Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sundizz]

I want to go in for a regular cleaning/deep cleaning.

I contacted http://www.bostonclinic.co.kr/src/en_direction.php since it seems like they speak English and aren't too far away (live in Seongbuk).

She said the price for it would be 60k won and that they would give me a form or something to claim it from the national health insurance.

Is this normal policy and price? I thought it'd be the other way around; that the clinic takes care of submitting the paperwork for the claim and I don't have to pay much out of pocket for it?

60k seems steep for a regular cleaning, but luckily I've had no teeth problems so I have no idea about the cost of dental services.

Thanks.

[Modernist]

Dental care is one of the 'holes' in the NHIC here. Multiple dentists have told me that the only procedures covered are extractions and [possibly] dentures. They DO NOT cover basic cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals, or much of anything really. I believe most Koreans buy [or it's offered in a benefit package] a type of 'rider' policy that covers all that stuff, offered by Kyobo or one of the Samsung insurance divisions or whoever.

The cheapest I ever found for cleaning was 50K [that's NOT scaling or root planing--probably double the price]. There's no reimbursement. Fillings range from 80 or 90 up to 250 depending on the size. Crowns are maybe 4 or 500. Dental care is no bargain here. And be aware that Korean dentists will not necessarily give locals unless you insist. I've been told most Koreans will have wisdom extractions ONLY using locals, and some do fillings with NOTHING. They tried that one with me

If you need major work, all I can say is SE Asia. They speak English, they have all the best tech, they are quite skilled and kinder than Koreans, and did I mention they are CHEAP? I got a full cleaning in PP for all of 8 bucks.

[sundizz]

Okay, very helpful. Thank you. 60k isn't too bad, as I think it is around $100 if you are uninsured in the US. You put everything in proper perspective.

[borg]

60k is average. But if you need something filled, it only covers the basic amolgum (sp?)

Go ahead a splurge for the tooth color filling. You'll thank yourself later.

[fishy]

Your health insurance will cover root canals. I've had two so far and only had to pay 35 000 for each.