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plato's republic
Joined: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Ancient Greece
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 Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 6:36 am Post subject: Health Insurance Mandatory? |
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Long story short, my current contract is up next week and I'm moving on to another job, but on the same visa. It turns out that my school have been taking money out of my paycheck every month for tax/pension but they haven't been paying into the national health insurance plan. When I queried this I was told by my director that, according to her, health insurance is optional and not mandatory. However, that's the first I've ever heard of it. I was under the firm impression that we must be signed up to some kind of health insurance plan, either the national plan or a private plan. Now I'm concerned about getting stung for unpaid health insurance when I switch jobs and my new school applies for national health.
What are my options? Trying to discuss this rationally with my boss has gotten me nowhere. I've got a signed contract that states they will provide me with health insurance, plus a pay slip showing how much I earn and how much is deducted from my pay check, per month. My bank book further confirms how much has been going into my account every month, minus the tax/pension deductions. Where does the ultimate responsibility lie on this matter? On my shoulders? Or on my director's shoulders?
I'd appreciate any relevant feedback. Perhaps someone out there has been in a similar situation... |
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Adventurer
Joined: 28 Jan 2006
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| Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 6:59 am Post subject: Re: Health Insurance Mandatory? |
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| plato's republic wrote: |
Long story short, my current contract is up next week and I'm moving on to another job, but on the same visa. It turns out that my school have been taking money out of my paycheck every month for tax/pension but they haven't been paying into the national health insurance plan. When I queried this I was told by my director that, according to her, health insurance is optional and not mandatory. However, that's the first I've ever heard of it. I was under the firm impression that we must be signed up to some kind of health insurance plan, either the national plan or a private plan. Now I'm concerned about getting stung for unpaid health insurance when I switch jobs and my new school applies for national health.
What are my options? Trying to discuss this rationally with my boss has gotten me nowhere. I've got a signed contract that states they will provide me with health insurance, plus a pay slip showing how much I earn and how much is deducted from my pay check, per month. My bank book further confirms how much has been going into my account every month, minus the tax/pension deductions. Where does the ultimate responsibility lie on this matter? On my shoulders? Or on my director's shoulders?
I'd appreciate any relevant feedback. Perhaps someone out there has been in a similar situation... |
Your boss is hoping you're a dumb waygook who will believe his lie and not going to fess up that he didn't pay the insurance to save money. Paying for your health insurance means more costs for him. Hagwon clown bosses have been trying to pull this for years. My first boss tried that on me. One problem is you didn't even notice all this time. If you get hurt, you're in trouble. Did you make sure he's actually putting money into pension, and that he's not overtaxing you. I'd call the pension office to make sure he's not simply deducting the money and reporting the correct amount. Sometimes, they fudge the numbers.
As far as the health insurance, you're done with your contract. Make sure you get it next time. |
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plato's republic
Joined: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Ancient Greece
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| Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 7:08 am Post subject: |
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I'm just concerned that the NHIC are going to come after me for unpaid health insurance premiums, once my new school sign me up. I'd like to call the tax/pension office and confirm whether my boss has actually been paying any taxes at all, or just pocketing the money. Do you have the phone number of either of those offices?
Thanks. |
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ontheway
Joined: 24 Aug 2005
Location: Somewhere under the rainbow...
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| Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 9:04 am Post subject: Re: Health Insurance Mandatory? |
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| plato's republic wrote: |
Long story short, my current contract is up next week and I'm moving on to another job, but on the same visa. It turns out that my school have been taking money out of my paycheck every month for tax/pension but they haven't been paying into the national health insurance plan. When I queried this I was told by my director that, according to her, health insurance is optional and not mandatory. However, that's the first I've ever heard of it. I was under the firm impression that we must be signed up to some kind of health insurance plan, either the national plan or a private plan. Now I'm concerned about getting stung for unpaid health insurance when I switch jobs and my new school applies for national health.
What are my options? Trying to discuss this rationally with my boss has gotten me nowhere. I've got a signed contract that states they will provide me with health insurance, plus a pay slip showing how much I earn and how much is deducted from my pay check, per month. My bank book further confirms how much has been going into my account every month, minus the tax/pension deductions. Where does the ultimate responsibility lie on this matter? On my shoulders? Or on my director's shoulders?
I'd appreciate any relevant feedback. Perhaps someone out there has been in a similar situation... |
You should go to the Pension office and the National Health Insurance office and report your school. Take your payslips that show the deductions, your contract, ARC, and your bankbook showing payments. They will go after your boss for the money and likely additional penalties and fines.
If you do not, when you go to your next school they will come after you for the money although once they get the full story they will still likely go after your boss.
Both pension and health insurance are required, unless you are an independent contractor. Health insurance is charged to the first day of your first whole month working in Korea under your visa, so they will be looking for retroactive payments when you take your next job. |
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bbunce
Joined: 28 Sep 2011
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plato's republic
Joined: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Ancient Greece
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