Job Discussion Forums

Ivana · Joined: 08 Jul 2004 Posts: 11

I'm in Japan on a working holiday visa, so I'm not eligible for national health insurance (my visa has to be renewed after 6 months; I was told by my ward office that NHI requires a minimum one-year visa). So, I came over here with travel insurance. Recently, I had to go get something checked out, and the doctors were EXTREMELY reluctant to do any kind of proper tests because "it would be too expensive for me" without NHI. After trying 5 different hospitals, I finally found a clinic willing to check me out, but the doctor there only ran one test and when it came back negative, she pretty much left it at that. She told me to come back if I didnt improve, but warned me once again that further tests would be expensive.

My travel insurance won't cover any further tests, and I'm worried about not being treated thoroughly if I try and go in without some kind of recognizable insurance (they wouldnt accept my travel insurance). Are there any options for someone in my situation, other than paying everything out of pocket or flying back home?

Thanks for any advice!

PS. Just out of curiousity, is this kind of reaction from doctors usual practice out here?

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

www.interglobal-nz.biz

You can pay in 3 month increments, for excellent coverage, for around $600 USD a year.

The only hitch is you pay for the treatment and get reimbursed.

spidey · Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 6:43 am Post subject:

You are experiencing a typical Japanese response to a situation that is not the norm. A lot of indecision and a general reluctance to break from the mold.

I would look for a General Hospital in your area. Something fairly modern that provides a wide range of services. I have always had good luck with the staff at those type of institutions. Even in a situation that was atypical such as your own. They also tend to have more experience in dealing with foreigners.

Just a thought...

S

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

Questions about health are very common.

Check out these old threads:

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=4685&highlight=health

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=16687&highlight=health

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=7999&highlight=health+insurance

Nismo · Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 520

My uncle owns two clinics in Tokyo, if that is where you are located. He speaks English so that would be a help, but he mostly specializes in stomach ailments. The clinics are located in shinjuku and shinagawa. The one in shinagawa is contracted with Sony employees, so that is where they all go for medical check ups. Ask the koban for assistance to Tamura clinic.

Ivana · Joined: 08 Jul 2004 Posts: 11

Thanks everyone for the advice. I'm in the Kansai area now--can anyone give any advice about the area specifically?

spidey · Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 11:14 am Post subject:

whereabouts in Kansai? I'm in Gifu-ken.

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

I also just finished replying to a REGION-SPECIFIC doctor questions HERE: http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=19105&sid=27afa33f589f6a5c6df17ca6e271a178

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

Yong-sama · Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 5 Location: Japam

Ivana,
If you're in Osaka, I know a good doctor who speaks excellent English and has worked in the US and France. He's basically a GP, if that's what you're looking for.

If you send me a private message, I can give you his contact details.