View Health:The Health System
Health facilities
Japanese health facilities consist of hospitals, smaller clinics, and services provided by public health centres; i.e., there is no GP system. Rarely is there an appointment system, so you can visit a hospital at any time and for any reason. Due to the fact that hospitals are visited by people with all sorts of ailments, however minor, you can expect waits of about two hours to see a doctor. Clinics tend to be smaller and friendlier with shorter waiting times.
Most Western women find that Japanese doctors provide insufficient medical explanations, inadequate attention, patronising attitudes, and sometimes incorrect diagnoses and prescriptions. Of most concern to Western women seems to be the lack of discussion with the doctor.
The Japanese health care system has two particular strengths: surgery and the preventive health system. If you have a potentially serious problem or need an operation, you won’t have to wait months like you may have to in your home country. You will generally be dealt with quickly, efficiently, and with care, including after surgery.
There are also several hospitals and clinics that operate under the title ‘international’ but be aware that this term is used lightly. It can mean that the entire staff is foreign and speak English, or only that there is a doctor available who has spent some time training in another country. Some international clinics are more expensive than regular Japanese hospitals or clinics and do not accept Japanese health insurance, although private insurance schemes may be accepted.
Things to take when you visit a doctor
Take your alien registration card and health insurance certificate (if you have one). If you have visited other doctors in Japan, bring copies of previous medical records with you. You should also take at least ¥20,000 with you to cover any costs or in case your health insurance is one that reimburses you later.
Health insurance
Be prepared to pay something for any visit to a doctor. All citizens are expected to be members of an insurance scheme operated via their employer, and that includes you. Citizens who are not eligible for employer-operated health insurance are expected to join the national health insurance scheme, which covers 70% of your hospital bills.
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Medicine
Many Japanese doctors love to dish out prescriptions for anything, partly because that’s how they make money, but also to keep patients happy. I recommend bringing over-the-counter medicine with you from home. If you require specific prescription medicine, check with your doctor regarding the documents required for taking such medication overseas.