Sunday, March 31, 2019

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.


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