15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Japan

"I tell them that everyone is under the same health insurance and not to worry about choosing from medical insurance plans. Also, for those with chronic diseases, I would advise them to check if their medicine and care is available in Japan, as a lot of medicine that is available in America is not available in Japan," said one expat.

"Research clinics and hospitals online that are English-speaking beforehand. Contact clinics to ask if they perform certain procedures. Learn some common words to ask for specific things if you have to go to a Japanese-speaking clinic or hospital. Hospitals will not coddle you - you must advocate for yourself and be firm if you are having certain issues. Otherwise they may rush you out after a quick once-over," remarked one expat in Tokyo.

"In Japan, medical services are highly advanced and of a very high quality. The country has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides access to a wide range of medical services, including preventive care, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Japan also has a well-developed network of hospitals and clinics, staffed by highly trained and experienced medical professionals. Patients can expect to receive personalized care and attention, and the latest medical technology is often used to ensure the best possible outcomes," commented one expat living in Japan.

"It is difficult to find English speaking health providers, but they do exist. The healthcare culture is very rushed and you must be clear about what you need, otherwise the doctor isn't going to take the time to figure it out for you," wrote one expat.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Japan can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, the cost of healthcare in Japan is higher than in many other countries due to the high quality of care and the advanced technology used. Health insurance premiums can also be costly, but the government subsidizes a portion of the cost for those who qualify. Additionally, many employers offer health insurance plans to their employees, which can help to reduce the cost," wrote an expat living in Japan.

"You for an ambulance by dialing 119. Tokyo is a huge city so I cannot give a recommendation on the best hospitals, as there are a lot of hospitals to choose from and they vary in their care and speciality. I would advise someone to find a hospital that provides English support if they are not comfortable communicating solely in Japanese," remarked one expat living in Tokyo.

"Expats likely go anywhere that has English speakers. Healthcare is good here. People only have to pay 30% of reasonable costs for anything covered. Unfortunately, the public healthcare here does not cover anything preventative. Since I still have active health insurance in America, I have visited there to get a child prevention measure done - completely covered," said an expat in Tokyo.

"Tokyo is widely regarded as having the best selection of medical specialists in Japan, with many of the country's top hospitals and clinics located in the city. Other major cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Yokohama also have a wide range of medical specialists available. In addition, many smaller cities and rural areas throughout Japan have excellent medical facilities and specialists, making it possible to find quality care no matter where you are in the country," commented one expat living in Japan.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Japan. Many of the same medications that are available in other countries are also available in Japan, although they may have different brand names. In addition, some medications that are not available in other countries may be available in Japan. In order to obtain a prescription medication in Japan, a patient must visit a doctor and receive a prescription. The prescription can then be filled at a pharmacy," said an expat in Japan.

"Medical facilities and medical care in Japan are of a very high quality. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical services available. Doctors and nurses are highly trained and experienced, and the latest medical technology is widely used. Japan also has a strong emphasis on preventive medicine, with regular health check-ups and screenings available to the public. In addition, the cost of medical care in Japan is generally lower than in many other developed countries," remarked one expat in Japan.

"There is a hospital about 15 minutes from my home. Hospitals are everywhere and are accessible. Every hospital I have been to has been of good quality and if it is public or private varies by case," remarked one expat living in Tokyo.

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Japan, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Japan is comprehensive and provides a wide range of services, including preventive care, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. The system is funded by taxes and premiums paid by citizens and residents, and is managed by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The quality of care is generally high, and the cost of services is relatively low compared to other countries," mentioned one expat in Japan.

"Tokyo has managed it very well, and during this outbreak, the standard of medical care there has been superb," wrote an expat living in Tokyo.

"My experiences with the local healthcare system in Japan during the pandemic have been generally positive. The healthcare system has been very responsive to the pandemic, with the government providing clear guidance on how to prevent the spread of the virus and how to seek medical attention if needed. The healthcare system has also been very efficient in providing testing and treatment for those who need it. In addition, the healthcare system has been very supportive of those who are struggling financially due to the pandemic, providing financial assistance and other forms of support. Overall, I have been very impressed with the way the healthcare system in Japan has responded to the pandemic," said an expat in Japan.