Living Guide Q&A TOP

Consultation contents

【Health Insurance Series８】Let’s have a checkup once a year!

Answer

Are you receiving medical checkups? Medical checkup is a great opportunity to detect abnormalities inside your body at an early stage. Even an abnormal test results without any subjective symptoms may lead to a life-threatening disease if it is left unchecked. It is important to check and compare the annual test results and understand the changes in your body. Make sure to have a medical checkup at least once a year.

In Japan, “specific medical checkups” (Tokutei Kenshin) are available to those who are enrolled in health insurance from the age 40 to 74. The health insurance company you are enrolled in will subsidize the cost of a medical checkup once a year.

★For those who are employed

It is mandatory for the employers to have the employees undergo a medical checkup once a year. If the company offers you a medical checkup, be sure to take it. The employer will be responsible for the cost of the examination items specified by the law.

★Dependents who are enrolled in Kyokai Kenpo

Every April dependents over the age of 40 will receive a notice on specific medical checkup. Enclosed are medical checkup tickets and pamphlets. Please make an appointment in advance at the hospital or venue where you would like to receive a specific medical checkup. If you have a medical checkup ticket, 7,150 yen will be deducted from the total cost. There are also venues where you can receive medical checkups free of charge, so be sure to undergo a medical checkup when you receive a notice.

★Those who are enrolled in National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenkou Hoken)

National Health Insurance also promotes the specific medical checkups, and information will be sent to your home. For more information on the timing and contents, please contact the municipal office of where you live.

Notice to the members of Kyokai Kenpo (Japan Health Insurance Association)

The format of application and notification forms of the Kyokai Kenpo has been changed since January
New forms can be downloaded from the website.
If you have an old form, please do not use it and discard it.

Consultation contents

【Health Insurance Series７】What to expect when visiting a large hospital

Answer

【Revision of Additional Fee for a First-time Patient without a Referral (SENTEI RYOYOHI)】

From October 2022, the national system was revised, and medical expenses for a visit to a large hospital without a referral letter became more expensive.
  • Initial visit　5,000 yen　→　7,000 yen（tax not included）
  • Follow-up visit 2,500 yen　→　3,000 yen（tax not included）

    • This amount is not covered by health insurance and are not included in high-cost medical care expenses. Large hospitals are university hospitals and hospitals with 200 or more beds. Japan has this system to coordinate the allocation of functions and activities among medical institutions.
    If patients with minor illnesses are seen at large hospitals from the start, it will delay the treatment for patients with serious illnesses and for patients who are to be hospitalized.
    Please note that if you visit a large hospital without a referral letter, you will be charged a special fee of 7,000 yen or more in addition to the regular medical expense.
    First, please visit a clinic in your area and receive a referral letter to a large hospital if necessary.

    Consultation contents

    【Health Insurance Series 6】　　When medical expenses are likely to be high

    Answer

    The health insurance system has a “High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit (Kogaku Ryoyohi Seido)” that reimburses you for medical expenses in excess of a certain amount if you apply for it later.

    What is High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit (Kogaku Ryoyohi Seido)?

    When the amount of payment at a hospital or other clinics exceeds a certain amount (*1) during the same month (from the first to the last day of the month), the excess amount will be reimbursed at a later date by applying for reimbursement.
    However, even if reimbursement is available, paying for high medical expenses can be a heavy burden. In such cases, the “Eligibility Certificate for Ceiling-Amount Application” is available.
    ※1 The maximum amount of payment is determined by your age and salary from the company.
    URL：https://www.kyoukaikenpo.or.jp/g3/sb3030/r150/
    →Upper right corner of the page, press Select Language (English, Chinese (Simplified, Traditional), Korean, Spanish, Portuguese)

    What is Eligibility Certificate for Ceiling-Amount Application? (Gendogaku Tekiyo Ninteisho)

    If you know in advance that your medical expenses will be high, by presenting the “Eligibility Certificate for Ceiling-Amount Application” applied and issued in advance, with your insurance card at the cashier when you set the bills, the payment will be limited to a certain maximum amount. Also, you will not need to apply for a refund later on.
    Flow of procedures and use
    1. 　Submit an “Application for Eligibility Certification for Ceiling-Amount” in advance by mail.
    2. 　“Eligibility Certificate for Ceiling-Amount Application” will be issued. (Validity: 1 year (maximum))）
    3. 　Present the “Eligibility Certificate for Ceiling-Amount Application” issued in 2 above, and “Insurance Card” at the hospital counter when setting the bill.
      4. URL：https://www.kyoukaikenpo.or.jp/g3/sb3020/r151/
      →Select Language
    *◇ National health insurance members are also eligible for High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit and Eligibility Certificate for Ceiling-Amount Application. Please apply at your local city/ town office.

    ★★★★★　Expansion of social insurance coverage　★★★★★

    From October 2022, short-time workers who work for a company with 101 or more employees will be able to join the social insurance program if the following conditions are met.　
      　
    • The number of hours worked per week is 20 hours or more but less than 30 hours.　
    • The monthly wage is 88,000 yen or more.
      • (This refers to base salary and other allowances. However, overtime, bonuses, temporary wages, etc. are not included.)
    • Expectation of more than two months of employment.　　
    • Not a student. (Students on leave of absence and nighttime students are eligible for enrollment.)

    Consultation contents

    Your “my number card” may be used as your heath insurance card!

    Answer

    Your “my number card” will be able to be used as your health insurance card at medical institutions・pharmacies that have installed the dedicated card reader. Registration in advance is required.
    　　　　　　　　　

    General My number toll free dial

    ℡　０１２０－９５－０１７８（Japanese only）
    ℡　０１２０－０１７８－２６（service available in English）

    Please contact the local government office of residence.

    Related Web page

    Consultation contents

    【Health Insurance Series 4】Preventing lifestyle-related diseases

    Answer

    Irregular eating habits may lead to “lifestyle-related diseases” such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart attack. “Lifestyle-related diseases” require long-term treatment often accompanied with high medical fees. It may also interfere with your work life.
    In order to prevent such circumstances, it is important to check your health condition by conducting a “health checkup” at a designated institution at least once a year. Early detection of abnormalities in the body may help reduce medical fees in the future.
    After arriving in Japan, eating habits may have changed from having difficulty obtaining the same foods that you were accustomed to. When your diet changes, so does the nutrition balance in your body. It is rather difficult to notice the changes within your body, so how about checking your health through the health checkup?

    【Subsidy for health checkup fees】

    Other than medical fees, Kyoukai Kenpo also has subsidy for health checkups.
    The aim for health checkups at Kyoukai Kenpo is not only for diagnosis and prompt treatment of diseases but to also prevent such lifestyle-related diseases.
    Those between the ages 35-74 working at a company insured with Kyoukai Kenpo are able to receive a detailed health checkup for approximately 7,000 yen. Family members enrolled in the same insurance (aged 40 - 74) may receive simple checkups such as blood tests from 0 yen to approximately 1,500 yen (fees vary depending on method of examination).
    If you wish for a health checkup, please contact a medical institution conducting health checkups or Kyoukai Kenpo Shiga branch by telephone (Japanese only).
    Other details regarding health checkups are available on the Kyoukai Kenpo HP.

    ★If you are not employed at a company, you may receive subsidy from your city or town of residence for health checkups.

    Related Web page

    Consultation contents

    Generic medicine is cheap!

    Answer

    Generic medicine has the same active ingredients and equivalent therapeutic effects to those of the original medicine but are cheaper than the original medicine because it started to sell after the patent for the new medicine had ended. Generic medicine is also common in Japan, accounting for about 80% of medication prescribed by doctors. (These drugs may be bought at hospitals or dispensing pharmacies.)
    If you wish generic products when purchasing medicine at a hospital or dispensing pharmacy, please show the prescription and ask for “generic medicine”. If you are not confident with your Japanese, please scan the QR code and show the image to the staff. (Generic drugs may not exist for certain types of medication.)

    Download (PDF)

    Desire for generic products card　PDF

    Consultation contents

    【Health Insurance Series 2】How to visit hospitals in Japan

    Answer

    Bring your insurance card with you

    A hokensho is an insurance card to be presented when visiting a hospital. It is issued by a company or municipal office. When you present your insurance card at a hospital in Japan, you can be treated at 30% of the total medical expense determined by national standards. However, if you forget your card, you will not only have to pay the whole medical expense, but may also have to pay higher fees as hospitals are free to determine the medical cost and do not have to conform to national standards. Make sure to have your insurance card with you on outings. It may be a good idea for you to make your My-number card as it will be used as your insurance card in the future.

    There are treatments when your insurance card cannot be used

    Your insurance card can be used at most hospitals and compounding pharmacies in Japan. However, there are treatments where your card cannot be used. In addition to folk medicine which does not fall under national standards, insurance cards cannot be used for cosmetic surgery, teeth alignment and those treatments considered non-essential in our everyday lives. Vaccinations, medical examinations, and services for termination of pregnancy are also excluded. In the case of accidents during or to/from work, company employees will be covered by rodo hoken (labor insurance) separate from health insurance. Please contact your company as your insurance card cannot be used for such cases.
    【Save money by visiting the hospital wisely】
    It is reassuring to have a hospital that provides medical care when you suddenly get sick on holidays or at night. However, there may be surcharges resulting in higher medical bills depending on the visit.

    ◇Additional fees will apply when you visit outside service hours

    When you receive medical treatment outside service hours (evenings, early mornings, weekends (Sundays/holidays), midnights), you will have to pay additional fees apart from regular fees. This also applies when having medication compounded at pharmacies. Please check service hours before visiting the medical institution.

    ◇A special fee is required when you visit a major hospital without prior notice

    A special fee of over 5,000 yen is required when you drop into a major hospital without a reference letter. Consult your local primary doctor first, and if necessary, ask for a reference letter to be treated at a major hospital.

    ◇Medical expenses will rise by visiting multiple hospitals

    Have you ever changed hospitals because “symptoms don’t improve” or because the “hospital is too far”? Every time you visit a new hospital, shoshinryo (initial visit fee) will be charged. In addition, examinations and medication may duplicate resulting in higher medical expenses. Decide on your primary care doctor to receive medical treatment at the same hospital.

    Consultation contents

    COVID-19 Doctor Visit / Consultation Guideline

    Answer

    Those with symptoms

    Symptoms
    • Shortness of breath (difficulty breathing), tiredness (fatigue), high fever, etc.
      • ※Symptoms vary from person to person. Consult immediately if you feel you have severe symptoms.
    • Comparatively mild symptoms such as fever or cough
      • ※Expectant mothers, seniors, those on dialysis, those with underlying medical conditions, taking immune-suppressing drugs or anti-cancer drugs should consult as soon as possible. Consult if symptoms persist for more than 4 days.

    Contact

    Weekdays
    Primary care doctor　※prior phone call required
    Weekends & holidays / night
    Consultation Center (consulted by nurse・public health nurse)
    Within Shiga (outside Otsu city)
    ℡　077－528－3621
    Otsu Public Health Office
    ℡　077-526-5411（everyday 8:40am ～ 8:00pm)
    ℡　080-2409-1856 (everyday 8:00pm ～ 8:40am following day)

    Those without symptoms, but feel concerned

    Concerns such as prevention within household, region, workplace, etc.
    General consultation desk （consulted by nurse・public health nurse）
    Shiga Pref. Consultation Desk
    ℡　077-528-3637 (everyday　8:30am ～ 5:15pm）
    Otsu Public Health Office
    ℡　077-522-7228 (weekdays only 8:40am ～ 5:25pm）
    ※Please contact Shiga Foreign Residents Information Center for any language support.（℡　077-523-5646）

    Consultation contents

    Medical institutions in Shiga prefecture that offer medical assistance in foreign languages

    Answer

    Please visit the following site for the list of medical institutions in Shiga prefecture (latest version) that offer medical assistance in foreign languages.

    Related Web page

    Consultation contents

    Information on hospitals and clinics in Shiga Prefecture

    Answer

    Check out the Shiga Prefecture Medical Information website.
    ( in English, Korean, and Chinese languages )

    Related Web page

    Consultation contents

    Emergency Case

    Answer

    Dial 119 to call for ambulance dispatchment (“Kyukyusha onegaishimasu”) and give the following information calmly and clearly.
    • Emergency service needed (Note that 119 is used for both medical and fire emergencies. Make it clear that yours is a medical emergency.)
    • Your location
    • Nature of the emergency; illness or injury
    • Number, sex, and age of patients (adult, child, or infant)
    • Seriousness of injury or illness

    Consultation contents

    AIDS Test and Counseling

    Answer

    Those who are concerned about possible exposure to HIV/AIDS are encouraged to take an antibody test at a public health center. Testing and counseling is anonymous, and offered free of charge in most cases.
    Furthermore, the Health Promotion Division of the Shiga Prefectural Government has a private line to offer telephone counseling or arrange for in-person counseling relating to AIDS.
    Telephone for AIDS counseling
    • 077-524-0051
    • Counseling hours: 9:00 to 12:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays

    Related Web page

    Consultation contents

    Health Insurance Program

    Answer

    Japanese health insurance programs can be roughly divided into employee health insurance and National Health Insurance. Foreigners who are to stay in Japan for more than one year are required to enroll in either one of the insurance programs, under which medical benefits are paid to the insured and their dependents for treatment of illness or injury.
    Employee Health Insurance
    Full-time company employees are automatically enrolled in their company’s health insurance scheme. Under this scheme, the insured and their dependents are eligible for various allowances. The amount of the insurance premium is calculated based on the income of the insured, and the employer pays half the insurance premium.
    The insured is required to pay 30% of the medical cost.
    • Other benefits: Medical treatment allowance and childbirth allowance.
    •National Health Insurance
    Those who are not covered by an employee health insurance scheme and who plan to stay in Japan for more than one year must enroll in National Health Insurance in the municipality of their residence. The amount of the insurance money is calculated annually, based on the household income, the amount of fixed property tax, and the size of the household.
    The insured is required to pay 30% of the medical cost.
    • Other benefits: Childbirth allowance, compensation for high-cost medical treatment, funeral expenses (paid in the case of death of the insured.)
    • You should present your insurance certificate at the reception when receiving treatment at a hospital or clinic.　

    Consultation contents

    Hospitals and Clinics

    Answer

    Each hospital sets its own business hours for outpatients, which are normally weekday mornings. Hospitals are closed on Sundays and national holidays.