Korean Job Discussion Forums

[naimah116]

My husband and I have to pursue mental health treatment in Korea (don't ask). The medicine is dramatically less expensive, but still not affordable when we both have to get it on a regular basis. Our school is giving us the run-around about how reimbursement works (and we have only shared that he is being treated to test the waters--I'm glad we did so, the way they're treating him like he has bird flu). Also, they are saying that we cannot enroll in the national health care plan, only the crappy private insurance. Is this true?

PLEASE HELP

Do you know of helpful and affordable means of being treated for mental health issues?

Can you clarify how health insurance works (private v. national) AND if national is even available to year-long contractees?

Is there a way you suggest we can work things out so our medical privacy is protected and we don't have to hand over every bill to the Korean staff?

And doctor recommendations are welcome.

Thanks ahead.

[ilovebdt]

The fact that they are probably giving you the run around is to a certain extent because of the stigma attached to mental health problems in Korea.
Secondly, although I am not certain, mental health issues are not covered by the regular health insurance offered by a hagwon or public school.

Here is a link to a sticky on English speaking counsellors and psychiatrists in Seoul: http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=20633&sid=22364b6a27ccf251237b289857d5581c

I suggest giving one of them a call as they may have had patients in a similar situation to yours or they may be able to advise you re: health insurance.

Good luck

ilovebdt

[hogwonguy1979]

go to one of the int clinics here in seoul, i rec asan med center over near jamshil, those places know and deal with this issue more than you think

[spliff]

Why do you need to see a shrink? The little kiddies getting to ya?

Just took a few minutes staring at your avatar, now why's that? But, really, any health problem should be covered under your insurance I would think. What about dental, is that covered? I had a filling fall out a couple of weeks ago and I think I need to replace it with an expensive crown but I don't want to wait for when I go home this summer and could have it done rather inexpensively.

[Young FRANKenstein]

[jajdude]

If you can, avoid the term "mental" -- no good comes of it.

[Young FRANKenstein]

[naimah116]

All helpful info. Thanks. On the topic of the Natl Health Insurance that you say is required for Foreigners, who could I contact to ensure that my hagwon has complied with that requirement or to just enroll myself? Help would be much appreciated.

[Dazed and Confused]

I've had mental health care here. It is covered under the National Health insurance. Although I have not been hospitalized for it. If you have a national insurance card, just show it to the front desk of the hospital and you'll get the discount. There's no need to make claims later.
Private insurance however, will require you to make a claim at their office. Depending on the type of insurance you have, you may or may not be covered. I've got private insurance but it only covers accidents and hospitalization.
If you're employer isn't paying for his portion of your national medical insurance then you CAN pay it yourself but he should be doing it instead of you. All you have to do is go to the the insurance office and tell them you want to sign up for it. Take a Korean along with you to do this.

[The Bobster]

Natl Health insurance should be paid half and half - half by you, from deductions from your monthly pay and the other half from your boss. It doesn't amount to very much of a deduction, but you are entitled to it by law.

Natl Health covers stuff like coming down with a cold and needing medicine. If you worry about getting hit by a bus, buy some supplemental insurance that willl cover anything big that could happen to you. Maybe not a bad idea, the way people drive here. This one's not cheap, though, something close to 10% of most people's monthly pay as a teacher ... it's all about your peace of mind, though, and that of the people who care about you.

[Young FRANKenstein]

[Milwaukiedave]