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| Providing Information About Life in Tsugaru City |
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| Useful Info: Medical Issues |
| Useful Info |
| Medical care in Japan is among the best in the world, with many of the latest techniques and procedures being used to treat patients. However, many foreigners who use the Japanese medical system, especially in rural areas, soon find that treatment options, the doctor-patient relationship, and medical facilities are very different than what they are used to in their home countries. While many western nations employ a conversation based diagnosis system between doctor and patient to agree upon the best treatment , Japanese doctors tend to be less talkative and more direct in telling the patient what treatment to pursue. Moreover, privacy measures such as individual examination rooms are traditionally non-existent in all but the newest of hospitals. While this does not mean that the treatment one receives is any different than what would be available in the West, please be aware that the medical care experience may be different than what you are accustomed to. |
| Medical System |
| Although Japan does have a national health insurance program, those coming to Japan under the SOFA agreement are not eligible to enroll in it. Therefore, make sure that you enroll in a health care plan that covers treatment in foreign countries before you depart for Japan. Furthermore, be sure to receive receipt of payment upon settling your hospital bill so that you can file for reimbursement from your insurance company. Should you receive medical assistance at a local hospital, please keep in mind that most hospitals require that a portion of the payment be made in cash after receiving treatment. However, if you received treatment for sudden illness, were brought to the hospital by ambulance, or do not have enough cash on you to pay the bill, presenting some form of identification (prefereably bilingual) will enable you to pay at a later date. Ask your employer if they have established a payment system with local hospitals, and if they have not, be sure to receive payment details (bank account information, money transfer details, etc.) from the hospital before going home. |
| Medical Insurance |