How to get help in Tokyo when unsure of having COVID-19

This pandemic creates havoc since January till the present that made the world halted at some point. The virus is still there and cases are rising and falling but had no plans of slowing down especially in big metropolis like Tokyo. Its very important to know where to get help when you suspect you might got COVID base on the known systems.

The Metro Tokyo Government had a guideline on how to get help. Please follow below.

You are experiencing symptoms and have a primary care doctor

  1. If you are pregnant or at higher risk for serious illness (elderly, receiving dialysis, taking immunosuppressive or anti-cancer medication, or have an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory disease such as COPD), call immediately. For others, call after 4 days of continued symptoms.
  2. Severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, severe sense of fatigue, or high fever If you think your symptoms are severe, or you are taking and need to remain on an antipyretic, call immediately.

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Visiting a Doctor in Japan for Foreigners

Health is an important aspect of one’s wellbeing. A good health means a person can perform optimally on a given task, be it at work, school, or sports. Getting sick however, is a reality that we all go through at least some few times in our lifetime. That’s why an access to proper medical facilities is tantamount to you getting the adequate healthcare you need so you can recover fast.

 

Being sick in your own country is a totally different experience compared to being sick in a foreign one. There are so many factors that can affect your overall experience, especially with how you’ll navigate your way through that country’s healthcare system. Add to that problem are the issues you’ll encounter such as unfamiliar customs and language barrier. If you happen to live in a foreign country, particularly Japan, then you are in the right place. I’m going to share with you some tips and tricks on how you can ease your way through in finding a good doctor in Japan.

 

Japanese healthcare system overview for a foreigner

It is mandatory in Japan to get yourself enrolled in the Japanese healthcare insurance system particularly when you’ve been residing here for longer than 3 months. Even if you are already covered by your insurance company in your country of origin, you still have to get yourself enrolled in their healthcare insurance system.

If you have a full time job, most likely, your employer will process your health insurance in which part of your salary will be deducted in order to pay for it. Consequently, if you are self-employed or not working  you’ll be required to get yourself enrolled in Japan’s National Health Insurance. You can process the application at any local city hall near you.

Once you successfully get yourself registered in their healthcare insurance system, when you visit a doctor you’ll pay more or less 30 percent of the actual amount. Concurrently, the govt will shoulder the remaining 70 percent of the remaining balance. And don’t forget to always bring yourself with you your health insurance card since they’ll ask you to present it if you are visiting for an appointment.

 

How to set an appointment with a doctor

 

 

  1. Once you find a nearest health care facility/ Clinic/ Hospital, call them and set for an appointment. Usually, clinics in Japan don’t accept walk in patients.

 

  1. Be on time on your schedule, otherwise they will give your slot to the next patient.

 

  1. Register at the information; fill out the forms for clinic records. Show your medical insurance card.

 

  1. Ask for a bilingual doctor if you can’t understand Japanese.

 

  1. Wait for your number to be called. Then the waiting game begins (approximately 30min-1hr of waiting before your name gets called).

 

  1. Once your name is called to see the doctor, be meticulous in detailing your condition as much as you can.

 

  1. When you’re done talking with your doctor, they’ll prescribe a medicine and will ask you to go back to information desk.

 

  1. Pay your medical consultation fee and get the medicine slip. You can also ask for a medical certificate if you need one. And that’s it, you’re done with your appointment.

 

 

How to get Mobile Phone Service in Japan as a Foreign Resident

Getting a mobile phone service has got to be one of the most important task one has to go through in order to be connected with virtually anyone and anything around the world. By doing so, it allows you to have access with vast information via the internet, or even play games using your smartphone when you are bored, or get yourself to learn new skill through different phone applications. All these are possible when you are connected through a mobile phone carrier.

There are three major carriers in Japan namely: NTT Docomo, AU and SoftBank. Applying for these mobile carriers is so easy and simple steps

1.You will only need your residence card

2. Your bank account (Credit Card or Debit Card)

Once you get to their respective offices, just present the aforementioned documents. Afterwards, they’ll hand you a form that you have to fill-in. When they are done reviewing your documents, you’ll be given options on what services you want to be enrolled to (the services may depend on which carrier you’ll choose). As soon as you have chosen the mobile plan that works for you, you’re now good to go and can now start using their mobile phone service.

 

Money Remittance from Japan to Philippines – Metro Remit

If you are looking for reliable remittance company that you could send your hard earned Japanese Yen to the Philippines. Then you come to the right place. This will be a guide especially for beginners who just recently came to Japan and looking for ways to send their money back home.

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Late Night Bus from Narita Airport to Tokyo

If you are flying overseas to Tokyo. Most likely you will end up in Narita Airport. Metro  Tokyo has two main international airports: Narita which is the far from the city, located 70km from Tokyo Station. While the other one Haneda Airport is only 20km away. Narita Airport accounts for more than half of the international flight traffic.

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