⛑️ COMO FUNCIONA O SISTEMA DE SAÚDE NO JAPÃO | É BOM?

Summary

This video provides an in-depth look at Japan's health insurance system, highlighting the differences from Brazil. It covers key topics such as the costs associated with healthcare, the types of insurance plans available, and the experiences of foreigners in Japan. The speaker explains how the system works, including the 30% cost-sharing for medical visits and medications, and the challenges faced in accessing thorough care. The video also addresses issues with emergency services, dental care, and the preference for natural childbirth. Overall, it offers valuable insights for those planning to live or work in Japan.

Takeaways

• 😀 Health insurance in Japan is not free; everything must be paid for, including doctor visits and medications.
• 😀 There are two main types of health insurance in Japan: employer-provided 'Shakai Hoken' and municipal health insurance, known as 'Kokuho'.
• 😀 The health insurance system covers 70% of medical costs, and patients are responsible for the remaining 30%.
• 😀 If medical costs exceed 100,000 yen, patients can apply for additional assistance from the municipal office, depending on their income.
• 😀 Health care in Japan can be superficial, especially for foreigners, and some doctors may not conduct in-depth investigations into medical conditions.
• 😀 Emergency care in Japan can be slow, and after-hours hospital services may charge significantly higher fees than regular consultations.
• 😀 Japan's medical system is well-equipped with advanced technology, but the medical procedures themselves can be slower than in countries like Brazil.
• 😀 In the event of a serious illness, many people recommend returning to Brazil for treatment due to the higher quality and faster response in Brazilian hospitals.
• 😀 Dental coverage in Japan only includes basic procedures and does not cover aesthetic dentistry such as porcelain crowns or cosmetic surgeries.
• 😀 Japan’s approach to childbirth prefers natural births, with cesarean sections typically only being performed in emergencies.
• 😀 The cost of giving birth in Japan can be partially reimbursed, which is a financial benefit for parents, though the exact amount varies.

Q & A

How does the health insurance system work in Japan?

In Japan, health insurance is not free like in some other countries. You are typically covered by either a health insurance plan provided by your employer or, if not, the municipal government. There are two main types of health insurance: employer-provided insurance (Shakai Hoken) and the municipal health insurance (Kokuho). Both systems share the cost of healthcare, where you pay 30% of medical costs and the insurance covers the remaining 70%.

What happens if you need medical treatment but your employer doesn't provide insurance?

If your employer doesn't provide insurance, you are required to join the municipal health insurance system (Kokuho), which is managed by the local government. You would pay a monthly premium based on your income, and in exchange, you can receive the same healthcare benefits as those who are part of the employer-provided insurance system.

What is the cost structure for medical treatments in Japan?

The cost of medical treatments in Japan generally requires you to pay 30% of the total bill, with the insurance covering the remaining 70%. For surgeries, hospitalizations, or examinations exceeding 100,000 yen, you can apply for a subsidy to limit the out-of-pocket costs. However, there are additional charges for things like emergency visits and prescription medications.

How does health insurance cover dental treatments in Japan?

Dental insurance in Japan typically does not cover aesthetic treatments, such as teeth whitening or porcelain dental work. It will cover basic dental procedures, like fillings, but generally only for cheaper materials like silver. If you want cosmetic treatments, you will likely have to pay the full cost out of pocket.

Are medical procedures in Japan quick or slow?

Medical procedures in Japan are often slower compared to countries like Brazil. For example, surgeries and treatments are sometimes postponed, and there is a tendency for doctors to avoid aggressive procedures unless absolutely necessary. While the technology in hospitals is very advanced, the approach to patient care is more cautious and less proactive.

Is emergency care available 24/7 in Japan?

Emergency care in Japan is not always available at all hours. After hours, many hospitals do not have full specialist staff on hand, and some may send patients home with the instruction to return during regular hours. Additionally, emergency care services, such as ambulances, operate at a slower pace than in other countries, often prioritizing safety over speed.

How does childbirth work in Japan?

In Japan, most childbirths are done through natural births rather than cesarean sections. A cesarean is typically only performed in emergency cases. The country emphasizes 'humanized' births, but there have been reports of delays in delivery, which may result in complications for the baby. However, one benefit is that the cost of childbirth is partially reimbursed by the government after the birth.

What are the major disadvantages of the Japanese healthcare system?

The main disadvantages of the Japanese healthcare system include its relatively slow approach to treatment and a lack of depth in medical investigations. Additionally, the system is very costly for serious or prolonged conditions, especially for foreign residents who may not be accustomed to paying high out-of-pocket expenses for treatment.

What is the situation for cancer treatment in Japan?

While Japan has advanced medical technology, the speaker suggests that cancer treatment in Japan may not be as effective as in Brazil. Japan's healthcare system can be expensive, and patients may need to pay a significant portion of the costs even if they have insurance. The speaker recommends seeking treatment in Brazil if diagnosed with cancer, as Brazilian hospitals may offer more comprehensive care.

Why might it be advisable to return to Brazil for serious medical conditions while in Japan?

For serious medical conditions, particularly those requiring intensive or long-term treatment, the speaker advises returning to Brazil. This is because Japan's healthcare system may not offer the same level of in-depth care, especially for chronic or severe diseases. Additionally, Brazil has more accessible treatments and medications under the public healthcare system (SUS), which can be free of charge.