Job Discussion Forums

Laura C · Joined: 14 Oct 2003 Posts: 211 Location: Saitama

And again, this is for a friend of mine... Embarassed

Really, I'd have no problem saying if it was for me...

He fell down some steps on Sunday and cut his head, got three stitches. Has no medical insurance. He went back to the hospital a few days ago to get the dressing changed and was given his bill of 50,000 yen to be paid on Monday when the stitches come out. He has no problem with paying it as he knows he should have sorted his insurance out. Only problem is, he hasn't got the money...

Has anyone been in this situation before? Is it acceptable/usual to give some money, say 10,000 yen and then the rest on payday? He really will pay it, just can't pay it until the end of the month -- what can the hospital do?

He's really stressing out about this (on top of the concussion!), so any advice would be really appreciated. Thanks all.

Laura who can't lend her friends the money for their medical bills as she doesn't have it either... Rolling Eyes

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

If your friend apologizes profusely and makes sincere promises to pay in full in the near future, they may consider getting the money in installments. Your friend will have to own up and say he has no insurance and no money. I wouldn't expect a hospital to send someone over to break his legs like a loan shark. 'Fess up and be as polite and remorseful as possible.

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

How is your friend going to get any insurance while he is paying off the 50,000. Pretty stupid. Firstly, he should just borrow the money from someone else, if he can. It is illegal not to have health insurance in Japan. He should immediately get covered through his employer, or get some other coverage immediately. The hospital is only a quick call away, and could lead to being deported. Sounds harsh, but it could come to that.

Iwantmyrightsnow · Joined: 12 Feb 2004 Posts: 202

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

It is illegal not to have health insurance of any kind. Yes, they can deport you.

Nismo · Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 520

You don't need health insurance, that's an urban myth. I never had health insurance in Japan for the entire year I was there, and this was through the University of California. If it was required by law, they would post checks on your immigration card. You are SOL if you ever do get injured, though.

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

It isn't a myth, it's illegal.

Lister100 · Joined: 26 Aug 2004 Posts: 106

First year Health Insurance(No guessing please only answer if you really know)

What does the plan cover that I am automatically enrolled in?
Will I need additional coverage?
How long does it take for the plan to become active?
Should buy blue cross for the intervening months?

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

inkansai · Joined: 18 Jan 2005 Posts: 39

If you are fortunate to work for an English Language School or another company that enrols non-Japanese employees in Employees' Health and Pension Insurance(Shakai Hoken) you will be covered from the day you join the company- if and only if the company enrols you. The Big 4 Eikawa schools do not enrol their non-Japanese employees in Shakai Hoken.

If you are coming to Japan it is wise to take out a travel insurance plan to cover you until you start working. It is also useful if you have to cancel your flight, you can't fly due to illness, lost baggage, you get sick after you arrive in Japan but before you are actually employed by the company.

Shakai Hoken doesn't cover the total amount of your medical expenses. Shakai Hoken and Kokumin Kenko Hoken(National Health Insurance) are two totally different plans. Many non-Japanese people in Japan confuse the two plans. Shakai Hoken looks after the worker, Kokumin Kenko Hoken just causes you stress when you see the invoice for the second year's premiums.

See the General Union website for more details www.generalunion.org on the benefits of shakai hoken.

Lister100 · Joined: 26 Aug 2004 Posts: 106

Thanks for responding,

I am a healthy 25 year old male. I don't have any reason to believe I will need the coverage. Sounds like the National insurance plan is pretty good so long as I stay out of drunken bar fights and wild shootouts. Since I am only planning to be in Japan for the one year I will not need to worry about the premium increases.

I am thinking about extending my Canadian health coverage also even though this will maintain my resident status. The "Man" will have his hand in my pocket, but at my salary bracket it really shouldn't mean much.

If any errors in this plan please point them out.