I’ve been interested in teaching in japan for a while but the thing holding me back is I have a autoimmune disorder called pemphigus where my immune system goes dumb and attacks my own skin. I have to take medication that suppresses my immune system when it happens.
I’m in California and my doctor(dermatologist) is only licensed to treat here. If I’m able to get my condition into remission, I won’t need the medicine until I flare up again (this could be years, or as short as a week).
Has anybody in a similar situation ever taught in Japan? How easy/difficult is it to get health coverage there as a foreigner? Does having a condition like this affect your chances of being employed? I’m planning on talking to my own doctor here about it during my next appointment. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Assuming you’re talking about being an ALT, officially it shouldn’t affect your employment, though unofficially many companies will look at that and then reject you for some arbitrary other reason.
Every situation is different but it has been mine and many others experience that companies and schools are anything but accommodating.
For instance I had a coworker who had some issue with one of her legs that meant she had to sit down sometimes during lessons. Every School she had relentlessly complained about this, and while I don’t think she was ever fired because of this, the company (interac) frequently made their displeasure known and made vague threats of firing.
Health coverage in general is good and cheap here but are you prepared to deal with such a serious matter in a foreign country and potentially in a foreign language? Depending on where you live an English speaking expert might not be available.
I’m a type 1 diabetic! Got all my medication here and stuff. They are a little old school but they have what I need to live lol
Not the same but I have a heart condition that needs monitoring and medication. In short I’ll survive without meds/monitoring, but would probably have a heart attack in my 40’s or 50’s without both.
Initially I was scared about engaging with local health services. However if I’m honest… I found Japan’s pretty sweet (in a small town).
I walked into the hospital with a pack of my meds (limited Japanese at the time). A doc saw me and I explained my situation (people will say they don’t, but all docs speak English I swear). They then (very conveniently) sent me all around the hospital for various blood tests and scans, which I’d need multiple bookings and significant wait times for in Australia.
After that I had my script and just reviewed it every 3-6 months like I would in Australia. No dramas and my Japanese gradually improved, so it only became easier.
IMO once you’ve actually done it, the idea of seeing a doctor becomes much easier.
Yes, people in Japan have chronic medical conditions. I have some issues that I see doctors for every month. It is fine. You’ll end up spending less on your doctor’s visit than you ever have as an American.
Yes, it does affect your chances of working at some shitty ekaiwa or Interac, cause they’re fucking assholes. I wouldn’t mention it to them, unless it can cause issues at work.
Your chances of finding a doctor that speaks English are higher than finding any other profession I always felt like, but still it is rare. You’ll more than likely have to explain your issue in Japanese or a translator.
You just don’t say anything about it. As long as you can make it through the pre visa health exam and the pre work health check your gravy. Now if you do have a flare up in the future and start asking for leave and such you will probably be fired as Japan gives zero shits.
One point to keep in mind is that clinics in Japan are basically run as businesses. This means that sometimes they will give you countless unnecessary tests and also medication to make money.
Does depression count? Cause I certainly have that.
One thing I would highly recommend is to check if the medication you take is even available here. There are a wide variety of meds that just aren’t approved over here, and that would definitely cause problems for you.
Interesting question
I have a chronic medical condition too. Finding a doctor to confirm it, then get treatment for it has been a profoundly disturbing path. I’ve deal with a few quacks. An endocrinologist didn’t even know what AIP was, nor did he look into it after I explained it to him and a series of subsequent blood tests confirmed that it works. Later that same doctor “suggested” I find a new primary physician. So its a minefield.
It hasn’t affected my ability to work (yet) nor do I expect it to have any effect upon my employment status
Getting health insurance is a complex and involved process. Visa, proof of residence, obtaining a my number card, finding a competent doctor. Its going to be a thing.
When talking with the doctor it would be prudent to inquire if there are any Japanese care providers who are in the “loop” when it comes to pemphigus. Its probably a small community so maybe your california doctor knows someone…
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The health system is very good here but I recommend looking for a specialist. For example, there is a local dermatologist in my city. They can refer you to someone at a teaching hospital if necessary