Moving to a new topography can be quite a challenge. You’ll have to deal with a new people, new culture, new climate, new sets of rules and social norms. It is perhaps more challenging when you are already suffering from chronic illnesses – if it’s not too much already.
Tips When You Move in Japan When You Have Chronic Illness
So, I figured it would be best to create a list of things you will want to check on before moving to Japan especially when you’re also managing a chronic illness.
1. Medications
Know that you’ll probably face one of the strictest regulations on controlled substances in Japan, than any part of the world. You’ll find a long list of medications that are available for you in Canada, or USA, that are prohibited in Japan. There’s a difference in terms of allowed dosages of certain drugs like Ibuprofen, or Dimenhydrinate.
Luckily, there’s a way for you to bring in more than 30 days of supply of any medication that you bring in Japan – something we call, “Yakkan Shoumei.” Secure this, and you’ll gain access to large quantities of medications in a single trip. You’ll also need to secure a Yakkan Shoumei when you send for yourself a large quantity of medications delivered to your doorstep just so customs doesn’t take it away and tag it illegal.
Also, finding specialists in Japan can be a huge task. General practitioners are not known to give medical advice on a condition that requires a specialization.
That being said, planning ahead of time is extremely important, if not detrimental to your survival once you’re in Japan.
2. Climate
Japan has a very unique climate. It’s very hot during summer – around August or September. And, it’s bone-chilling during winters, especially in Hokkaido. Depending on where you are in Japan, there’s quite a possibility that you will experience a different climate compared to many parts of the world. Many who experience it first-hand can find it harsh and changing – or challenging. That’s challenging enough for normal folks, how much more for those who are also managing a chronic illness, right?
- National Health Insurance
It’s a known fact that Japanese National Health Insurance is a mandatory thing for everyone. All employees must be awarded an NHI by their employer to full-time employees and it should cover pre-existing medical conditions. If you’re a student, or unemployed, you’ll only need to register at your city hall. The coverage can come up to 70% of your bill, and you pay 30% out of pocket.
It’s a rule of thumb to always bring your insurance card, especially for folks who are managing chronic illness. It simply makes sense because you never know. I’ll have you know that if you don’t have the insurance card at the time of your admission, god forbid, you will have to pay 100% of the bill out of pocket versus 30% if you have your insurance card with you.
- Evacuation Information and Natural Disaster Preparedness
You know, it’s a known fact that Japan is located in the Pacific ring of fire. This means more frequent earthquakes. And, the fact that it is close to the Pacific, it experiences typhoons a number of times each and every year. It makes sense to know exactly what to do when these things happen and that you have to evacuate. So, getting an English copy of the evacuation routes, information on your specific ward, and, yes, an emergency kit.
Conclusion
As someone who is managing chronic illness, you ought to be very careful and take as much time as you can in planning and in making sure that things will go as smoothly as possible when you arrive in Japan. Medications, Doctors, and National Health Insurance is perhaps the top 3 on the list to accomplish.
It’s best to have things planned. And, when all things are prepared and done over with, then you can just focus on enjoying your stay in Japan.
References:
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/tag/lifestyle-illness/