4/13 National Health Insurance

Dialog>> Korea has a national health insurance system.

A: Do you have health insurance?
B: Yes. Korea has a national health insurance system.
A: Oh, really? Does it cover everyone?
B: Almost. It’s mandatory to get it.
A: Is it expensive?
B: You pay more if you earn more.
ex>  I would like to earn more but I don’t want to pay more taxes.


RESPONSE>> Talk about the National Insurance system in Korea.

In Korea, it’s mandatory to subscribe to the national health insurance system.
* mandatory: 의무적인
* subscribe to: ~에 가입하다, sign up for
ex> It’s mandatory for all Korean males to serve in the military?
ex> I subscribe to a daily newspaper.

This government-sponsored health care plan covers almost everyone in the country.
* government-sponsored health care plan: 정부 지원 건강 보험 제도
* cover: (보험에서) 보장하다
ex> This health care plan covers 100% of your hospital bills.

It is intended to provide basic health care for Koreans.
ex> The insurance is intended to provide basic coverage.

Monthly fees may vary depending on your income and assets, but the benefits you get are similar.
ex> My service provider has reasonable monthly fees.

If you work for a company or the government, there is an insurance plan your employer helps you to pay.

If you work on your own, you will be covered by the local health care plan.
* work on your own: 자영업을 하다

You have to pay your own monthly premium in that case.
* monthly premium: 월 보험료

Of course, there are separate private insurance policies you can get for major illnesses such as cancer or heart problems.
ex> How much more do I have to pay for a private insurance policy?


@ Take the prescription to the pharmacy.
처방전을 약국에 가져가세요

1. It is mandatory to attend the meeting.
2. The health care plan covers most Koreans.
3. The event is intended to help people in need.
4. I subscribed to separate private insurance policy.