All JET participants are covered with four types of insurance – including National Health Insurance and JET Program Accident Insurance. Here are some useful pointers we’ve collected about staying healthy here in Ehime.

Health Insurance

National Health Insurance / Seifu Kansho Kenko Hoken (政府管掌健康保険)

It is important to carry your National Health Insurance Card with you at all times.  70% of medical expenses are covered for illness and injuries. Medical care benefits include medical examination, provision of medicines or medical care supplies, emergency treatment, surgery and other medical treatment, in-home medical care, hospitalisation and nursing. Not covered – preventative medicine, cosmetic surgery, dental check ups, eye exams, eyewear, pregnancy exams.

JET Program Accident Insurance

In the case that a JET participant is injured or becomes ill during the period of coverage, the JET Accident Insurance Policy allows JET participants to claim back medical costs incurred (minus a ¥5,000 deductible and within the limits of the policy). The JET Accident Insurance also provides coverage for death caused by accident or illness, disability, and treatment for injuries and illnesses that occur during travel abroad or temporary visits to the JET participant’s home country. http://jetprogramme.org/en/insurance/

Sick Leave

Byoki Kyuka (病気休暇) / Byokyu (病休)

• Misunderstandings over sick leave are often a source of problem between JETs and COs.
• All JETs are entitled to use byokyu, but read your contract for specific rules (good old ESID!)
• Ask you supervisor what you need to do if you are sick and if you need to provide a medical certificate.
• Call your supervisor and work place if you are sick!
• If you have any questions or problems related to sick leave, contact a PA.

 

Who do you need to see?

• 内科 (naika) – internal medicine (general practitioner)
• 外科 (geka) – surgical (breaks/sprains, etc.)

• 胃腸科 (ichouka) – stomach/intestinal medicine
• 眼科 (ganka) – optometrist
• 歯科 (shika) – dentist

Medical Facilities

Medical Centers in Ehime (Japanese) http://www.qq.pref.ehime.jp/qq38/qqport/kenmintop/

HIV Testing

There is a HIV testing service available in Ehime. They are offered free of charge and privacy is assured. The test is simple, but you must return one week later to the health centre in person to ask for the result. They will not tell you over the phone. You can take the test three months after the time you think you might have been infected.

• Matsuyama Central Public Health Office (Chuo Hokensho) Every Wednesday 1:00pm-2:00pm
• Imabari Central Public Health Office (Chuo Hokensho) Every Monday 11:00am-12:00pm
• Saijo Central Public Health Office (Chuo Hokensho) Every Monday 11:00-12:00pm
• Yawatahama Central Public Health Office (Chuo Hokensho) Every Tuesday 11:00-12:00pm
• Uwajima Central Publich Health Office (Chuo Hokensho) Every Tuesday 11:00am-12:00pm

Vocabulary and Phrases 

Chlamydia	クラミジア	kuramijia
Gonorrhea	淋病	rinbyou
Herpes	ヘルペス	herupesu
Syphilis	梅毒	baidoku
Insurance Card	保険証	hokenshou
Symptoms	症状	shoujou
City Health Center	保健所	hokenjo
Negative	陰性	insei
Positive	陽性	yousei
False Positive	偽陽性	giyousei

• Can I have the HIV test?~ HIV kensa o uketai desu. (HIV検査を受けたいです。)
• How much will the tests cost?~  kensa wa ikura desu ka. (検査はいくらですか。)
•  Am I safe?~ watashi wa daijoubu deshou ka. (わたしは大丈夫でしょうか。)
•  What should I do next?~ kore kara watashi wa nani o sureba ii desu ka.( これからわたしは何をすればいいですか。)
•  What are your recommendations?~ sensei wa nani wo susumemasu ka. (先生は何をすすめますか。)

Reproductive Health

For infections or other immediate concerns, visit your local hospital or the women’s health center attached to the main hospital in Matsuyama. If you have a rural placement and privacy is essential, you may wish to visit another city for your examination.

• Kenritsu Chuo Byoin (Prefectural Central Hospital) Has an independent clinic for women (josei shinryouka). All doctors are women.
• NTT Hospital (Obstetrician and Gynaecologist)
• Okujima Hospital (for abortions)
• NTT Nishinihon Matsuyama Byoin 8:30am to 11:00am, and 1:00pm to 3:30pm, Monday to Friday.
• Kiba Clinic Matsuyama-shi – Suga-machi
• Okugima Byoin – Dogo-machi, Matsuyama-shi
• Shiritsu Ozu Byoin – Ozu-shi
• Yano Maternity Clinic

It’s important to note that hospital doctors – even gynecologists – in Japan do not generally handle basic contraceptive health. If you would like to talk to a doctor about contraceptive options or begin a prescription, you will need to go to a private women’s health clinic. Many Ehime JETs use the Mariko Ladies` Clinic in Matsuyama for regular check-ups and prescriptions, where there are English-speaking staff.

 Women’s Health 

Contraception and Pregnancy

The birth control pill is available in Japan, but it is likely a different brand and may have a lower hormone dosage. It won’t be covered by your National Health insurance and runs at around 3000 yen per month.　It is usually more difficult to get hold of than back home, so it may be worth looking into having it mailed from home if you have a prescription and fill in the relevant forms or look at alternative methods of contraception.The morning-after pill is available, but it’s a good idea to call the specific clinic to make sure they have it before you go. Some Japanese doctors perceive it to be dangerous, so will only give it out in emergencies. The morning-after pill must be taken within 72 hours of having intercourse.　There are several different Japanese names for emergency contraception:

kinkyuu hinin piru	緊急否認ピル
ii-shii	E.C.
mohningu afutah piru	モーニングアフターピル

“Clear Blue” pregnancy tests are available in most pharmacies and drug stores, it usually costs around 500 yen. If you decide to have a baby in Japan, you need to register the pregnancy at your city/town/village office within the first month.Abortion is available in Japan and is the most common way of dealing with an unwanted pregnancy. It is not covered by insurance and cannot be done after the second trimester.Abortion is a big decision for a woman and her partner to make, but unfortunately in Japan there is often little support offered at clinics. There are many support resources online, via telephone or within your local JET community.

Other Health Issues

Cervical Cancer Screening- Pap smears (shikyuu saibou-shin) or (sumea testo) may be done as a part of municipal health checks, for women over thirty. Women over 20 can apply for a subsidized Pap smear once a year at a cancer clinic or designated hospital.Breast Cancer Screening- Women over 30 can receive free breast examinations. It’s important to do a Breast Self Exam (BSE) at about the same time in your cycle each month. If you find a lump (shikori), see a doctor immediately.How to do a BSE:http://imaginis.com/breasthealth/performbse.aspMenstrual Leave- Your contract entitles you to take menstrual leave. It is listed under “Special Leave”. This is unpaid. Ask your supervisor if you need to use it, however you will find it is rarely used by your co-workers.

Vocabulary 

Menstruation	gekkei/seiri	月経、生理
Menstrual cramps	seiri tsu	整理痛
Menstrual irregularity	seiri fujun	整理不順
Inflammation of bladder	bokoen	膀胱炎
Yeast infection	iisutokin kansen byo	イースト菌感染病
Candida	kanjita	カンジタ
Vaginal discharge	orimono	おりもの
STD	seibyo	性病
Hemorrhage	fusei shukketsu	不正出血
Breast lump	chibusa no shikori	乳房のしこり
Breast cancer	nyugan	乳癌
Morning sickness	tsuwari	つわり
Pregnancy	ninshin	妊娠
Miscarriage	ryuzan	流産
Abortion	chuzetsu	中絶
Birth Control	hinin	避妊

Otasukeman Services

MIC (Matsuyama International Centre) offers an otasukeman services for free, so if you have a health issue you would rather not speak to your supervisor or BOE about, they can accompany you to appointments and offer their translation services. This may be especially useful for any sexual health needs. The otasukeman service isn’t just limited to doctors’ visits. You can use it for bank visits, dentists and any occasion when you may need translation services and feel unable to ask anyone else. Contact details and further information can be found on the MIC website: Otasukeman Services Below is a testimony of these services by a fellow JET: