Korean Job Discussion Forums

Honeybee · Joined: 15 Jan 2004

I recently spent 5 days in hospital and was charged 900,000

I heard part of the cost isn't covered by the insurance, a juicy and freaky MRI scan,

I presented my card when I was asked to pay, and well it didn't do a whole lot,

Anyone know what the deal is, hospital bed, meals, medications etc, any of it covered??

margaret · Joined: 14 Oct 2003

I was in the hospital in Jeonju 2 years ago for 8 days. I don't remember the amount in won but I remember it was equivalent to around $250 US because it was less than the cost of a couple hours of tests back here in the US even though I have insurance here also, and they did tests on me everyday in Korea. Maybe it's more expensive in Seoul.
Where are you?
Margaret

Real Reality · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: Seoul

The MRI scan may have ran up the cost. Do you think the MRI scan was necessary (or helpful)?

MRI can see through bone, it is especially useful for looking deep into the body. It can look beneath nerve coverings, see damage from a stroke, and probe blood vessels or the heart for disease. A new use for MRIs in heart disease testing.
http://www.chfpatients.com/tests/mri.htm

Doctors may prescribe an MRI scan of different areas of the body.
http://www.chclibrary.org/micromed/00055770.html#Purpose

Coverage for Foreigners
The benefit package for foreigner is as same as that for Korean nationals. When the insured person and the dependents, no matter what they are foreigners or Korean nationals, get health care service at the health care facilities, they have to pay only amount as follows;
For treatment at the hospitals and medical clinics:
20%-50% of the total charges applicable by NHI
For prescription drugs filled at the pharmacy:
30% of the total charges applicable by NHI
For more information, please visit web site(www.nhic.or.kr) or dial (02)3270-9386 to NHIC.
http://www.nhic.or.kr/wbe/wbec/2004/03/31/496,660,4,0,0.html

Non-benefit Lists
Any medical services and drugs, or medical materials, etc. which are temporarily excluded from insurance benefit coverage
(1) In the case that the relevant medical services, drugs, or medical materials, etc. impose a heavy burden on National Health Insurance Finance
(a) Ultrasonic imaging (till December 31, 2006)
(b) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (till December 31, 2004)
(c) Positron Emission Tomograpy (till December 31, 2004)
http://www.nhic.or.kr/wbe/wbeb/2004/03/31/495,635,6,0,0.html

More Koreans seeking overseas medical care
More and more Koreans are going abroad these days to seek medical diagnosis or treatment.
January 29, 2004
JoongAng Daily
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/200401/29/200401292300303779900090409041.html

Honeybee · Joined: 15 Jan 2004

wylde · Joined: 14 Apr 2003

i've been in about 6 times in the last year..

if i keep tests, xrays and scans to a bare minimum and just stay dosed up on morphine.. the bill will come to about 400,000.. includng a private room

as rr mentioned, ultrasounds are not covered.. and at 60 bucks a pop, the bill can get up really quick

the doctor is always on my case to have too many tests.. i'm sure this is only to bump up the bill..

it's good to have a look at different hospitals.. hankook hospital in suncheon was 60 bucks a night for a private room whilst geumdang hospital was 40 bucks a night..

there's 100 thou extra for the room alone.. generally the nicer hospitals are more expensive all round.. morhine, food, x-rays, etc.. th same service for more bucks..

try to find a happy medium... a crappy hospital with all services that has doctors on site 24hrs a day..

injuries from fighting are not covered btw

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

Inpatient care is out-of-pocket costly here, national medical insurance or no. Some Koreans I know carry extra hospitalization insurance, even insurance specific to cancer. Food & nursing care arent customarily provided -- when a Korean is hospitalized family & friends take turns at bedside. If that support isnt available, you need to hire a private attendant (also expensive). More than a few families have been bankrupted when a family member required extended intensive care.

Sorry if that sounds grim, just a heads up. Play safe.

Gord · Joined: 25 Feb 2003

wylde · Joined: 14 Apr 2003

Gord · Joined: 25 Feb 2003

dogbert · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Location: Killbox 90210

IFRC, the cost of the room is not covered, the meals are not covered, and any medicine beyond that the hospital typically provides is not covered (ex. I paid extra for imported pain reliever -- I believe it was worth it). Also, only a certain percentage of surgical fees (incl. anaesthesia) is covered.

All in all, though, your basic insurance should cover over half your total bill.

napoleon8 · Joined: 18 May 2003