All schools provide some form of medical insurance to their teachers as part of the employment package when they come to South Korea to teach English. There are two systems of medical insurance set up, and it’s best to inquire which type of insurance your school is providing (and what the exactly what the insurance covers). While medical costs in Korea certainly do not rival the outlandish costs that you’d expect to find in America, for instance; you’d still be safer having insurance if something should come up. The two kinds of health insurance that you can expect are either enrollment in the National Health Insurance Corporation (NHI) or in a private insurance provider.
National Health Insurance Corporation (NHI)
The most common sights you’ll see around Korea are the small markets that seemingly sprout up on streets and corners. Going to the market allows you to take part in quite an exciting part of daily life. You can watch (or participate in) a wide array of excitement: a match between two old men haggling over the cost of the freshest catch of the day, ajumma (아줌마, literally, “married woman” but more colloquially, “old woman”) in their best mismatched flowered shirts and overly colorful pants washing and preparing their vegetables, ladies offering up freshly made 떡 (ddawk “Korean rice cake”), etc.
Enrollment in your school’s insurance program begins as soon as your school properly registers you for an alien registration card, completed the final paperwork and registered you at the local education board (all of which must be finished within 90 days of your arrival in Korea). After you receive your alien registration card, you should also receive a small card (booklet) from the insurance company which shows your membership and financial status. Don’t lose this booklet, as you’ll need it when you go to pay (true, they can simply look up your alien registration number, but this makes the whole process more smooth while also making them less wary of foreigners who may or may not be illegal immigrants). Then stay healthy.
When and if something does come up, the insured person or the dependant may seek medical attention at health care facilities, just like Korean enrollees. The insured or the dependant must then pay a certain amount of co-payment for services rendered, which is based on the predetermined cost-sharing percentage or fixed amount (which is still a fraction of what’s charged in America). The covered services include, but are not limited to: diagnosis, testing, drugs, medical materials, treatment, surgery, preventative care, rehabilitation, hospitalization, nursing and transportation. Activities which are not considered necessary for activities in daily life (i.e., plastic surgery) are not covered by the NHI program.
For outpatient services provided at a clinic, the insured person or the dependant must pay 3,000 won when the total charges do not exceed 15,000 won (at a dental clinic: 3,500 won).
Private Insurance Providers
Private insurance coverage is offered through big companies such as Samsung, LG or AIG Insurance Company. This insurance covers when you’re hospitalized for serious illness and it only applies if the payment has to be more than $100 USD at once. On the contrary, if you’re sick with a cold, stomachache or other non-life-threatening occurrence, you have to pay about twiceas much as other people who fall under the NHI membership, which could run you between $6 and $10 USD! Horrors!
Usually, this medical policy costs around $200-300 per person and is valid for one year. Most schools will pay for this program on the behalf of the teacher. This means that you won’t have to pay anything for the cost of the coverage, but if you tend to get sick a lot (with cold/flu) you’ll have to pay hospital costs any time the total charges are under $100.
PROS: If you’re usually very healthy and don’t ever really go to the hospital, there’s no deduction at all for the entire year!
CONS: When you go to the hospital for a cold, you have to pay double what others are paying.
HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CARE
In the even that something happens, from a cold to a broken bone or worse, Korean hospitals (병원 “pyawng-won”) will readily accept you and try their best to find a cure.Though communication can be a problem, especially in areas outside the major cities, you should never be turned away because of a language barrier. Remember that when you visit a hospital, things are not going to be exactly the same (for example, the insistence that you take injections in your 엉덩이 “awng-dawng-ee” (your butt) as opposed to your arm). However, this doesn’t mean that their treatments will be any less effective.
For most common things, you should visit the hospital when they are holding clinic hours. Typically, there aren’t any plain doctors offices clearly marked around Seoul, though there are clinics galore specializing in all areas of personal care and upkeep. The visit won’t run you too much and you’ll be able to pick up your medicine in a pharmacy (remember 약국 “yahk-gook”) for as little as a few bucks, usually not over $10 USD. The medicine that you’ll get will probably be some combination of traditional Korean medicine and Western medicine.
For longer stays in the hospital, get ready for a treat. The long and short of it is that everything in the Korean hospital is different, except for the cute nurses and the lottery of your roommate(s). Rooms can range from pricey single-bed rooms to a 10 person shared room which is dirt cheap but also a lot busier. Patients in the hospitals will bend their broken backs to help each other, doing everything from clearing trays to other duties usually preformed by nurses (aiding in bed changes for example).
overly warm-hearted and generous. Also, it’s a great place to learn about Korean meals, as they are the only things served.
If you have a Korean friend who is willing to help you translate in at least your initial visit to the hospital, things will go a lot more\
smoothly. If not, here’s a list of hospitals thatadvertise English speaking staff/support (the greatest concentration of English speaking centers are in Seoul, so if you are planning on breaking any limbs, you might consider doing it in or near Seoul…):
Seoul Hospitals
Ansan Medical Center
Cha Hospital
Inje University Paik Hospital
(this hospital has locations in Seoul, Pusan, Sanggye, Ilsan and Dongrae)
Kangbuk Samsung Hospital
Severance Hospital
Seoul Hospitals
The Catholic University of Korea Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital
Other Areas
Most hospitals that are affiliated with a national university should provide some basic English service, even if it is a very basic exchange between you and the doctor on call.? Most doctors know how to ask about allergies that you may have and what ailments you might have (don’t forget, too, the ever useful game of charades!).
WHAT MAY HAPPEN?
This may seem a rather broad topic, as you’ll be in Korea for a year’s time. Between the start and the end of your contract, you could potentially experience a broad range of activities and occurrences. However, we’ll assume that you avoid all accidents and anything that goes wrong is purely a result of your environment. So, let’s consider some things that you may run into while teaching in South Korea (there’s also a brief list of things that could help you explain the condition you are in):
The Common Cold
Let’s face it, you will be teaching between 10 and 40 kids at a time, ranging in age from 4-18. In this environment, the common cold can be spread particularly easily. The nice thing is that, as in other developed countries, over the counter medicine is readily available and rather effective. (See below to learn how to describe some of your aches and pains).
Influenza
The symptoms for this are high fever, muscle aches, runny nose, cough and sore throat, and vaccinations are recommended for individuals particularly susceptible to influenza. Beyond that, there isn’t a specific cure for the flu beyond rest and painkillers.
Lyme Disease
The tick-borne disease occurs most frequently in the summer months, when it’s the perfect opportunity to take a walk exploring some of Korea’s most beautiful scenery. Symptoms include a rash and general viral symptoms, progressing into joint, heart or neurological problems. This can be treated in the early stages with Doxycycline.
STDs
Sexually transmitted diseases have made their way throughout the world and Korea is no exception. The most common STDs are herpes, warts, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. While condoms can offer some form of protection, they are not always 100% effective and, should you develop any rash, lumps, discharge or pain while urinating, seek medical attention. If you are sexually active, make sure that you get regular checks to ensure the safety of you and your partner(s).
HIV
HIV is spread through contact with bodily fluids. Avoid unsafe sex, sharing needles and cosmetic procedures involving needles, such as tattooing. The best way to prevent the spread of HIV is with open and honest communication between partners and always ensuring the sanitation and sterility of needles if you choose to get a tattoo (even though in Korea, the chances of finding a place to get tattooed is slim to none while the chance to use intravenous drugs is even less).
Food-borne Illnesses
There are always chances, especially in the more rural areas of Korea, to catch something from poorly cooked or prepared foods. From simple disagreement with some ingredient in the food to a life-threatening illness, caution is definitely advised when you are eating at small, rural locations and consuming raw fish. The best way to avoid this is to choose places that seem reputable, who have a high customer turnover rate and avoid any food that has been sitting too long in buffets.
The Drinking Water
While not as serious as the problem with drinking water in China or some third world countries, you should still avoid drinking straight tap water (though washing and brushing your teeth with it are still safe and by all means encouraged!). Take proper steps to avoid this, either by buying bottled water (which is ridiculously cheap anyway) or by buying any of a variety of water filters (the best are those with iodine filters and small pore sizes).
Insect Bites
Diseases and symptoms deriving from insect bites are not really that prevalent in Korea. Watching for ticks is a serious concern in the summer (see above) or being cautious of bee/wasp nests if you allergic are always the best way to stay safe. The biggest problem with insects occurs in the summer, when the mosquitoes (모기 “moh-ghee”) decide to come out and play. Malaria isn’t really much of a problem in Korea; rather, the irritability resulting from frequent pestering and itching may be.
WOMEN’S HEALTH
Though you are in a foreign land, you should never feel isolated from all the medical and hygienic products afforded to women back home.
Hygienic Products
As mentioned previously, feminine hygiene products can be found at almost all big marts and convenience stores. They offer the same selection as in America, offering a variety of tampons and sanitary pads suitable to differing needs, at competitive prices. (See below to learn how to ask for what you need)
Birth Control
Birth-control options are available in some Korean pharmacies (약국 “yahk-gook”), though options may be limited. If you are currently using, or are planning on using the pill while in Korea, make sure to bring an adequate supply (at least enough until you get familiar with your neighborhood and can find a ready supply of a suitable brand).
Reproductive and Urological Health
Especially in the summer, Korea can get very hot and humid, both of which can contribute to vaginal yeast infections. Mostly in Seoul, there are gynecologists who speak English and will be able to help. Most of the gynecologists are female, and they will be able to give you reliable medication to help clear up any problems that may occur. It may be wise to bring some antibiotics or antifungal creams with you, again, until you find a reliable source (especially if you are outside Seoul). Below is a list of private hospitals with English speaking gynecologists or International clinics and their phone numbers (as most only have websites in Korean). You may also refer to the hospitals listed above.
| Obstetric & Gynecology |
|
Phone Number |
| Dr. Hwang's Ob & Gyn Clinic |
114-12, Hwagokbon-Dong, Gangseo-Gu, Seoul |
(02) 695-3500 |
| Dr. Yoo's Ob & Gyn Hospital |
1031-12, Hwagok 5-Dong, Gangseo-Dong, Seoul |
(02) 2608-1011 |
| Gangdong St. Mary's Hospital |
479-13, Amdong 1-Dong Gangdong-Gu, Seoul |
(02) 442-6340 |
| Hanseo Hospital |
718-35, Yeoksam-Dong, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul |
(02) 555-5851 |
| Hosan Women's Hospital |
617-5.7, Sinsa-Dong Gangnam-Gu, Seoul |
(02) 515-5225 |
| Injung Hospital |
603-6, Eungam-Dong Eunpyeong-Gu, Seoul |
(02) 309-0909 |
| Mizmedi Hospital |
1021-4, Daechi-Dong, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul |
(02) 3467-3800 |
| Mok Hospital |
59, Galweol-Dong Yongsan-Gu, Seoul |
(02) 754-1473 |
WHAT MAY HAPPEN?
Coming to Korea while pregnant is possible (though you should check with your doctor before you leave, to asses the risks of flying while pregnant). There are several great hospitals herespecifically for prenatal care, both for mother and child. All of the hospitals offer state of the art facilities, which take the mothers’ comfort into consideration. The best place tolook for English speaking doctors, though, is in Seoul.
Should you become pregnant in Korea, the same courtesy is extended to you. The hospitals offer regular check ups, ultrasounds and medication, ensuring that your baby is well taken care of.
In the instance where the pregnancy is not wanted, there are some options. While abortion is illegal in Korea, it still is carried out by some gynecologists on the peninsula. If you feel this is the best option for you, simply inquire with your local gynecologist.
Helpful Korean Words/Phrases:
| I’ve got… |
an earache. |
귀가 아파요. |
kwee-ga ah-pa-yo. |
| 저는… |
a headache. |
머리가 아파요 |
maw-ri-ga ah-pa-yo |
| Jaw-neun… |
a sore throat. |
목이 아파요 |
mohk-ee ah-pa-yo |
| |
a stomachache. |
배가 아파요 |
pey-ga ah-pa-yo. |
| |
a cold. |
감기에 걸렸어요 |
kam-ghee-eh kawl-lyaws-saw-yo. |
| |
a fever. |
열이 나요 |
yawl-ee na-yo. |
| |
diarrhea. |
설사를 해요 |
sawl-sa-leul hey-yo. |
|
| I’m… |
achy. |
몸살에 걸렸어요 |
|
| 저는… |
constipated. |
변비에 걸렸어요 |
pyawn-bee-eh kawl-lyaws-saw-yo |
|
| Do you have |
antiseptic? |
소독이 있어요? |
so-tohk-ee ees-saw-yo? |
| |
birth control pills? |
피임약이 있어요? |
pee-eem-yahk-ee ees-saw-yo? |
| |
condoms. |
콘돔이 있어요? |
kohn-dohm-ee ees-saw-yo? |
| |
sanitary pads? |
생리대가 있어요? |
seyng-ree-dey-ga ees-saw-yo? |
| |
tampons? |
탐폰이 있어요? |
tahm-pohn-ee ees-saw-yo? |
