James_UK wrote:
> Hi
>     I am marrying my Japanese girlfriend in the UK in the next 6
> months. We are thinking about going to live and work in Japan in a year
> or so. The question I have which someone might be able to answer
> regards the health scheme. I need to know if any scheme will pay for
> tablets I need to take each day for a kidney condition. I also need
> checkups every 3 months at the hospital. I know this is a bit specific
> but someone may know. Any resourses that anyone has will be great as
> well.

I've heard that many Engrish teachers and the like use travelers
insurance, but it always seemed a fiddle to me, quite frankly. As Mike
has pointed out, you have to (for various values of "have to") pay
every month for health insurance, so when you go to the quack's you pay
30%, the state pays 70%.

Two things I'd do before you go is (1) get a detailed explanation of
the medicine you're taking, including its generic name, and check
whether it's available in Japan or not, and (2) get your medical
history also, especially if it's a relatively complicated issue, so you
can hopefully avoid too much retesting by the J docs to catch up with
your case.

I've mostly had good experiences with docs here (unlike most of the
stories you hear!) and if you can get you gf/wife to translate for you,
all the better. Get her to study up on the disease background too!

Also, don't be afraid to do doctor shopping - don't rely purely on your
in-laws recommendations.

> Many Thanks

HTH

> James

Ken