For foreigners living in Japan, navigating the healthcare system is crucial to maintaining well-being and managing health-related issues. Here’s a detailed explanation in English, outlining the key information they need to know about healthcare in Japan.
Health Insurance in Japan
There are two primary types of health insurance in Japan:
- National Health Insurance (NHI / 国民健康保険 – Kokumin Kenko Hoken): This is available to those who are self-employed, unemployed, or working part-time. It covers 70% of medical costs, leaving the patient responsible for the remaining 30%.
- Employee Health Insurance (社会保険 – Shakai Hoken): If you are employed full-time at a company, you will be automatically enrolled in this insurance. The company covers part of the premium, and the insurance generally covers 70-80% of medical costs.
Important Tip: Foreign residents who stay in Japan for more than 3 months are required to enroll in one of these health insurance systems.
How to Enroll:
- NHI: Visit your local ward or city office and bring your residence card and passport.
You can search for the city hall or ward office of the city or ward you live in on Google Maps to find the location.
The office hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays.
- Shakai Hoken: Your employer will handle the process, so you only need to submit the necessary documents requested by the company.
Finding a Doctor or Medical Facility
In Japan, hospitals and clinics are specialized. For routine illnesses or check-ups, you’ll visit a clinic (診療所 / Shinryojo). Hospitals (病院 / Byoin) are for more specialized care or emergencies.
Types of Clinics and Facilities:
- Internal Medicine (内科 / Naika): General practitioners.
- Pediatrics (小児科 / Shonika): For children’s healthcare.
- Dentists (歯科 / Shika): Dental care.
- Gynecology (産婦人科 / Sanfujinka): Women’s health and pregnancy care.
Useful Resource: You can use websites like Japan Healthcare Info to find English-speaking doctors and clinics near you.
Visiting a Doctor or Clinic
When visiting a doctor or clinic:
- Bring your health insurance card.
- If it’s your first visit, you’ll need to fill out a form detailing your medical history.
- After your visit, you’ll receive a receipt and need to pay the 30% of the medical fee.
Hospitals vs. Clinics:
- For minor illnesses, visit a local clinic.
- For emergencies or specialized care, head to a hospital.
Important Tip: It’s a good idea to ask if the clinic or hospital accepts credit cards, as some facilities may only accept cash.
Emergency Care in Japan
In case of emergencies, dial 119 for an ambulance. Ambulances in Japan are free, but once you reach the hospital, normal healthcare fees will apply.
Emergency Services:
- Ambulances (救急車 / Kyukyusha) are dispatched when you call 119.
- Emergency Rooms (ER) in Japan are for severe injuries or sudden illnesses. In some areas, you may be directed to specific ERs depending on the type of emergency.
Useful Resource: The Japan National Tourism Organization’s guide on medical services includes an English-language guide for emergency situations in Japan.
Prescription Medication
In Japan, you cannot buy most medications over the counter. If you need medicine, you’ll need to see a doctor and receive a prescription (処方箋 / Shohosen).
Pharmacy System:
- Pharmacies (薬局 / Yakkyoku) are separate from clinics and hospitals. You’ll need to bring your prescription here to get the medicine.
- Some pharmacies have staff that speak English, but it’s best to check in advance.
Important Tip: Keep a list of any medications you are currently taking (with their generic names) so you can show them to a Japanese doctor or pharmacist.
Pregnancy and Childbirth in Japan
If you are pregnant, you will receive maternal health services at your local ward office, and regular check-ups at clinics or hospitals specializing in obstetrics. Japan has excellent healthcare services for mothers and babies, with frequent health checks before and after childbirth.
Steps for Pregnancy Care:
- Maternal and Child Health Handbook (母子手帳 / Boshi Techo): Get this at the local ward office when you find out you are pregnant.
- Regular Check-ups: These are usually covered by government subsidies. Visit a designated hospital or clinic for prenatal care.
Useful Resource: The Pregnancy and Birth Guide from Japan Healthcare Info provides an overview of the services available to pregnant foreigners in Japan.
Mental Health Services
Mental health is becoming more recognized in Japan, and more clinics offer services in English for counseling and therapy.
Resources for Mental Health:
- Counseling Services: Some international clinics offer counseling in English.
- Tokyo Mental Health: An online resource for foreigners living in Japan seeking mental health care.
Important Tip: Some larger cities have international clinics that specialize in expatriate mental health, such as Tokyo Mental Health.
Vaccinations
Japan has a national immunization schedule for children, but foreign residents should ensure their vaccinations are up to date based on their country’s schedule. Certain vaccinations may not be part of Japan’s regular schedule but are still available.
Vaccinations for Adults:
- Influenza vaccines are available annually at clinics.
- COVID-19 vaccines: Updates on availability and location can be found at local city or ward offices.
Useful Resource: Check Japan Healthcare Info’s vaccination page for details on vaccines available to foreigners.
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