Korean Job Discussion Forums

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

(1) Does anybody know if paying a medical insurance premium is compulsory for public school teachers??? My contract says the school will deduct this monthly.

I don't need any medical coverage and want to cancel this deduction.

(2) Has anyone obtained private medical insurance at cheaper rates than the govt premium??? - My school is deducting a (55,000 won) premium and this seems excessive for a single guy.

Appreciate any comments.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

That's bad news. What exactly am I covered for? I've just been given a little cardboard book in Korean.

Is their a special rate for singles" My contract says 'my family' is covered (yeah right - they live overseas). This premium just seems excessive - I don't get sick - don't take sick days - and if I have to go for elective surgery/hospitalisation it will be at home.

Any comments appreciated.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

Can foreigners drop out of the NHI program when they are doing job in their workplace?

No, they can not voluntarily secede from the NHI program as long as they are the employees of workplaces.

I guess that answers my question. A very expensive shame.
Thanks for the info.

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

Can foreigners drop out of the NHI program when they are doing job in their workplace?

No, they can not voluntarily secede from the NHI program as long as they are the employees of workplaces.

I guess that answers my question. A very expensive shame.
Thanks for the info.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

No, I'm not American. Health insurance in my country is free (we pay it through income and other taxes).

I think it's on the nose to take 55,000 won a month from everybody - regardless of their health/age/gender etc. It stinks. I'll never use this - and the $600 a year I am having deducted would be better off spent sponsoring a family in Southern Asia that really needs it.

Gamecock · Joined: 26 Nov 2003

Dude,

You never know when you will need that insurance. Just because you don't get sick doesn't mean a taxi won't run a red light at 80km/hour and take you down in the crosswalk. Then he'll probably drive off leaving you responsible for a massive medical bill. The unexpected happens here, my friend.

I'm like you. I've never been in the hospital since the day I was born and almost never take a sick day. I thought health insurance was a waste of money until a freak accident laid my up in the hospital for 10 days last year. My bill without medical insurance would have been over 4 million won. Becuase I had those hated deductions every month the bill was only 1.5 million. Granted, the health care wasn't free like you'd have back home. But I'm very happy to have that extra 2.5 million in my wallet.

Gamecock · Joined: 26 Nov 2003

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

Sorry, but I'll agree to disagree. I don't like paying for medical insurance I'll never use this year. And I resent paying for Korean pension that I'll never use (and can't claim back). But I realise North Americans are used to paying very high health care costs - so our deductions here may seem like a very good deal for them.

I'd rather take my chances - and have the money now to do as I see fit - as I have always done. If I'm run over, then that's karma. I think our wages here are incredibly low (our choice, I know) but extraneous deductions (for a temporary contract worker) I can do without.

To get back on topic. As medical insurance here is compulsory, does anyone know if they can arrange private medical insurance at a cheaper cost? I'd appreciate any help with that. Thanks.

Gamecock · Joined: 26 Nov 2003

It seems like crazy semantics to me to be upset that you have medical insurance deducted from your salary here as opposed to having it as an unknown amount deducted from your taxes back home, but...

...to try to be helpful. I have heard of the Catholic church having some alternative programs here that are less expensive. But I can't give you any firsthand knowledge about this.

Now the pension I'd be pissed about if I were in your shoes.

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

Thanks. I appreciate your help. Does anyone know anything about this Catholic Church scheme?