Global Major Cities Guide

Overview of medical services, health insurance, and access to hospitals and clinics in Nagoya.

Sections

1. Overview of Japan’s Healthcare System

Japan operates a universal healthcare system, meaning all residents, including expatriates, are required to enroll in health insurance. The system is highly efficient, offering high-quality care at relatively low costs. Healthcare in Japan is primarily funded through two types of insurance:

National Health Insurance (NHI): For self-employed individuals, students, retirees, and those not covered by employer-sponsored insurance.
Employees’ Health Insurance (EHI): For salaried workers and their dependents, provided through employers.

Nagoya, as a major city, has a wide range of public and private healthcare facilities, including general hospitals, specialized clinics, and international medical centers catering to expatriates.

2. How the Healthcare System Works in Nagoya

Registration: Upon moving to Nagoya, you must register your residence at the local ward office (区役所, kuyakusho). Once registered, you can enroll in either NHI or EHI, depending on your employment status.
Insurance Card: After enrolling, you’ll receive a health insurance card (hokensho), which you must present when visiting medical facilities.
Co-Payments: Patients typically pay 30% of medical costs out-of-pocket, while insurance covers the remaining 70%. For children, the elderly, and low-income individuals, co-payments may be reduced or waived.
Access to Care: You can visit any clinic or hospital without a referral, though larger hospitals may charge an additional fee if you don’t have a referral from a smaller clinic.

3. Costs of Healthcare in Nagoya

Healthcare in Japan is affordable compared to many other developed countries. Below is a breakdown of typical costs:

Doctor’s Visit: ¥2,000–¥5,000 (with insurance) for a consultation at a clinic.
Specialist Visit: ¥3,000–¥7,000 (with insurance) for a consultation with a specialist.
Prescription Medications: ¥500–¥2,000 per prescription (with insurance).
Hospitalization: ¥10,000–¥20,000 per day (with insurance), including meals and basic care.
Health Insurance Premiums:
- For NHI, premiums are based on your income and range from ¥10,000–¥50,000 per month.
- For EHI, premiums are deducted from your salary and typically amount to 10% of your income (split between you and your employer).

4. Insurance Options for Residents and Expatriates

National Health Insurance (NHI)

Eligibility: Self-employed individuals, students, retirees, and expatriates without employer-sponsored insurance.
Enrollment: Register at your local ward office within 14 days of moving to Nagoya.
Premiums: Calculated based on your previous year’s income. If you’re new to Japan, you’ll pay the minimum premium initially.
Coverage: Includes doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, maternity care, and some dental and mental health services.

Employees’ Health Insurance (EHI)

Eligibility: Salaried employees and their dependents.
Enrollment: Your employer will handle the enrollment process.
Premiums: Automatically deducted from your salary.
Coverage: Similar to NHI but may include additional benefits like annual health check-ups and subsidies for dependents.

Private Insurance

While public insurance is comprehensive, some expatriates opt for private insurance to cover services not included in NHI/EHI, such as advanced dental care, private rooms in hospitals, or English-speaking doctors.

5. Common Procedures and Services

Nagoya’s healthcare facilities are equipped to handle a wide range of medical needs. Here are some common procedures and services:

General Check-Ups: Annual health check-ups (ningen dock) are common and often subsidized by employers.
Vaccinations: Routine vaccinations for children are covered by insurance. Adults may need to pay for optional vaccines like influenza or travel-related immunizations.
Maternity Care: Prenatal care and childbirth are partially covered by insurance. The government provides a childbirth allowance (shussan ikuji ichijikin) of ¥420,000 per child.
Dental Care: Basic dental care is covered by insurance, but cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening are not.
Mental Health Services: Psychiatrists and counselors are available, though mental health care is less commonly sought in Japan due to cultural stigmas. English-speaking therapists are available in Nagoya.

6. Specific Benefits and Considerations for Residents and Expatriates

For Residents

Child Healthcare Subsidies: Nagoya offers subsidies for children’s medical expenses, reducing or eliminating co-payments for doctor visits and prescriptions.
Elderly Care: Residents over 75 are eligible for reduced co-payments (10% of costs).
Preventive Care: Nagoya’s local government promotes preventive care through free or low-cost screenings for cancer, diabetes, and other conditions.

For Expatriates

Language Support: Many hospitals and clinics in Nagoya have English-speaking staff or offer interpretation services. The Nagoya International Center (NIC) provides a list of English-speaking medical facilities.
Cultural Sensitivity: Japanese healthcare providers are professional and respectful, but it’s important to understand cultural norms, such as removing shoes in certain areas of clinics or hospitals.
Emergency Services: Dial 119 for ambulance services. Ambulances are free, but you’ll need to pay for treatment at the hospital.

7. Tips for Navigating Healthcare in Nagoya

Carry Your Insurance Card: Always bring your health insurance card to medical appointments.
Visit Clinics First: For non-urgent issues, visit a local clinic (shinryoujo) instead of a hospital to save time and money.
Use the Nagoya International Center: The NIC offers multilingual support and can help you find medical facilities, understand procedures, and navigate the healthcare system.
Prepare for Cash Payments: While many facilities accept credit cards, smaller clinics may only accept cash.
Learn Basic Japanese Phrases: While many doctors speak English, knowing basic phrases like “I have a fever” (netsu ga arimasu) or “I feel pain here” (koko ga itai desu) can be helpful.

8. Emergency and After-Hours Care

Emergency Rooms: Major hospitals like Nagoya University Hospital and Nagoya City University Hospital have 24/7 emergency departments.
After-Hours Clinics: Nagoya has after-hours clinics for non-life-threatening issues. The NIC can provide information on these facilities.
Pharmacies: Many pharmacies (kusuriya or yakkyoku) are open late, and some are 24/7. Look for the green cross sign.

9. Key Healthcare Facilities in Nagoya

Nagoya University Hospital: A leading hospital with English-speaking staff and advanced medical care.
Nagoya City University Hospital: Known for its comprehensive services and international patient support.
Meijo Hospital: Offers a wide range of specialties and English-speaking staff.
Nagoya International Clinic: Caters specifically to expatriates with English-speaking doctors.

10. Conclusion

Nagoya’s healthcare system is efficient, affordable, and accessible to both residents and expatriates. By enrolling in the appropriate insurance program, understanding the costs, and familiarizing yourself with local facilities, you can ensure you receive high-quality care during your time in Nagoya. For additional support, the Nagoya International Center is an invaluable resource for navigating healthcare and other aspects of life in the city.

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