Sendai

1. Overview of Healthcare in Japan

Japan has a highly efficient and accessible healthcare system, and Sendai, as a major city in the Tohoku region, offers excellent medical facilities and services. Healthcare in Japan is primarily funded through a universal health insurance system, ensuring that all residents, including foreigners, have access to affordable medical care.

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2. Types of Health Insurance in Japan

There are two main types of health insurance in Japan, both of which are available to residents of Sendai:

A. National Health Insurance (NHI - 国民健康保険, Kokumin Kenkō Hoken)

• Eligibility:
  • For residents who are self-employed, unemployed, or working part-time.
  • Foreign residents staying in Japan for more than 3 months are required to enroll.
• Coverage:
  • Covers 70% of medical costs (you pay 30% out-of-pocket).
  • Includes doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and some dental care.
• Cost:
  • Premiums are based on your income and household size. For low-income earners, subsidies may be available.
  • Average monthly premiums range from ¥2,000 to ¥30,000.

B. Employee Health Insurance (EHI - 社会保険, Shakai Hoken)

• Eligibility:
  • For full-time employees of companies or organizations.
  • Enrollment is mandatory and handled by your employer.
• Coverage:
  • Similar to NHI, covering 70% of medical costs.
  • May include additional benefits like maternity leave, injury compensation, and family coverage.
• Cost:
  • Premiums are deducted from your salary and shared between you and your employer.
  • Typically, 10-15% of your salary (split equally between you and your employer).

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3. How to Apply for Health Insurance in Sendai

A. Applying for National Health Insurance (NHI)

1. Register Your Residence:
   • Visit the Sendai City Hall or your local ward office (区役所, kuyakusho) to register your address within 14 days of moving to Sendai.
   • Bring your residence card (在留カード, zairyū kādo) and passport.
2. Enroll in NHI:
   • After registering your address, apply for NHI at the same office.
   • Required documents:
     • Residence card
     • Passport
     • My Number card (マイナンバーカード, if available)
   • You will receive a health insurance card (健康保険証, kenkō hokenshō) on the spot or by mail.
3. Pay Premiums:
   • You will receive a payment slip for your premiums. Payments can be made at convenience stores, banks, or through automatic bank transfers.

B. Enrolling in Employee Health Insurance (EHI)

1. Employer Handles Enrollment:
   • Your employer will register you for EHI when you start working.
   • You will receive your health insurance card from your employer.
2. Family Coverage:
   • If you have dependents (spouse, children), they can also be covered under your EHI.

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4. Accessing Healthcare Services in Sendai

A. Finding a Medical Facility

• Types of Facilities:
  • Clinics (クリニック, kurinikku): For minor illnesses and routine care.
  • Hospitals (病院, byōin): For specialized or emergency care.
• Language Support:
  • Some hospitals and clinics in Sendai offer English-speaking staff. Look for facilities like Tohoku University Hospital or use the Sendai Medical Interpreter Service.
  • Alternatively, bring a Japanese-speaking friend or use translation apps.

B. Visiting a Doctor

1. Make an Appointment:
   • Call the clinic or hospital in advance. Walk-ins are accepted at some clinics, but appointments are preferred.
2. Bring Your Health Insurance Card:
   • Present your health insurance card at reception.
   • You will pay 30% of the total cost upfront (or more if you are uninsured).
3. Receive Treatment:
   • Doctors in Japan are highly professional, but consultations may be brief. Be prepared to explain your symptoms clearly.
4. Pay and Collect Medication:
   • After treatment, pay your portion of the bill at the cashier.
   • If prescribed medication, take your prescription to a pharmacy (薬局, yakkyoku).

C. Emergency Services

• Emergency Number: Dial 119 for an ambulance.
• Emergency Hospitals in Sendai:
  • Tohoku University Hospital
  • Sendai City Hospital
• Note: Ambulance services are free, but you will need to pay for treatment at the hospital.

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5. Costs of Healthcare Services

• Doctor Visit: ¥2,000–¥5,000 (with insurance).
• Specialist Visit: ¥3,000–¥10,000 (with insurance).
• Hospital Stay: ¥10,000–¥20,000 per day (with insurance).
• Prescription Medication: ¥500–¥3,000 (with insurance).

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6. Cultural and Local Considerations

A. Politeness and Communication

• Japanese healthcare providers are polite but may not explain procedures in detail unless asked. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or request clarification.

B. Language Barrier

• While some medical staff in Sendai speak English, many do not. Learn basic Japanese medical phrases or bring a translation app.
  • Example: "I have a fever" = 熱があります (Netsu ga arimasu).

C. Preventive Care

• Annual health checkups (健康診断, kenkō shindan) are common in Japan and often subsidized. Check with your employer or local ward office for details.

D. Mental Health Services

• Mental health is less openly discussed in Japan, but services are available. Look for English-speaking counselors or psychiatrists in Sendai.

E. Pharmacy Etiquette

• Pharmacists may ask about your symptoms before dispensing medication. Be prepared to explain your condition.

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7. Helpful Tips

• Carry Your Insurance Card: Always have your health insurance card with you, as it is required for all medical visits.
• Know Your Ward Office: Sendai is divided into five wards (Aoba, Miyagino, Wakabayashi, Taihaku, Izumi). Visit your local ward office for assistance with health insurance and other services.
• Emergency Preparedness: Familiarize yourself with nearby hospitals and emergency numbers, especially since Sendai is in an earthquake-prone region.

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By following this guide, you should be well-prepared to navigate the health insurance and healthcare system in Sendai. If you have further questions or need assistance, feel free to ask!