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Try and arrange a check up with your doctor before you leave for Japan. It is possible to find English speaking doctors (see Medical Services) but practices may differ, doctors in Japan are rather prone to pumping you full of prescriptions without trying to understand the real problem.
You do not need jabs for Japan. Have your vaccinations updated and get travelling shots as you will most probably be travelling into the rest of Asia in your holidays and getting jabs in Japan is not too easy, in fact outside of a big city it is a real hassle. |
DENTIST
Again, try and have dental work done before you leave with your own dentist. You are covered for dental work by your JET insurance but practices vary, no gloves, people waiting in the room when you are drilled etc. Japanese teeth are on the whole terrible, which does not inspire much confidence.
Preventive care is not included in JET health insurance (i.e.: annual dental check-ups) although your dentist may be able to 'work it'. This is not to say there are no good dentists, you can locate an English speaking dentist through AMDA (see Medical Services).
ONCE YOU HAVE ARRIVED
Once you have arrived at your Host Institution and received your Social Health Insurance card, you should find out the location of your nearest hospital and register there. Although, strictly speaking this doesn't need to be done until you consult a doctor for the first time, it is wise to do it before hand for both peace of mind and because it is a lot less bother to do it when you are in a fine state of health. If you don't speak Japanese, take your supervisor with you, and fill out the registration card with your details (usually Name, Address, Date of Birth and SHI number). You may be asked for your Social Health Insurance card at this time, too.
After registration you may be given a smaller card which you can use in place of your Social Insurance card at that hospital. Although this is convenient, it is recommended that you still carry your SHI with you at all times, in your wallet or purse. Then, should you get sick whilst visiting a friend, or in an area away from your home town, you will at least have your insurance documents on hand.
For more information on medical matters and care see 'Daily life, Medical'.
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