Kobe
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Health Insurance and Hospitals
An introduction to the health insurance system in Japan and accessing medical facilities in Kobe.
Sections
Health Insurance in Kobe, Japan
1. Overview of Health Insurance in Japan
Japan has a highly efficient and accessible healthcare system, and health insurance is mandatory for all residents, including foreign nationals living in the country for more than three months. Visitors are encouraged to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses during their stay.
There are two main types of health insurance in Japan:
- Public Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken or Shakai Hoken):
- Covers 70% of medical costs, leaving the insured to pay 30% out-of-pocket.
- Includes coverage for hospital visits, prescriptions, and some dental and mental health services.
- Private Health Insurance:
- Supplements public insurance by covering the remaining 30% or providing additional benefits like private rooms in hospitals, advanced treatments, or international coverage.
2. Public Health Insurance Options
a. National Health Insurance (NHI - Kokumin Kenko Hoken):
- Eligibility: For self-employed individuals, students, retirees, and those not covered by employer-sponsored insurance.
- Cost: Premiums are based on income and range from ยฅ10,000 to ยฅ50,000 per month for most people. Low-income individuals may qualify for reduced premiums.
- How to Apply:
- Register at your local ward office (Kobe City Hall or your local ward office).
- Bring your residence card, passport, and proof of address.
- You will receive a health insurance card (hokensho) to present at hospitals and clinics.
b. Employee Health Insurance (Shakai Hoken):
- Eligibility: For full-time employees of companies.
- Cost: Premiums are shared between the employer and employee, typically around 10% of your salary.
- How to Apply: Your employer will handle the registration process.
3. Private Health Insurance
- Purpose: To cover the 30% co-payment or provide additional benefits like access to private hospitals, English-speaking doctors, or international coverage.
- Cost: Varies widely depending on the provider and coverage, typically starting at ยฅ5,000 per month.
- Popular Providers:
- Aetna International
- Allianz Care
- AXA Japan
- Sompo Japan Nipponkoa
Hospitals in Kobe
Kobe is home to several high-quality hospitals and clinics, many of which cater to international patients. Below are some notable hospitals, their specialties, and practical information.
1. Kobe University Hospital
- Specialties: General medicine, advanced treatments, cancer care, and organ transplants.
- Location: 7-5-2 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe.
- Contact: +81 78-382-5111
- Features:
- A teaching hospital affiliated with Kobe University.
- Offers advanced medical care and research-based treatments.
- English-speaking staff available in some departments.
- Cultural Note: Appointments are recommended, and you may need a referral for specialized care.
2. Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital
- Specialties: Emergency care, cardiology, neurology, and pediatrics.
- Location: 2-1-1 Minatojima Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe.
- Contact: +81 78-302-4321
- Features:
- One of the largest hospitals in Kobe, with a focus on emergency and critical care.
- Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
- Offers interpretation services for foreign patients.
3. Rokko Island Hospital
- Specialties: Internal medicine, orthopedics, and rehabilitation.
- Location: 2-11 Koyocho Naka, Higashinada-ku, Kobe.
- Contact: +81 78-857-1001
- Features:
- Located on Rokko Island, convenient for expatriates living in the area.
- Known for its rehabilitation services and outpatient care.
- English-speaking staff available.
4. Hyogo Prefectural Kobe Childrenโs Hospital
- Specialties: Pediatrics, neonatal care, and pediatric surgery.
- Location: 1-1-1 Takakuradai, Suma-ku, Kobe.
- Contact: +81 78-945-7300
- Features:
- Specializes in care for children and infants.
- Offers advanced treatments for rare pediatric conditions.
5. Kobe Kaisei Hospital
- Specialties: General medicine, gynecology, and maternity care.
- Location: 3-11-15 Shinohara Kitamachi, Nada-ku, Kobe.
- Contact: +81 78-871-5201
- Features:
- Popular among women for maternity and gynecological care.
- Offers a comfortable environment for childbirth.
Cultural Considerations When Visiting Hospitals in Kobe
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Appointments:
- Most hospitals and clinics require appointments, especially for non-emergency care.
- Walk-ins are generally accepted only in emergencies.
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Language Barrier:
- While some hospitals have English-speaking staff, itโs advisable to bring a Japanese-speaking friend or hire an interpreter if youโre not fluent in Japanese.
- Some hospitals offer interpretation services, but you may need to request this in advance.
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Payment:
- Public insurance covers 70% of costs, but youโll need to pay the remaining 30% at the time of your visit.
- Credit cards are accepted at most major hospitals, but smaller clinics may require cash.
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Cultural Etiquette:
- Be punctual for appointments.
- Remove your shoes if entering certain areas, such as rehabilitation or maternity wards.
- Bowing is a common form of greeting and showing respect.
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Prescriptions:
- Prescriptions are filled at pharmacies (yakkyoku) rather than hospitals. Youโll receive a prescription slip to take to a nearby pharmacy.
Emergency Medical Services in Kobe
- Emergency Number: Dial 119 for an ambulance.
- Cost: Ambulance services are free, but youโll need to pay for hospital treatment.
- Tips:
- Clearly state your location and the nature of the emergency.
- If you donโt speak Japanese, say โEigo o hanasemasu ka?โ (Can you speak English?).
Typical Costs for Medical Services
- Doctorโs Visit (with insurance): ยฅ2,000โยฅ5,000
- Specialist Consultation (with insurance): ยฅ3,000โยฅ10,000
- Hospital Stay (per day, with insurance): ยฅ5,000โยฅ20,000
- Without Insurance: Costs can be significantly higher, so having insurance is highly recommended.
Conclusion
Kobe offers excellent healthcare services, with a mix of public and private insurance options to suit different needs. The cityโs hospitals are well-equipped and provide high-quality care, often with services tailored to international patients. By understanding the insurance system, cultural norms, and available facilities, you can navigate Kobeโs healthcare system with confidence.