life in seoul : health
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Health Insurance
General Info
You are not legally obliged to have health insurance in Korea, but it is strongly recommended. Most employers will arrange this for you automatically, and by law, must pay half the monthly fees, with you paying the other half. Fees are calculated as a certain percentage of your wage, and is around 4% in total. Only foreigners who have registered with the Immigration Bureau to get a residency/"Alien" card are eligible.
The benefits are exactly the same for foreigners as they are for Korean nationals. A health insurnace card gives you 50 - 70% discount on services at Western-style doctors, oriental doctors and acupuncturists, clinics and hospitals, dentists and other health professionals. It also gives you a 70% discount off prescription medicine.
When you or your employer applies to get health insurance, you must pay a 3 month upfront contribution. This will be dated from when you first started working for this employer and/or the date you registered for residence in Korea (applied for an Alien Card).
The National Health Insurance Program of Korea (official website in English)
EFL Law - Medical Matters
STD Testing
Clinics
Several clinics do STD testing, including testing for HIV/AIDS:
International Clinic, Seoul National University Hospital
STD Testing at the International Clinic, Itaewon
If you are found HIV postive, you most likely will be immediately deported from Korea. Anonymous HIV/AIDS tests can be done at:
PLACE IN SEOUL CLASSIFIEDS MAGAZINE
Filling Prescriptions from Home
Anti-depressants
If possible, get an advance supply of drugs from home and bring them to Korea.Otherwise, bring a copy of your prescription, or even the medcine bottle or packet to show the doctor.
In this case, a doctor should fill a presciption for you.
Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills are available on prescription and over-the-counter. If you get them on prescription, you receive a discount with health insurance. Generally all Western brands are available, and are cheaper than Western prices. They cost between 6 - 10 000 won/month.
Dave's ESL Cafe Forum Discussion on Birth Control Pills
Safe Sex
Supplies
Dental dams cannot be bought in Korea. Condoms are for sale in pharmacies and convenience stores. PUT THIS UNDER STDS?
English-speaking Doctors, Clinics and Hospitals
Clinics
International Clinic, Itaewon (opinions vary on Dr. Kim, the resident doctor there)
International Clinic, Haebangchon (walk up the main street of Haebangchon, it's at the end past the Orange Tree and Philly's)
International Clninc, Seoul National University Hospital
Hospitals with 24 hr English Service
Samsung Medical Center International Health Service
Seoul National University Hospital
Asan Medical Center
Yonsei University Severance Hospital
Soonchunhyang University Hospital
List of Seoul Hospitals for Foreigners by Area, Seoul Metropolitan City Government
Dentists and Other Medical Services
ESL Cafe on English-speaking dentists, optometrists, and more.
Medical Assistance
Emergencies
In case of emergency, dial 119.
24 Medical Assistance in English
A 24-hour Medical Referral Service is available by calling 010-4769-8212 or 010-8750-8212. Your questions will be answered by medically trained, English speaking volunteers. This service is run by Seoul Help Center for Foreigners, part of Seoul Metropolitan City Government.
Complementary Health Services
Traditional Korean Medicine
Visiting a doctor of traditional Korean medicine (한의원 haniwon) usually involves acupuncture, a prescription of herbs and some dietary guidelines. Regular treatment is ongoing until you feel better. Consulations are usually very cheap (around 5 000 won), and are subsidized by health insurance.
General information about traditional Korean medicine
List of Oriental Medicine Clinics
Chiropractors
Dr. Yoo's Sports Medicine Center, Itaewon, Seoul (speaks English, Korean and Spanish)
The Korean Chiropractic Association (Korean only)
Aromatherapy
ESL Cafe Recommendation and contact details
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Tests
At-home pregnancy tests are available over-the-counter from pharmacies. Ask for "imshin kumsa" 임신 검사, and do the test with the first wee of the morning. Two lines is pregnant, one is not.
Giving Birth in Korea
Dave's ESL Cafe Forum Discussion on Having a Baby in Korea
Pregancy Termination
Abortion is illegal in Korea, but can be obtained quite easily anywhere in Korea at most private gynecological clinics (small hospitals). You will need a Korean friend to help you.
Abortion and Buddhism in Contemporary Korea
Planned Parenthood Korea