Patients without an effective Japanese public health insurance

Effective public health insurance in Japan refers to National Health Insurance, Japan Health Insurance Association administered health insurance, Association/union administered health insurance, Mutual aid association and Advanced Elderly Medical Service System.

Reception

In principle, we don’t accept first-time visitors. Please make the firs appointment through Kobe University Hospital International Medical Communication Center (IMCC). For further contact, please refer “inquiries” page.

Medical interpretation service

We require all foreign patients to visit the hospital with a medical interpreter. We request a designated or trained medical interpreter even if a patient has their own interpreter or someone proficient in Japanese. There is a risk of misinterpretation due to a lack of knowledge of medical terminology if a non-trained interpreter is assisted during a consultation. We can give the patients advice regarding medical interpretation.

Medical fees

Each medical activity has its own stipulated 'medical fee point' and the unit price for 1 point represents ￥10 for patients with an effective Japanese public health insurance under the Health Care Insurance System in Japan. The medical fee is calculated by adding 'points' of provided medical services and patients make co-payment according to their enrolled insurance program. Patients without effective Japanese health insurance will be charged ￥30 per 1 point in the Hospital from October 1st, 2018. (Not including consumption tax)

Payment

*All your hospital expenses are calculated at the end of each month and on your discharge day. Please settle your bill through the coordinate company. All payments must be made in full by the date due.

Payment at the reception

We accepts cash（only Japanese yen）or credit cards.
Available credit cards are VISA, Master Card, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS.
E-money is not accepted.

Payment at a financial institution

Please transfer invoice payment to the designated financial institution. In case of overseas remittance, please transfer the money to Kobe University Hospital ICCRC. Bank transfer fees must be paid by the patient.

Miscellaneous

We do not provide support to foreign patients in obtaining a medical visa. Please ask the medical coordinate company for assistance in obtaining a medical visa.

*Medical coordinate companies are registered guarantors and support international patients to obtain medical visas. They also support all the necessary arrangements including air travel (arrival and return), accommodation reservations, as well as appointments for receiving medical care at the hospital, arrangements for an interpreter, and carrying out payments on the patient’s behalf, and so on. For further details about medical coordinate companies, please check the site below.

https://www.hosp.kobe-u.ac.jp/imcc/en/patient.html