Japan Healthcare System - an Overview

Healthcare is a basic need, and a sensitive topic for many, and Japan understands this too well. The Japanese government boasts of first-class yet affordable healthcare for all. Want to know more? In 2016 the country was scooped a top position in the healthcare category with a lifespan of about 83.7 years!

The Japanese health system offers multiple examinations and screening, superb prenatal care, infectious disease control, and more. Healthcare in Japan is quite affordable, and the system puts a lot of emphasis on preventive care. The citizens have a longer life expectancy compared to other countries globally.

How easy is it to access healthcare?

People working full time or those employed by big companies are eligible for SHI coverage. Their employers handle all the paperwork, and the employed find it easy to undergo the treatment process. Similarly, those under NHI and expats have to follow a long process to access healthcare.

Free Download] Doctor Appointment Booking System

The NHI office takes care of the paperwork, and you must visit their offices before accessing healthcare services. Also, if you relocate to another area, you have to re-register with the nearest regional office. Nonetheless, public and private facilities are easily accessible, though hospitals charge more for patients with no referral letters.

What’s the cost of healthcare in Japan?

Japan offers Social Health Insurance-SHI, which applies to all citizens working full-time or those employed in large corporations. If you’re employed, a certain percentage of your salary is deducted to cater for SHI. However, others who don’t qualify for SHI aren’t left out either.

They fall under the NHI (national health insurance) plan. These are, for example, business people, self-employed, the unemployed, and immigrants. Japan healthcare for foreigners is cost-effective, and there are many health insurance options. This then allows them to access universal healthcare just like the locals do.

How Singapore Provides High-Quality Healthcare at Low Costs | HHM Global | B2B Online Platform & Magazine

In Japan, the healthcare burden lies with the government, which caters to about 70% of the cost. The patient pays up the remaining amount, and the cost of treatment and fees is adjusted every two years by a government committee. And this helps prevent fraud in the healthcare system.

How is the medical payment schedule?

Patients pay for medical services through a fee schedule. This is set by the government and includes primary care and specialist care fees for advanced treatment. Moreover, the fee schedule is uniform for all patients and health providers. And this means that different hospitals charge similar prices for medicines and services offered.

That’s not all, though! The Japanese government offers subsidies to the elderly and the poor. This assists them in paying for their healthcare insurance and ensures universal access to healthcare.

What services are covered under the health plans?

Japan’s healthcare plan covers both primary and specialty care. It also covers mental, dental care and prescription drugs for the elderly. What of pregnant mothers? This is the best bit. The government subsidizes medical checkups for ante-natal care, making it easy for pregnant women to access adequate medical care. The disabled also get support through subsidies. And this helps them to pay for any special equipment like wheelchairs and hearing aids.

What happens during emergencies?

In case of medical emergencies, it’s advisable to seek help from a clinic first. They may not open throughout the day, and it’s best to find out the best places to seek care. Hospitals charge for services outside their operating hours.

It’s then critical to determine whether your favorite hospital operates at night or during the weekends. You can as well call in advance and request an ambulance if necessary. Japan offers free ambulance transportation, making it easier to access help from far way clinics or hospitals.

Passage of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act - Events Category Contestant

How do the clinics& hospitals operate?

Most hospitals in Japan accept health insurance and will only bill you the standard 30%. Most clinics and hospitals prefer cash payments to credit or debit cards. However, you need to check the schedules; they vary from one hospital to another. It’s also good to have a referral from a doctor. Otherwise, you’ll pay more for healthcare services.

Physicians and nurses- What’s the state of health providers?

Japan invests a lot in preventive ace, but there are some limitations to health providers. Nurses and physicians are barred from renewing their licenses and aren’t allowed to participate in continuous education or training. Moreover, there are fewer general practitioners in the county, and you won’t find family doctors or physicians as with many other countries.

There’s an uneven distribution of health providers in Japan. Unlike in other countries where professionals flock major cities, the opposite is true in Japan. You’ll find many physicians in rural areas, which can be attributed to a higher quality of life and stress-free work environment in rural Japan. There’s good news, though. Most physicians specialize in certain care provision areas, which benefits patients in numerous ways.

Final thoughts

Japan’s healthcare is universal and affordable. The country offers quality healthcare services to its citizens and visitors who live in the county for more than a year. This makes it a favorite place for both locals and visitors. If you’re touring Japan for the first time, you’ll not only enjoy excellent healthcare services, but there are many things to see and do in the enchanting city.

Japan Healthcare System – an Overview

Speak Your Mind Cancel reply