Yokohama

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Healthcare

Overview of healthcare access, including hospitals, clinics, and health insurance for newcomers.

Sections

1. Overview of Japanโ€™s Healthcare System

Japan has a universal healthcare system that provides high-quality medical services to all residents, including foreign residents. The system is primarily funded through public health insurance, which ensures that medical costs are affordable. Yokohama, as part of Japan, adheres to this national framework, with a wide range of healthcare facilities and services available.

2. Healthcare Insurance Options

A. National Health Insurance (NHI)

  • Eligibility: All residents of Japan, including foreign residents staying for more than 3 months, are required to enroll in health insurance. This includes the National Health Insurance (NHI) system for those who are self-employed, unemployed, or not covered by employer-sponsored insurance.
  • Coverage: NHI covers 70% of medical costs, leaving you responsible for 30%. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and some dental care.
  • Enrollment: You can enroll at your local ward office (ๅŒบๅฝนๆ‰€, kuyakusho). In Yokohama, this would be the ward office of the area where you reside (e.g., Naka Ward Office, Kanagawa Ward Office).
  • Cost: Premiums are based on your income and household size. For low-income earners, subsidies may be available.

B. Employee Health Insurance (EHI)

  • Eligibility: If you are employed full-time, your employer will typically enroll you in Employee Health Insurance (EHI).
  • Coverage: Similar to NHI, EHI covers 70% of medical costs. It also includes additional benefits such as maternity leave compensation and coverage for dependents.
  • Cost: Premiums are shared between you and your employer.

C. Private Insurance

  • While public insurance is comprehensive, some people opt for private insurance to cover the 30% co-payment or to access additional services like private rooms in hospitals or alternative treatments.

3. Accessing Medical Services in Yokohama

A. Finding a Doctor or Clinic

  • General Practitioners (GPs): For non-emergency issues, visit a local clinic (ใ‚ฏใƒชใƒ‹ใƒƒใ‚ฏ, kurinikku). Many clinics specialize in internal medicine (ๅ†…็ง‘, naika), pediatrics (ๅฐๅ…็ง‘, shonika), or other fields.
  • Hospitals: For more serious conditions or specialized care, you can visit a hospital (็—…้™ข, byouin). Yokohama has several large hospitals with advanced facilities.
  • English-Speaking Doctors: Some clinics and hospitals in Yokohama cater to foreign residents and have English-speaking staff. Examples include:
    • Yokohama City Minato Red Cross Hospital
    • St. Lukeโ€™s International Hospital (nearby in Tokyo, but accessible)
    • Yokohama Rosai Hospital

B. Making an Appointment

  • Appointments are usually required for non-emergency visits. Call ahead or use online booking systems if available.
  • For specialists, you may need a referral from a GP.

C. Emergency Services

  • Dial 119 for an ambulance in case of a medical emergency. Ambulance services are free, but you will be charged for the medical care you receive at the hospital.
  • Major emergency hospitals in Yokohama include:
    • Yokohama City University Hospital
    • Kanagawa Prefectural Hospital

D. Pharmacies

  • Pharmacies (่–ฌๅฑ€, yakkyoku) are widely available and dispense prescription medications. Over-the-counter medications can also be purchased at drugstores (ใƒ‰ใƒฉใƒƒใ‚ฐใ‚นใƒˆใ‚ข, doraggu sutoa).
  • Bring your prescription and health insurance card when visiting a pharmacy.

4. Costs of Healthcare

  • Doctor Visits: A typical visit to a GP costs around ยฅ2,000โ€“ยฅ3,000 after insurance.
  • Specialist Visits: Costs may range from ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ5,000 after insurance.
  • Hospital Stays: Daily costs for a hospital stay can range from ยฅ10,000โ€“ยฅ20,000, depending on the type of room and care required. Insurance covers 70% of these costs.
  • Prescription Medications: Costs vary but are generally affordable with insurance.

5. Procedures for Accessing Healthcare

  1. Enroll in Health Insurance: Visit your local ward office to register for NHI or confirm your EHI enrollment with your employer.
  2. Carry Your Health Insurance Card: Always bring your health insurance card (ๅฅๅบทไฟ้™บ่จผ, kenkou hokenshou) when visiting a clinic, hospital, or pharmacy.
  3. Choose a Facility: Decide whether to visit a clinic, hospital, or specialist based on your condition.
  4. Pay at the Reception: After your consultation, pay the 30% co-payment at the reception desk. Some facilities accept credit cards, but cash is still widely used.
  5. Follow Up: If needed, schedule follow-up appointments or visit a pharmacy for prescribed medications.

6. Cultural and Practical Considerations

  • Language Barrier: While many healthcare professionals in Yokohama speak some English, itโ€™s helpful to learn basic Japanese medical terms or bring a Japanese-speaking friend. Alternatively, use translation apps or services like the Japan Medical Interpreter Association.
  • Politeness and Patience: Japanese healthcare providers are known for their professionalism and politeness. Be patient and respectful during consultations.
  • Health Checkups: Annual health checkups (ๅฅๅบท่จบๆ–ญ, kenkou shindan) are common in Japan and may be required by employers or schools.
  • Mental Health Services: Mental health is less openly discussed in Japan, but services are available. Look for English-speaking counselors or therapists in Yokohama if needed.

7. Local Healthcare Facilities in Yokohama

Here are some notable healthcare facilities in Yokohama:

Hospitals

  1. Yokohama City University Hospital

    • Specializes in advanced medical care and research.
    • Address: 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama.
    • Website: YCU Hospital

  2. Yokohama Rosai Hospital

    • Known for occupational health and general medical care.
    • Address: 3211 Kozukue-cho, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama.

  3. Yokohama Minato Red Cross Hospital

    • Offers emergency care and a wide range of specialties.
    • Address: 3-12-1 Shinyamashita, Naka-ku, Yokohama.

Clinics

  1. Yokohama International Clinic

    • Caters to foreign residents with English-speaking staff.
    • Address: 1-2-5 Takashima, Nishi-ku, Yokohama.

  2. Minatomirai Medical Clinic

    • Located in the Minato Mirai area, convenient for expatriates.
    • Address: 2-3-5 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama.

Pharmacies

  • Matsumoto Kiyoshi: A popular chain with locations throughout Yokohama.
  • Sugi Pharmacy: Offers prescription and over-the-counter medications.

8. Additional Resources

  • Yokohama City Official Website: Provides information on healthcare services for residents, including foreign residents. Yokohama City Website
  • AMDA International Medical Information Center: Offers multilingual support for accessing healthcare in Japan. AMDA Website

By understanding the healthcare system in Yokohama and preparing accordingly, you can ensure a smooth experience when accessing medical services. Whether youโ€™re a visitor or a long-term resident, the cityโ€™s healthcare infrastructure is designed to meet your needs efficiently and affordably.