Hey cool cats!
Fractured my ankle a couple of days ago and I’m due for Tokyo in two days. This will be my second visit to Japan, so I’m completely cool with taking it easy and skipping activities that require a lot of steps or aren’t accessible to someone with an injury.
**Some background:**
Physically active tourist in 30s from the US. The injury is a minor ankle fracture (sports) with no surgery required. Will be staying near the Ginza/Tokyo Station area for a couple of days before Osaka/Kyoto. Seeking some advice about a few topics below, in order of importance.
* **Knee Scooter** – I’m pretty set on getting a knee scooter to mostly ditch the pair of crutches that I was given. From my research I found one location where I might be able to get one: [A nursing supply store at Matsuzakaya Ueno](https://maps.app.goo.gl/wjipBVGre2Qs3h5o9). Does anyone know of any other places where I could purchase a knee scooter? (Ideally for a cheaper price; also open to 2nd hand).
* **Replacing my current cast** – I was given a fiberglass cast and I was told that it should be removed by medical personnel. I’m hoping to visit a hospital in Tokyo to do the following:
1) Replace current cast with a removable cast for hygienic reasons
2) Get an X-ray/update on how my ankle is doing.
From looking at the hospitals, I saw that Orthopedic Surgery might require an appointment of some sort to be seen at a hospital. I don’t think my injury is severe enough to require surgery – should I just walk into the ER at a JMIP hospital to accomplish the above? Would a clinic be a good option?
* **Travel Insurance** – No travel insurance right now, but I do have a travel credit card that should cover the costs of this injury. However, I am open to getting travel insurance – since I got this injury prior to purchasing travel insurance if it will help in any way. Would this count as a pre-existing condition and therefore not be covered? Anyone know of any travel insurance that would provide coverage in this situation?
* **Shinkansen** – If I do manage to acquire a knee scooter, would I need to book the seats with the bigger luggage storage? Do they have a specific area to store it? Or can I just chuck it in the small suitcase section?
Looking forward to experiencing Japan again, any advice would be appreciated!
1 comment
I seriously doubt your credit card or any other insurance will cover this injury since it’s already happened.
As far as the knee scooter and the trains, as long as you can fold it up and stick it up on the shelf I think you’re fine