My experience with the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) free health tests (Part 1)

The NHIS free health tests are valid until December 31, 2019. However, they usually recommend that it be availed during the first nine months of the year as the last three months are quite a busy time. I decided to get it done this month just to make sure that I do not forget about it.

The usual process is to set a schedule with the hospital or clinic you are intending to have the test done. However, there are also cases wherein there is no need to set a schedule at all. I usually visit the hospital or clinic rather than giving them a call as my Korean speaking skill is not great. Go on the day scheduled for the test and approach the information desk. They will usually ask you to fill out a form first and then the nurses or assistants will assist you on the next steps.

Oral Examination

I had my oral examination done at Daegu S Dental Clinic near Seongseo Industrial Complex station (Line 2). I chose this clinic because it was close to where I live and their website looks professional. I went to the information desk and handed to the assistant my alien registration card and the test voucher (which comes with the letter form the NHIS). After filling out a form, I was asked to sit. An assistant called my name and led me into a dental chair. I sat down and my face was covered with a cloth that has a hole for the mouth area (similar to this). I found this to be a bit weird as I have never experienced this in my dental visits in the Philippines. The doctor performed the examination and then showed me the issues with my teeth on a screen. This was another part which was new to me. From my experience in the Philippines, they only tell you what dental work needs to be done. In Korea, they actually take pictures of it and show you.

To be honest, I only understood very little of what the doctor said because it was all in Korean. I did get that some work needs to be done to my teeth so I asked the assistant for the rates. I told them that I will come back next time to have it done. The examination itself was free so I left the clinic without paying anything.

The second part will focus on my experience with the general health check-up and cervical test.

Korea National Health Insurance Service Free Health Tests

If you are subscribed to the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), there are certain examinations that are offered for free or for a minimum cost (around 10%). I read in a forum online that it is recommended that you get them done because if you end up with a disease that could have been detected by these exams, the insurance will not pay for the medical expenses involved.

When I first received a letter from the National Health Insurance two years ago, it was only for a cervical cancer test. This time the tests I am eligible for are general health exam, oral exam and cervical cancer exam. The other exams are only applicable if you have reached a certain age (usually 40 to 50 years old). The letter they send also includes a list of hospitals and clinics in your area and shows the examinations they can conduct.

In my experience (when I went for my tests and when I accompanied my husband for his gastroscopy), everything was in Korean. The forms were all in Korean and the nurses and doctors spoke Korean but they sometimes used a few English words to explain things. If your Korean is not that good, it is advisable to have a Korean friend with you who can help with filling out the forms and explaining things to you.

I will detail my experience with the three examinations in the next post.

Beautiful Store (아름다운가게): A second-hand store in South Korea

I mentioned to my husband about wanting to check out second hand stores and he remembered reading about Beautiful Store in a book. Beautiful Store is a second-hand shop that sells clothes, books, toys, household items and more. The things they sell are donated by other people and the money raised from the sale are then used to help those who are in need.

Beautiful Store has four locations in Daegu. My husband and I have visited all four and noticed that each shop sells different items (depending maybe on what has been donated). I think the biggest shop they have is the one located at Wolseong. This is actually my favorite location not only because of the size but also because it happens to be the one closest to us.

What I also like about Beautiful Store is that they have a changing room. You can try on the clothes before buying them. There were times when I thought something would fit well only to put it on and find out that it is quite small in certain areas. I have not returned anything back to the store but a friend mentioned that it is possible as long as you have the receipt. I am not sure if it is possible only for certain items or if it applies to anything purchased from them.

The stores also accept donations so I give our clothes that do not fit anymore and the things we do not use or do not like. They check the items you are donating and only accept the ones that they think can still be sold. There were a couple of times that we had to bring back some of the things we were intending to give as they did not accept it.

I hope you give them a visit as they have stores all around South Korea.