The number of tourists to Japan has more than quadrupled since 2009, and the government aims to boost that figure to 40 million by 2020 and 60 million by 2030. But the growing influx is likely to put a greater strain on Japan’s hospitals as many patients from overseas arrive without insurance and are unable to pay for treatment.
The problem is not limited to cost, however. Communication is also a hurdle, both at hospitals and especially small clinics. While some facilities can conduct treatment in foreign languages, many can only do so in English or Chinese.
Differences in customs can lead to misunderstandings as well. For example, in Japan medical expenses for each patient are kept relatively low thanks to the country’s universal health insurance system. Thus doctors usually treat patients without explaining what costs to expect, with the bills generally presented once treatment is complete. But in many other countries, doctors treat patients only if they agree to pay the estimated cost. So some people refuse to pay because the hospital didn’t explain an estimated expense in advance.
