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anonymous
Q: Got Surgery. Company Won't Pay. Z Visa Holder Needs Advice.
I had to get an emergency appendectomy back in June. The company I am currently working for advertised as having Medical Insurance (which, I believe is a requirement in order to get a Z Visa, which I have).
They now tell me that the insurance is actually "Accident Insurance" and probably won't cover my treatment. They have been giving me the run-around for 4 weeks and I still haven't gotten a reply. If I do get one, I am expecting a big "NO!"
I am not looking to get my money back, although that would be nice. I want to stop this from happening to other foreigners.
What can I do / Who can I contact about this?
Is there any kind of official Government channel to go through?
Can I contact my Embassy?
Thanks!
11 years 40 weeks ago in Health & Safety - China
I think matters like these we have to deal directly with the company ourselves to get anything done. You have to fight to get any money that is disputable otherwise they just don't give it. The only thing that threatens them is in a way where they can lose money. It seems there is no 'civil' way of doing things, you pretty much have to get nasty and threaten them if you really want the money, and can only threaten them if you have dirt against them that could cause them to lose money.
By Law, Chinese employers must have health insurance for their employees. In fact, the reason foreigners can not get employment after reaching 65 years of age in China is because they can not be insured by a Health Plan. They may cover accident insurance, but when you have an accident you may get hurt, and who will pay for that. It seems to me that they are trying hard not to file a claim on your behalf.
I would gather your papers and with a translator go visit the local PSB office, explain your problem to them and see if they can help you. At least where I live, they are very helpful with foreigners
"emergency appendectomy" aren't all of them? appendectomy isn't exactly a selective surgery? Have one or DIE.
crimochina:
they all aren't an emergency. if caught early you can wait a few days. happened to me.
As mentioned by other bloggers, you must be covered by your company's health insurance.
However, as I don't know where you get your appendectomy, medical fees issued by private Chinese or International hospital are usually not covered by the general company's insurance. Only those claim issued by a public Chinese hospital.
It's the case for instance for Chinese women who delivered in the VIP section of a public hospital, usually they get all the basic exams fees (blood test, urine test, etc) covered by the company's health insurance, but any other "costs" (delivery, room, etc) raised inside the VIP section won't be covered.
I work for a school in Chengdu. I'm required to pay 50% of my own health insurance which is 500yuan per month. I have a clean bill of health as checked by my visa application. I thought it was just a cost of being and working in China. Am I wrong?
