The Japanese are renowned for being healthier and leading a well-managed lifestyles, evident with a high life expectancy of 82.25 years.
Regarded as the best medical system in the world with its excellent facilities, Japan's healthcare is still reasonably priced compared to the US.
The health care system is available to expats once registered at your local municipal office.
Among the most advanced nations worldwide, Japan has the lowest per capita health care cost. Residents are required to enroll in a Japanese insurance program. The health care system is a universal scheme provided by the national and local governments. The structure of the coverage depends on individual factors based on work status, age, and visitor status, among others.
The insurance cost varies and premiums are calculated based on monthly earnings, regardless of an individual's medical risk. Scaled to an annual income, the insurance premium is 0-50,000 Yen per household. Categories for insurance are the Employees Health Insurance, a health insurance for workers, and the National Health Insurance, which provides assistance to the unemployed.
Health care (medical and dental) is provided free to all native Japanese and surprisingly, also for foreigners. In addition, 70% or more of the cost is paid by the public health insurance for each consult and prescribed drug. The main objective of this scheme is to provide equal access to all patients who need medical care. Everyone can choose their own physician and facilities. All elderly persons are government sponsored for any medical needs.
Note that the "Family Doctor" system is not used in Japan.
As a leader in technological innovation, expats can expect to find the latest medical equipment and newest inventions designed for health care in Japan. Many Japanese surgeons and specialists graduated in high profile universities in the US and Europe. However, there is a significantly smaller number of Japanese that practice their medical profession, mainly because they are focused on developing new technology outside the health care industry, and give more importance to their family business.
One alarming fact about Japan is its high suicide rate. In 2008, the suicide rate dropped to 844 or 2.6% from 2007. In 2009, however, the numbers continued to climb; from January to August 22,362 people committed suicide. A major factor in these suicides cases is depression, concludes the National Police Agency.
One of the major concerns for expats is being able to find a hospital with English-speaking medical staff. Due to the influx of immigrants, the government has taken the initiative to find English-speaking professionals in order to provide quality health care service for all migrants. Your health facility can refer English-speaking doctors and dentists.
Japan still offers numerous alternative health therapies, such as folk remedies (hot springs baths, and chemical and herbal over-the-counter medications) and traditional healers (herbalists, masseurs, and acupuncturists) that are appealing to Westerners and visitors.
