Korean Job Discussion Forums

[wayfarer]

I was just wondering, what does the national health insurance actually cover for foreign esl teachers? Is it just for emergencies - or are doctor visits and prescription medicines covered as well?

Thanks if you can give me some info. I was directed to their English website but the link seemed to not be working.

[nobbyken]

My Korean wife just explained that it covers about 70% of medical costs.
The patient pays 30%, and can be expensive if it is for a serios injury or illness. In can be a burden for many Koeans.

The govt. scheme wouldn't pay for a private room in a hospital, you would need to pay it yourself or get an additional private insurance plan.
A private plan would pay the your 30% contribution, and also pay for non-shared rooms.

Foreigners pay about twice as much as Koreans do.

PS; I went for an x-ray of my leg last winter. Together with consultation this cost me about 23K with no insurance. Took about 40 minutes, start to finish, and no prior appiontment required.

[ttompatz]

[cruisemonkey]

Also, under the Labor Standards Act, if you are hurt at work, the employer is responsible for all your medical costs.

I was reimbursed by my school district the 30% I had to pay when I was hospitalized for 10 days (it took a friggin' year to get the money out of them though).