Living with Medtronic - Tokyo, Japan
I've been a rather loyal user of Medtronic Minimed Insulin pumps since the age of 10. With experiences of facing them in HongKong, Taiwan, China, Japan and now Switzerland.
But today, let's get to the main city: Tokyo, Japan.
First of all, national health insurance is required for staying in Japan. I believe (correct me if I'm wrong.. since I've had to pay for it close to practically the moment I stepped in the place as a student), but you have to pay for national health insurance when you have the visa or rights to stay within Japan longer than tourist visa intended duration.
Second of all.. as much as this is despised by me. Many of my fellow classmates and friends just straight up don't pay for their health insurance. They won't hammer you down for a payment, but you better beg to God you don't get sick.
But technically as a Diabetic, and as a Insulin Pump User, I'm required by law to visit the doctor every month to get supplies and have monthly blood checkups.
So.. PAY YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE BILL!!!
Government covers for 70% and you will cover for 30%. Although the government paid for 70%, my monthly bill was still around.. 20,000 yen or 190 USD. This included all insulins, test strips, a month's amount of CGM sensor needles & Quick Set needles, and lastly the machine itself (it's a "rent" system here in Japan). But might I mention, if you take nothing more than 2 month's supplies the maximum your bill can be is about 210 USD. So quite great in some ways.
And last but not least... I contacted Medtronic here by email to asks questions regarding suggested doctor from locations (such as near my school or near my dorm), and any extra procedures to get equipment. CONTACT THEM BY EMAIL, cause generally you can never really reach a English speaking staff unless you have connections (I had to rely on my doctor for that afterwatds). They contacted my back by email in English within 2 days, giving me the opening hours, and days the doctor they suggested (who spoke English) for me. They also informed the doctor for me regarding my arrival and such with my name, to give them an idea of what you may be needing from Medtronic from that doctor.
I've had multiple experiences of having emergency situations such as my machine breaking down, and the Inuslin Pump hotline provided by them had no English what-so-ever. Mind you... Japan generally hardly speaks any English so this is absolutely normal. But I definitely clawed my way through till I got my way through my horribly crappy Japanese to only be told to go see my doctor the next day for help as they didn't really understand what I said.. =_=||
Apologies for the negativity so far. BUT let me emphasize a point, my Diabeties doctor was perhaps the most amazing and passionate doctor who wanted to help me get my Diabetes under control and legitly cared for my well-being. And ANOTHER SIDE POINT, no matter what happens generally all the hotline can do for you is ask you to visit your doctor the next day in order for them to get you a new pump within the day. Medtronic must work through doctors, it is not so much a Medtronic-directly-contacting-users type of system in Japan.
The pharmacies here are also quite professional. They generally provide a Medication booklet that you should bring with you every visit so they can keep track of your medication records. Every time I had a new medication or had less amount of a original medication, they would ask if everything is alright with the new dosage and what not, along with explaining the proper usage. When Insulin was not enough in stock, they would confirm your apartment address & phone number so that it would be delievered to you within 2 days. Including no payment for delievery and extra phone call to make sure you are home or someone is who could sign for your medication package, you can also reschedule a proper delivery time so you are home to sign for it.
Not sure if I missed out on anything, but comment away if I did!
お大事にね皆さん～！