It’s tough to get sick in a foreign land. There’s different customs, processes, and not to mention the language barrier – especially, the language barrier.
Things You Need to Know About Visiting Doctors In Japan
If you happen to be in Japan, you’re in luck. I’ve got here a list that should be, if not, sufficient, atleast give you an idea – what to prepare, what to do, where to go, etc.
Insurance
It is mandatory to have health insurance in Japan. It’s being enforced by the Japanese Health Insurance System. Some of the few things that we just have to follow. If you’re employed full-time, you get your health insurance from your company’s shakai hoken – which also covers your pension, and is directly deducted from your salary. If you’re self-employed, or simply not working, you must get enrolled in Kokumin Kenko Hoken. To get enrolled, you can start by visiting your local city hall.
For both insurance types, the government gets to cover 70% of the bill and you get to cover the rest. That being said, you should have your insurance health card wherever you go.
What’s not covered?
– Contraception
– Mental Health
– Voluntary Check-ups (with no symptoms)
In which case, you’ll have to pay for 100% of the bill.
Common Minor Ailments
For a quick list of japanese health related words, see below:
Omoi byoki means serious illness. Like heart disease, or cancer. Karui shojo or karui byoki means light illness or less serious conditions like headaches or colds.
Migraine – Henzutsuu
Cold – Kaze
Flu – Infruenza; Annual flu vaccine – infruenza yobou sesshu.
Food Poisoning – Shokuchuudoku
Urinary Tract Infection – Boukuen
Constipation – Benpi
Emergencies
Hey, if it’s an emergency, call 119 for an emergency ambulance. It’s free. It’s managed by the fire department so tell them you are requesting an ambulance. Oh, japanese? That’s kyuukyuusha. Of course, they will need your address. While 119 English Speaking Teams are not guaranteed, when you need to request for an ambulance, you may refer to the guide on exactly what to say – published by none other than the Tokyo Fire Department. Here, https://www.tfd.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/eng/119/119-01.html.
Sample Script: Kyu kyu desu. (Name) desuga (illness) desu. (Give your address).
Getting Help – in English
In Japan, if you’re specifically gunning for English service, you have tough luck. That being said, there are doctors with a proven track record with a seal of trust etched on their very names. For primary care, many would recommend Primary Care Shimokitazawa. Look for Dr. Joe Kurosu. Aside from the fact that he is bilingual, he studied medicine at Stanford. If you’re looking for a foreigner friendly clinic to visit for your health care, here it is.
As for STI testing, head to Shinjuku City Public Health Center to avoid bills. They do it twice a month on a Thursday. They offer free testing in English, Thai, Spanish, and Portuguese.
As for Hospitals, St. Luke’s International Hospital is the way to go. Many hospitals in Tokyo won’t accept National Health Insurance, just not St. Luke’s. They are a huge hospital that offers English speaking doctors in different areas of discipline. Their admin team also supports English.
As for Information, go with Japan Healthcare Info. They give free healthcare related services – especially to foreign residents. Think about an information broker for your health care, if you’re looking for other good options aside from the above.
Conclusion
I can’t imagine the kind of trouble you’re into when you get sick in a foreign land. That’s why getting to know the ins and outs of your healthcare should be one of the first things that you do, especially when you’re in it for the long haul. Health simply is wealth. Nothing beats exercise, rest, and a balanced diet to keep your body healthy and away from sickness.
References:
https://tokyocheapo.com/living/japanese-language-guide-visiting-the-doctor/