In addition, concerns related to language can be a significant source of stress when visiting a medical institution. According to the “Basic Survey on Foreign Residents in FY2022” conducted by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, some major difficulties faced by foreigners in Japan when visiting a healthcare facility include being unable to explain their symptoms accurately and not knowing where to find a hospital at which that they could make myself understood, both of which stem from language barriers. These findings suggest that many foreign residents may experience language-related concerns when seeking medical care, and that language barriers can pose significant challenges for international students living in Japan, possibly influencing their health behavior. Both a lack of understanding of the system and language-related anxieties can make it challenging for international students in Japan to access the Japanese healthcare system. It is important to provide students with sufficient information in their native languages and to implement educational programs that promote a better understanding of Japan’s healthcare system. 10Challenges of the Japanese Health Insurance System for International Students One of the significant barriers for international students using Japan’s health insurance system is a lack of sufficient understanding of the system, as well as communication difficulties caused by language barriers.As mentioned earlier, Japan’s universal health insurance system ensures that all residents have access to quality care at relatively low cost, but this model may be unfamiliar to students from countries with different systems. For example, while countries such as the United Kingdom and France also offer public healthcare systems, they usually require patients to first consult with a designated primary care physician. They cannot freely choose which medical institution to visit as they can in Japan. Also, although countries like the United States employ a similar “free access” system to Japan, healthcare for working-age individuals is primarily covered by private insurance, often resulting in significantly higher expenses compared to Japan. These differences in healthcare systems and their values across countries can influence international students’ perceptions and expectations regarding medical insurance. As a result, many students may not fully recognize the benefits or understand the structure of Japan’s health insurance system, which could lead to underutilization of the system.Language barriers are also a significant source of anxiety for international students trying to navigate the Japanese healthcare system. For many students, obtaining and understanding information about the Japanese medical system in Japanese can be quite difficult. A literature review suggests that many foreigners living in Japan struggle with language-related challenges and often lack access to sufficient information. For international students, this can make it difficult to understand how the healthcare system works or how to access services.
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