Medical question

[musicisgood]

If one has medical treatment outside of Japan, does the National Health Insurance reimburse ( hensai suru ) one of its medical cost?
Thanks.

 

[thomas]

Below some AI-generated info.

However, you should contact the National Health Insurance Division (国民健康保険 Kokumin kenkōhoken) at your local city or ward office.

The Japanese National Health Insurance (NHI) will reimburse overseas medical expenses for illness or injury up to the cost of a similar treatment in Japan. The reimbursement amount depends on the exchange rate on the day of payment.

How it works

1. Pay for medical care upfront.
   • Apply for reimbursement using the Application Form for Overseas Medical Care Expenses.
   • The NHI will calculate the reimbursement amount based on the standard cost for the treatment in Japan.
   • The NHI will pay the reimbursement amount minus the amount you paid

What's not covered?

Non-urgent treatments, Costs for statements and translations, and Travel specifically for medical care.

How long does it take?

• It can take 3–4 months to receive reimbursement after applying
• The claim period is two years from the date of treatment

What else to consider?

• You can apply for reimbursement even if you travelled for pleasure or business.
• You can purchase private travel insurance

 

[musicisgood]

OK, I went today. The paper work is like, oh my God. It's very complicated. I'll follow up on the paper work that has to be submitted this weekend to show you folks what it looks. I'm glad I found all this out today. Actually, the Japanese only pays a small percentage of the cost. But I hope to go through all the process. All my statements are in Thai and its required to be translated into Japanese including any English on the Thai forms.
Actually, I have to send my paper work back to Thailand. It cost way too much to get all the paper work here in Japan translated. I had knee, eye and tooth work done. I believe it does fall within the " emergency " level since... I was using a cane, 2 teeth pulled and eye exam for cataracts. Oh, that what happens with getting up there in age.