Wondering how to get your E2 medical exam? Let’s dig into the details including common issues that E2/E1 educators may experience.
About the E2 Medical Exam
One of the requirements for educators (E2 and E1 visa applicants) includes a medical exam. The medical exam exists of a variety of standard checkups that one might experience in an annual physical.
The health check process at most South Korean hospitals and clinics remains simple, straightforward, and efficient. In most cases, a nurse guides you from station to station and lets you know what test occurs next. Also, some medical facilities may provide paperwork in English while other medical facilities may not. Having Papago ready to help with translation would be a great idea.
The initial health check may be an educator’s first experience with the Korean medical system. Thus, the health check may feel uncomfortable and stressful. Keep in mind that medical staff in South Korea may not have the same bedside manner as in other countries. You may find it helpful to read SOS Public Health articles about health care in South Korea to feel better prepared for the experience.
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Controversy Surrounding the E2/E1 Medical Exams
The medical exam attached to any visa brings controversy. Some people do not believe that drug testing should remain part of the exam and others do not believe that HIV/AIDS testing should be part of the exam. Some changes have occurred over time. For example, employers may now choose to allow their applicants to not complete the HIV/AIDS test.
E2 Medical Exam Hangul Support
Even if the hospital staff speaks English, they may not understand what exam you need. This might feel shocking and scary if you go for the exam without support from your school. Often times the school will simply tell you to, “Get a health check” and send you on your way. However, there are countless types of health checks and you need to ask for a very specific one.
In case you go to the hospital without a Korean co-teacher, show the hospital staff the following statement in Korean:
영어 강사 e-2비자 취득하기를 위해 건강 검진 검사
Additionally, you may refer to the exam types as the:
채 용 신 체 검 사 서
Next, they can look at a physical copy of the paperwork:
Knowing the exact exam needed is important because there are other general health exams for educators renewing their contracts. Therefore, if you only ask for a “health check” from medical staff they may administer the wrong health check. If the wrong health check occurs, the educator must return to the hospital for the E2 health check and pay again. No one wants to do the process twice and pay for the process twice.
Request Two Copies of the E2 Medical Exam
One copy should be given to immigration when applying for your Korean Foreign Residency Card and the other should go to your employer for their files. The extra copy may cost between nothing and 10,000 KRW. It depends on the facility.
Items Required for the E2 Medical Exam
Educators need to take the following three items to their E2/E1 medical exam:
- 2-3 passport-style photos (remember to get KOREAN passport photos)
- Passport
- Money to pay for the exam
Medical Exam Cost
The cost of the exam required for the E2/E1 visa varies depending on location. It may cost between 50,000 – 150,000 KRW depending on the location. Oftentimes, the cost sits around 80,000 KRW. Thankfully, South Korean medical facilities clearly share the cost of services. Therefore, educators will know the cost before getting the exam upfront.
The price varies based on the types of tests done and the type of facility providing the tests. Some new educators may choose to shop around for the lowest price. Other educators may choose their provider based on convenience or turn-around time.
Types of Medical Tests Included in the Exam
Seoul National University Hospital offers two different “Programs” or types of E2 medical exams. The hospital charges a different price for each exam. Such programs and prices are shown below.
| Program A | |
|---|---|
| Test Items | Blood Test – Hemoglobin – SGOT/SGPT (Liver Function Test), FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar) – VDRL-qal.(Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) for syphilis. – Drug screening tests (Cocaine, Opiates, Cannabinoid, Methoxyphenamine) – HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) Chest x-ray Urine Test (Urinalysis & microscopy) Physical Examination Consultation, Height/Weight/blood pressure, A test of vision-corrected, Simple Hearing Test and A color-blindness test. – You must be fasting for 12hrs* – You must bring your ARC card or Passport* – You must bring 2 or 3 ID photos |
| Exam. Time | About 40 minutes |
| Result | You will get the results in 3 or 4 days. Please bring 2 or 3 ID Photos (3cmX4cm) if needed. |
| Cost | 100,000 Korean Won(This service charge is for International clients who are with or without Korean National Health Insurance.) |
| Program B (for E2 VISA) | |
| Test Items | Blood Test – HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) – Drug screening tests (Cocaine, Opiates, Cannabinoid, Methoxyphenamine) |
| Exam. Time | About 20 minutes |
| Result | You will get the results in 3 or 4 days. Please bring 2 or 3 ID Photos (3cmX4cm) if needed. |
| Cost | About 80,000 Korean Won (This service charge is for International clients who are with or without Korean National Health Insurance.) |
Timeline for Medical Exam Results
The timeline for medical exam results varies based on the provider. It may vary from 24hrs to 7 days. If you would like to quickly get your Korean Foreign Registration Card use a facility with a quick turn-around on exam results.
Exams Possible on Weekends
Some educators may find it difficult to schedule their E2 medical exam during the week. In this case, some medical facilities may offer exams on Saturdays. Additionally, weekend exams may occur between 10:00 am -12:30 pm. However, weekends may have longer wait times due to the fact many workers need such exams on the weekend.
In more rural areas weekend exams may not be possible
Medical Exam Locations
Many different hospitals and clinics offer the E2/E1 medical exams. Many educators do not realize that many neighborhood clinics offer this exam. Instead, they choose to only go to large hospitals which may have support for international residents.
An employer may have an exam location preference. Some employers may always prefer a particular exam location. It may be easier to follow an employer’s guidance for the initial health exam.
However, if an employer does not take action to provide support in completing the medical checkup within the first week of arrival, consider taking action independently to speed up the process. Moving quickly to establish residency greatly improves life and decreases stress.
Korvia provides a list of locations across Korea that they confirmed to provide the E2 medical exam. Many other locations exist but this provides a great initial resource.
Summary of Issues Commonly Experienced by New Educators Related to E2 Medical Exams
Finally, let’s look at a list of common pain points for new educators completing the E2 medical exam process:
- Not having the exact name of the medical exam in hangul to show the hospital
- Forgetting to take passport photos in the correct size
- Waiting for the school to make the appointment or take them to their appointment
- Not asking for the correct exam and having to return for a second exam
Founded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences.
