Job Discussion Forums

[cangel]

I'm heading back to Japan in late February and instead of going with the Japanese national insurance scheme, I'm interested in one of the many expat insurers. I've searched around and Global Healthcare seems to be one of the best and the rate is very competitive. Has anyone dealt with these guys before? Your comments are greatly appreciated.

http://www.globalhealth.jp/

[shmooj]

This will depend a great deal on your particulars. For example, being married, in your 40s, visiting the dentist every six months, planning for the birth of a child... these kind of things will greatly affect the value of insurance plans.

For example, for my wife and I, it was cheaper to go with the Japanese system than any other we could find if we wanted dental cover for routine stuff and cover for maternity.

[Sam Adams]

I have Global right now. I am on the bronze plan. I have been to the doctor twice. The first time they reimbursed me very quickly and as for the second time I am still waiting.
Some good points are that its pretty comprehensive, covering almost all medical conditions. Also, its good for all off Asia, so if you do some travelling, you won't need any more insurance. They also offer cheap insurance for travelling in the States or Canada.
As for the dentist, you are covered for all major emergencies. Routine work is not covered but it is so cheap anyway. I went this past Saturday to have a cavity filled and it was only 3000 Yen.
Hope this helps.

[shmooj]

Ah yeah, sorry. Forgot where I was coming from anddidn't realise that 3000 yen for a filling would seem cheap to some people. Britain's National Health Service does have its benefits I guess

[ruggedtoast]

Why do　you have a green head?

[shmooj]

Green tea, Green Day, green head...

[cangel]

With Global you must pay up front and then submit a claim to be reimbursed? I guess this wouldn't be too bad if you are rarely sick, as I am, but could be a pain in the @ss if you have an ongoing illness and or injury.