Health

Having a baby in Japan as a foreigner is entirely manageable — but the system has its own structure, paperwork, and expectations that differ significantly from Western healthcare. Getting familiar with the process early reduces stress enormously. Here’s what to expect from pregnancy through childbirth in Japan. As Soon as You Confirm Pregnancy 1. Get Your 母子手帳 (Mother and Child Health Handbook) This is the most important document in Japanese pregnancy. Go to your city hall (市役所) as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed by a doctor. ...

Japan’s national health insurance covers you domestically — but the moment you leave the country, you’re uninsured unless you have separate travel coverage. For residents who travel regularly, the right travel insurance policy matters. Here’s how to choose one. What Japan’s NHI Covers Abroad Japan’s National Health Insurance does have an overseas claims system (海外療養費) — but it’s limited: You pay upfront for all overseas treatment You then claim a reimbursement back from your Japanese municipality Reimbursement is calculated at Japanese standard rates, not the actual overseas cost You receive roughly 70% of the Japanese equivalent cost — which is often a fraction of what you actually paid Example: A US hospital visit that costs $5,000 might be reimbursed at the equivalent of ¥30,000–50,000 (a few hundred dollars). The gap is entirely your responsibility. ...

Quick Answer In Japan, public health insurance covers most basic dental work at 70% — you pay 30%. Routine checkup: ¥1,500–3,000. Simple filling: ¥1,000–2,500. Root canal: ¥5,000–15,000. Covered: cleanings, fillings, X-rays, root canals, extractions, metal crowns. NOT covered: whitening, ceramic crowns, implants, braces. Any foreigner registered at city hall is automatically enrolled in health insurance, which includes dental. Bring your insurance card (保険証) to every appointment. To find an English-speaking dentist: search “英語対応 歯科 [your city]” on Google Maps. ...

Quick Answer #7119 is Japan’s free medical advice hotline. Call it when you’re unsure if your situation needs a 119 ambulance. A trained nurse answers, asks about your symptoms, and tells you: call 119 now, go to the ER, or wait until morning. Free from any Japanese phone. Available 24/7 in Tokyo (with English interpretation), Osaka, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Aichi, Fukuoka, Kyoto, and Hyogo. In a life-threatening emergency (chest pain, unconsciousness, severe bleeding) — skip 7119 and call 119 immediately. ...