Korean Job Discussion Forums

plokiju · Joined: 15 Mar 2005

I had to go to the emergency room last night and got a bill for 240,000 won or something. I've been legally working at my crapwon since March 15th or something. Anyways, I got my first paycheque last week with the 2.2% deduction for health insurance. I asked my boss today (through an intermediary) and he said he hadn't applied for health insurance yet (and would do it tomorrow since I was so adamant about it and told them I wouldn't go see his doctor friend since I already had a follow-up appointment at the out-patient clinic).

Anyways, when he applies for it at what point does it become active? I know that technically it's retroactive and should be paid backwards to the first paycheque but I don't trust my boss to give the correct information. How would I verify what he tells them and am I just out that 240,000 won?

I actually have some private insurance from my last job through AIG which may or may not have been cancelled after I was fired. Anyone know how that would work before I give them a call?

sconner · Joined: 26 Jan 2006 Location: South Carolina

I would think you're not covered until you get the card to show the doctors. That will be the proof that you're signed on. As for his doctor friend, don't do it. I had a similar situation with my boss and his "friend" told me there was nothing wrong with me. He was wrong. Since your boss didn't do the right thing he should be responsible for at least part of your bill. What your boss is doing is illegal. But it's Korea, so you might just be stuck.

polonius · Joined: 05 Jun 2004

You are covered by medical from the time you enter Korea with your E2 visa. They (the heath insurance company) will charge you retroactively, and you can get re-imbursed for some of the money you paid if you bring them (the hospital or clinic you went to) your health card once you get it.

plokiju · Joined: 15 Mar 2005

Thanks Polonius, that's kind of what I figured. I was wondering how the NHIC would know when I entered the country. Could an unscrupulous boss keep a payment to himself with no one being the wiser? I guess it should say on the card. I'll probably have to take a trip to one of their offices. The only government agency I have yet to visit.

Sconner, there was no way I was going to go to their doctor. I refused to even tell them what was wrong with me.

sconner · Joined: 26 Jan 2006 Location: South Carolina

Op, good, just wanted to throw that in there. My boss didn't sign me up for the first month, etc. I found this out from pension and the lower salary. What he did was list my salary the same as the Korean teachers which is why it was slightly higher, which is why I got suspicious and checked. Have you called the pension office yet?

polonius · Joined: 05 Jun 2004

When they apply for your Health insurance they need to bring a copy of your ARC card. It shows on that card when you started working legally, ie. the start of your E2 visa. So, if you have health insurance, and your hagwon brought your ARC card or copy, there is no way for them to screw the start date in their favour.