Job Discussion Forums

aziraphale · Joined: 11 Feb 2003 Posts: 12 Location: Yokohama, Japan

Hi folks,

I've just accepted a job from ECC. They encourage their employees to sign on to one of the private Health insurance plans (AIU in particular). However, I've heard the horror stories of some of these plans not being accepted at certain hospitals, etc. Also, AIU doesn't cover dental.

I am considering taking the National Health Insurance option, but it will be much more expensive starting in my 2nd year, and, as many of you know, once I'm in, I can't opt out.

Does anyone have any experience with either or both these options (private or public). I'm having trouble finding details on the internet about either of them, and besides, I'm interested in people's personal experiences. I don't know when I have to make my decision, but I'd like to be prepared when I do.

Opinions?

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

Are you planning on staying more than a year? If not, take national health insurance and be happy. It covers a lot of (not all) dental work.

Yes, NHI skyrockets after the first year, but you can get money back when you go home, I believe. At the present time, I think it's 3 years worth of payments. (Can anyone else correct me on this?)

I don't know about ECC's medical plan, let alone any allegations that it isn't accepted at all hospitals, but if this is a major concern, go for NHI. It isn't called "national" for nothing.

With NHI, even though the fees rise, they are based on various formulas that you can actually play with. One variable is your home location. The closer you are to the center of the city, the more you will pay. I found that out the hard way. Second, it depends on how much you make the previous year. So, after if you leave a full-time job and go to part-time contracts plus private lessons, you can declare only your part-time wages, and this will lower one's fees. You have to be proactive and do things like this at city hall, or they will go by the only information they have (last year's wages).

G Cthulhu · Posted: Fri May 09, 2003 12:20 am Post subject:

aziraphale · Joined: 11 Feb 2003 Posts: 12 Location: Yokohama, Japan

I should be more specific...

I haven't heard horror stories about the plans ECC offers. I've heard the stories about other companies and their 'private' plans not being accepted at ANY hospitals in Japan.

So, I'm not really expecting any huge problems, but I am concerned that like private health insurance in other countries, certain hospitals may not accept it... and it's impossible for me to find out in advance. And again, dental coverage is a bit of a concern.

Does anyone know where I can find specific information (in English) about what exact benefits one gets on the National plan? Perhaps I'm dense or overtired or something, but I had trouble tracking this info down.

Cheers again,

Aziraphale

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

azira,

Try these two sites. They aren't as specific as you may like, but they give a good idea of what to expect.

http://www.ih-osaka.or.jp/enjoy/en/sick/02.html
http://www.city.saga.saga.jp/en/doc/DDE5C72B24B59F48492568A30026C573.html