should submit your receipts and ask for half of the money back (and tell them they better sign you up for National Health Care Insurance).

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

Just a warning, it is possible they may offer you a shot (usually they will put it into your bottom cheek), which will help you get better faster. I would take it if that's what the doctor says you need.

youtuber · Joined: 13 Sep 2009

I am pretty sure that you are covered even though you don't have your card. Tell the hospital (or your director) to double check this for you.

dory · Joined: 27 May 2010

Yeah just take your ARC card. It's not gonna cost much for a doctor's visit anyway. He'll look down your throat, write you a Rx and you'll be on your way.

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

if you can go to a local clinic rather than an international one it'll be much cheaper. A local doc will cost you less than 5000W, probably only like 3500 or 4000. At an international clinic they might claim you need to see a throat specialist and try to charge you 35000 to see the guy.

they'll only give you 3-5 days medicine max, probably won't be more than 10000 without insurance.

Tbizz · Joined: 15 Sep 2010

Ya I don't have insurance yet but I just went to the hospital for my horrible migraines. It cost me like 12,000 won for the visit and 15,000 for the medication (they would only prescribe 3 days worth). I'd say thats pretty damn good considering what'd I'd pay in the US.

Kimchifart · Joined: 15 Sep 2010

b0101 · Joined: 24 Jul 2009

You are covered under health insurance from the first day of your contract.

Once you receive your card, you can go back to the dr. and pharmacy with your receipts and get reimbursed for what health insurance would have covered. Depending on the cost, it may or may not be worth your time to go back (as it's cheap to start with) ...but it's an option.

Rteacher · Joined: 23 May 2005 Location: Western MA, USA

Korea's National Health Insurance is pretty good overall, but it only covers 55% the total cost of medical treatment (for stuff that's covered).

This article gives a good overview - and how it compares with other systems:
http://askakorean.blogspot.com/2010/01/healthcare-system-in-korea.html

s.tickbeat · Joined: 21 Feb 2010 Location: Gimhae

Thanks for all the help guys. I went to a clinic in Gimhae, where a friend-of-a-friend is a doctor. He went all-out on me, put me on an iv and everything, and wrote it off as nursing expenses. I've had my ARC for a month but yesterday I just asked my director to help me out with the NHIS card. He seemed receptive to the idea (not like I went in screaming or anything, just 'I realized that I don't have health insurance, and this is not a good situation. Could you help me arrange this?) yeah. Lookin' good! Very Happy

!

hollyea · Joined: 21 Sep 2010 Location: richmond, va

Hey all...this seems to be a good place to post my question, apologies if it's not.

I'm glad to hear that the korean healthcare system seems way better in general than my american one. I need advice regarding this sinus problem I've been fighting lately. Just my luck that I get tricky health problems a couple months before my korean adventure. Ahh!

Basically I may need sinus surgery to correct these problems I've been having and I won't be covered under US insurance until january (so I won't be able to start correcting the problem until then) . I leave to start working in korea in late february. I'm worried I won't have time to fully correct this issue before leaving. Should I push back my korean start date until my health is fully resolved? Or should I just get to korea and then deal with it? It doesn't seem to be anything painful or life-threatening, but it's definitely something I want to correct. I'll be so upset if this deters my plans....Sorry if that was long-winded. Help!

IlIlNine · Joined: 15 Jun 2005 Location: Gunpo, Gyonggi, SoKo

If you're actually enrolled in the plan (how much do you trust your director?) then you don't need the card -- just go and give them your ARC and you'll be in the database -- no problem.

Otherwise, as was said above, it's not gonna be expensive.

Really people, I don't like going to the doctor any more than most people, but if you're that sick, just go! No need to be miserable for no reason, eh?