Japanese Medical Assistance
Service: Japanese Medical Assistance
Overview:
Getting medical care in Japan can be challenging for non-Japanese speakers, especially if you are unfamiliar with the healthcare system. Our Japanese Medical Assistance service is here to help you navigate the process and ensure that you get the care you need without additional headaches.
What we do:
We provide a range of services to help you with your medical needs in Japan, including:
- Provide information about medical institutions and the availability of English support services
- Accompany you to the hospital or clinic
- Offer medical interpretation and translation services
- Assist with the communication between you and medical staff
- Help you understand your medical condition / diagnosis and treatment options
- Navigate the Japanese healthcare system
Why you need us:
- English-speaking hospitals and doctors are still relatively scarce in Japan.
- The Japanese healthcare system can be complex and confusing, especially for non-Japanese speakers.
- It's important to accurately communicate your medical history and symptoms in order to receive the best possible care.
How we can make your life easier:
We can help you save time and hassle by taking care of all the logistics of your medical visit, from finding an English-speaking doctor to translating your medical records. We can also help you understand your medical condition and treatment options, and make sure that you are comfortable with the care you are receiving.
Can't I take care of this myself?
The short answer is "some people do BUT..."
For a more detailed explanation of why having professional support can make all the difference:
Why Shouldn't I Just Do This On My Own?
Cost:
US＄150
Cancellation Policy:
- Cancellations after eight days from the date of application will not be refunded.
- There will be no refund if the service is provided within eight days.
Request for cancellations:
- Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel your application.
- If you cancel your application due to a force majeure event, such as a natural disaster or an infectious disease (such as COVID-19), we may be able to waive the cancellation fee if you contact us early.
Real Students, Real Problems.
"..very difficult experience"
Q. What's the hardest things about living in Japan?
A. That if you need to visit the hospital or clinic you need to research this ahead of time because if you need to go unexpectedly, it can be a very difficult experience if you don’t know where to go and at the same time which hospitals can speak your language.
Few English Speaking Doctors
Q. What's the hardest things about living in Japan?
A. The hardest things about living in Japan so far have been: getting the internet set up, getting my first bank account, and finding English speaking doctors.
Rely on JST!
Q. Are there any preparations you regret not doing before moving to Japan that's you'd recommend other people to do?
A. Maybe do more research about daily life things: which doctor's have english support and accept NHI? What is the cheapest SIM card option? How can I find a foreigner friendly apartment? Who can I contact for these questions? etc
JST surveyed real Japanese language students about the issues they faced before and after coming to Japan, and designed our services to make sure immersive language students in Japan never face the hard parts alone.
Why hiring a Pro makes all the difference:
How Hard Can Getting Japanese Medical Care Be?
In Japan, people typically choose a hospital based on their current symptoms, rather than having a family doctor / GP. For example, if you have a stomachache, you would see an internal medicine doctor, while eye pain would lead you to an ophthalmologist. Generally, people look for hospitals near their home, workplace, or ones that operate during their preferred hours. Fortunately, many hospitals in Tokyo are open at night and on weekends.
When you visit a hospital, you will need to fill out a medical questionnaire at the reception and answer various questions, which can be challenging if you are not fluent in Japanese. If the doctor prescribes medication, it is essential to communicate any allergies or medical history. You can purchase the medicine from a nearby pharmacy with the prescription.
English-speaking hospitals and doctors are still relatively scarce in Japan.
If you are not comfortable with advanced medical Japanese, it's crucial to check in advance if the hospital or clinic provides English support.
Here's a normal process if you're going to a hospital in Japan:
- Make a reservation in advance, if necessary.
- Visit the hospital.
- Receive medicine at a dispensing pharmacy.
You will need to pay examination fees at the hospital and medication fees at the pharmacy.
Tokyo has numerous hospitals, but the quality of service can vary.
Generally, hospital reception hours are from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday, with some closing at noon, others open on Saturday mornings, and some operating until around 9 PM.
The cost of your visit will differ based on the timing:
- First visit fee: Around 3,000 yen
- Re-examination fee: Approximately 500 yen to 800 yen
- Overtime charge: About 900 yen (for visits outside reception hours)
- Holiday addition: Approximately 3,000 yen (for visits on Sundays, holidays, or year-end and New Year holidays)
- Late-night addition: Around 5,000 yen (for visits between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM)
Dispensing pharmacies may also charge additional fees for after-hours, holidays, and nighttime visits.
Most hospitals have websites, and if they offer English support, they may mention that on their website. However, it is advisable to verify this information by calling the hospital directly, as consultation hours can change frequently and they may only have limited English-speaking staff.
For non-Japanese speakers, filling out the medical questionnaire during hospital visits can be challenging. The first visit requires detailed information, and while some hospitals provide English translations, they can be too literal and hard to understand. It is crucial to describe your symptoms in detail accurately and have it understood, as well as provide information about past illnesses.
Consulting with a doctor in Japan can also be perplexing due to the language barrier. Doctors may speak quickly or use complex medical terms, hard to follow even for native Japanese speakers.
Some hospitals now use machines for reception and payment, which are typically only available in Japanese, making it difficult for foreigners who cannot read the language.
After your hospital visit, you might receive a prescription if necessary. It is essential to go to a nearby pharmacy to collect your medication. Some hospitals have dispensing pharmacies, but they can be challenging to locate without a good grasp of Japanese.
At the dispensing pharmacy, you may need to provide the same information about your symptoms, past illnesses, and allergies as you did at the hospital. They double-check to ensure the prescribed medication is accurate, as any mistake could have serious consequences.
Understanding how to take the prescribed medicine correctly is vital for its effectiveness. Pharmacists may also provide advice on daily life and useful tips for faster recovery. Knowing all this information is important, including when to schedule your next examination.
Pitfalls of going to a doctor or hospital alone:
- The language barrier can make it difficult to communicate with doctors and pharmacists.
- Some hospitals and pharmacies do not offer English support.
- The quality of service can vary from hospital to hospital.
- It can be challenging to navigate the Japanese healthcare system.
