FAQ'S - Health and Medicine

	Working in Korea		Health and Medicine		Living in Korea
	Money and Currency		Flying to Korea		Visa Process

Q. When does my Health Coverage in Korea begin?
A. Your Health coverage should start when you begin work at your school.  The school is responsible for beginning you health coverage immediately.  As soon as you get your Alien Registration Card you are eligible for health coverage in Korea.  Your school should apply for ARC card immediately.  You cannot leave the country without it nor can you receive health insurance.  Once you have received your card the school will begin the process of getting you insured by submitting your ARC card and paying in three month increments.  You will be responsible for 50% of the cost which can run you anywhere from 40 US a month to 50 US a month.  Your ARC card can take up to 10 working days and after that Medical coverage can be applied for within a day.  Your school should take care of both processes for you.

Q. What kind of health coverage will I receive?
A.. You will receive basic health coverage.  Visits to the doctors and medication will be supplied to you for very little cost.  With your health coverage each visit to the doctor is around 3,000 won which is just under 3$ US.  Major accidents and events such as pregnancy or surgery will not be covered.  For Major coverage you will have to go through a private health insurance program that most schools do not provide, however this can be discussed in a case by case circumstance with different schools.   

Q. Does my Korean health coverage include North America?
A. No, your Korean health coverage does not cover you on trips home or to other countries other than Korea.  Once you leave Korea your health coverage will be at your own cost.

Q. How much does a doctor’s appointment cost in Korea?
A. With your health coverage a doctors visit is around 3,000 won which is just over $3 USD. X-Rays and other minor procedures will run around 10,000 won or just over $10 USD. Medication is also subsidized with your coverage at a very low cost depending on the medication. Dentist visits are very inexpensive and coverage as well by your Medical.  Minor procedures can run anywhere from $15 - $20 USD.  More major procedures such as wisdom teeth will not be covered however it is still relatively cheep in Korea regardless.

Q. What kind of medicine or prescriptions can I get in Korea?
A. If you are coming to Korea with a condition that requires regular medication or there is a current prescription you are taking you should supply yourself with a years worth.  There is no guarantee that you will be able to get the same medications here as you are taking.  You may be able to check with you pharmacy if the medication is carried in Korea but whether they carry that information or not will be on a case by case situation.

Q. Can I buy birth control pills in Korea?
A. Yes you can buy birth control pills here in Korea, however they may or may not carry the exact brand you currently taking.  If it is important to you that you continue using the same Birth Control then we suggest you bring with you a years supply.  Brands of Birth control and medications differ from country to country.

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