What to expect on your health check up 건강검진
Whether it's your first time having on in your entire life or just your first one here in Korea, understanding the process can alleviate uncertainties and make the experience smoother. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the ins and outs of what to expect during your health examination.
In Korea, people enrolled in the National Health Insurance program are required to have thier bi-annual health checkup or 건강검진 (Konggang Komjin).
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When to have your check up
When you have your checkup depends on what year you were born, people born on even years have their checkups on even years, and people born on odd years get checkup on odd years.
• For example, in the year 2023, people born on odd years (1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, etc.) should get their checkups.
• Whereas people born on even years (1992, 1994, 1996, etc.) should get their checkups on 2024.
People would usually get a letter indicating what kind of tests they would need.
How to get your health check
- Step 1: Check for health centers near your house
You can check the list from the NHI application - Step 2: Call the health center of your choice and ask if they you need to make a reservation.
- Alternatively, you can find other channels like their kakaotalk so you can send a message instead. Many hospitals do not have english speaking nurses or receptionists, so it would be best to check beforehand.
- Step 3: Make a reservation and ask for what to prepare before the checkup. You would usually need to fast for 10-12 hours because of the blood test. This would mean no food or water from 9 or 10 pm until after your checkup.
- Step 4: Visit your health center as early as possible to avoid waiting too long due to the rush.
- Step 5: If it is your first time in that particular hospital or health center, you have to fill out your information sheet. Be sure to bring your ARC or Resident Card.
- Step 6: The nurse will assist you with the process and ask you to change your clothes into hospital gowns.
- Step 7: Just follow the instructions given to you by the nurses and doctor. You will be asked to wait or move to different rooms for the tests.
What kind of tests are done during the health check?
- Blood test
- • Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- • Fasting Blood Sugar
- • Cholesterol
- • Liver and Kidney Function
- Blood Pressure
- Height and Weight
- Eye exam
- Hearing Exam
- Chest X-ray
- Urinalysis
- Pap smear (optional - Free)
- 1:1 Doctor Consultation
- Mental Health Assessment - Questionare
- Overall Health Assessment - Questionaire
- Other optional tests
- • Colonoscopy (additional fee)
- • Endoscopy (additional fee)
- • Drug tests: some jobs may require this test for the visa extension, but it is not a requirement for the bi-annual health check up
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