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Medical Insurance in Hiroshima, Japan

Japan has a highly efficient and accessible healthcare system, and Hiroshima is no exception. Medical insurance is essential for accessing affordable healthcare in Japan, as medical costs can be high without coverage. Below is a detailed breakdown of the types of insurance available, costs, how to obtain coverage, and other important considerations.

1. Types of Medical Insurance in Japan

In Japan, there are two primary types of medical insurance:

A. National Health Insurance (NHI - ๅ›ฝๆฐ‘ๅฅๅบทไฟ้™บ)

  • Who is eligible?
    • Residents of Japan who are not covered by employer-sponsored insurance (e.g., self-employed individuals, students, part-time workers, and retirees).
    • Foreign residents staying in Japan for more than 3 months are required to enroll in NHI.
  • Coverage:
    • Covers 70% of medical costs (patients pay 30% out-of-pocket).
    • Includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, and some dental care.
  • Cost:
    • Premiums are based on your income and household size. For low-income individuals, subsidies may be available.
    • Average monthly premiums range from ยฅ2,000 to ยฅ30,000, depending on income.

B. Employee Health Insurance (EHI - ็คพไผšไฟ้™บ)

  • Who is eligible?
    • Full-time employees of companies in Japan are automatically enrolled in EHI by their employer.
  • Coverage:
    • Similar to NHI, covering 70% of medical costs.
    • Often includes additional benefits, such as maternity leave support and family coverage.
  • Cost:
    • Premiums are shared between the employer and employee, typically around 10% of your salary (split equally).

C. Private Health Insurance

  • Who is eligible?
    • Anyone can purchase private insurance to supplement NHI or EHI.
  • Coverage:
    • Offers additional benefits, such as coverage for advanced treatments, private hospital rooms, or international medical care.
  • Cost:
    • Varies widely depending on the provider and coverage level, typically starting at ยฅ5,000 per month.

2. Medical Insurance for Visitors

If you are visiting Hiroshima for a short period (less than 3 months), you are not eligible for NHI or EHI. Instead, you should:

  • Purchase Travel Insurance:
    • Ensure your travel insurance includes comprehensive medical coverage for Japan.
    • Costs vary depending on the provider and duration of your stay, but expect to pay around ยฅ5,000โ€“ยฅ15,000 for a one-month policy.
  • Emergency Medical Assistance:
    • Some hospitals in Hiroshima accept international travel insurance, but you may need to pay upfront and claim reimbursement later.

3. How to Obtain Medical Insurance in Hiroshima

A. For National Health Insurance (NHI):

  1. Register as a Resident:
    • Upon arrival in Japan, visit the Hiroshima City Hall or your local ward office to register your address.
    • Bring your residence card (ๅœจ็•™ใ‚ซใƒผใƒ‰) and passport.
  2. Enroll in NHI:
    • After registering your address, apply for NHI at the same office.
    • You will receive an NHI card (ไฟ้™บ่จผ), which you must present when visiting medical facilities.
  3. Pay Premiums:
    • Premiums are billed monthly. You can pay at convenience stores, banks, or through automatic bank transfers.

B. For Employee Health Insurance (EHI):

  1. Employer Enrollment:
    • Your employer will handle the enrollment process.
    • You will receive an insurance card from your employer.

C. For Private Insurance:

  1. Research Providers:
    • Popular providers include Sompo Japan, Tokio Marine, and AXA.
  2. Apply Online or In-Person:
    • Submit an application with your personal details and choose a plan that suits your needs.

4. Important Requirements

  • Residence Card: Required for NHI and EHI enrollment.
  • My Number Card (ใƒžใ‚คใƒŠใƒณใƒใƒผใ‚ซใƒผใƒ‰): While not mandatory, having this card simplifies administrative processes.
  • Income Information: For NHI, your premiums are calculated based on your income, so you may need to provide proof of earnings.

5. Cultural and Local Considerations

  • Language Barrier:
    • Many medical facilities in Hiroshima primarily operate in Japanese. It is advisable to bring a Japanese-speaking friend or use translation apps.
    • Some hospitals and clinics have English-speaking staff or offer interpretation services.
  • Cash Payments:
    • Even with insurance, you will need to pay 30% of the medical costs upfront. Ensure you have enough cash or a credit card, as some clinics may not accept cards.
  • Preventive Care:
    • Annual health checkups (ไบบ้–“ใƒ‰ใƒƒใ‚ฏ) are common in Japan and often covered by insurance. Consider scheduling one for early detection of health issues.

6. Recommended Hospitals and Medical Centers in Hiroshima

Hiroshima has several reputable hospitals and clinics that cater to international patients. Below are some recommended options:

A. Hiroshima University Hospital (ๅบƒๅณถๅคงๅญฆ็—…้™ข)

  • Overview:
    • A large teaching hospital offering advanced medical care.
    • Known for its international patient support and English-speaking staff.
  • Services:
    • General medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and specialized treatments.
  • Location:
    • 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami Ward, Hiroshima.
  • Contact:

B. Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital & Atomic-bomb Survivors Hospital (ๅบƒๅณถ่ตคๅๅญ—ใƒปๅŽŸ็ˆ†็—…้™ข)

  • Overview:
    • A well-known hospital with a focus on general and emergency care.
    • Offers support for international patients.
  • Services:
    • Emergency care, internal medicine, and specialized treatments.
  • Location:
    • 1-9-6 Senda-machi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima.
  • Contact:

C. Hiroshima City Asa Citizens Hospital (ๅบƒๅณถๅธ‚็ซ‹ๅฎ‰ไฝๅธ‚ๆฐ‘็—…้™ข)

  • Overview:
    • A public hospital with a range of medical services.
    • Some English-speaking staff available.
  • Services:
    • General medicine, pediatrics, and emergency care.
  • Location:
    • 2-1-1 Kabeminami, Asakita Ward, Hiroshima.
  • Contact:

D. International Clinics:

  • Hiroshima Hana Clinic:
    • A private clinic with English-speaking staff, catering to expatriates and travelers.
    • Location: 1-4-3 Otemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima.
    • Phone: +81-82-248-1132.

7. Emergency Medical Assistance

  • Emergency Numbers:
    • Ambulance: Dial 119 (free service, but treatment costs apply).
    • Police: Dial 110.
  • Hiroshima Medical Interpreter Service:
    • Phone: +81-82-241-5010.
    • Provides interpretation support for foreign patients in medical emergencies.

8. Tips for Navigating Healthcare in Hiroshima

  • Always carry your insurance card and residence card.
  • Learn basic Japanese medical terms or download a translation app.
  • For non-urgent care, consider visiting clinics (ใ‚ฏใƒชใƒ‹ใƒƒใ‚ฏ) instead of hospitals, as they are often faster and less crowded.
  • Check if your insurance covers alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, which is popular in Japan.

By understanding the medical insurance system and available healthcare facilities in Hiroshima, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free experience while living or visiting this historic city.