Cost of having kids in Japan

[nicholasparsonsexperience]

Hi. Can anyone give me a rough idea of the costs involved with having a child in Japan? I get the impression it`s not cheap, but does having medical insurance help? Any info appreciated.

[kurogane]

Well, a rough estimate:

Air Ticket to Tokyo: $800
Train into Tokyo: $45
Subway from Tokyo station to Roppongi: $3.50
First beer (aka liquid courage): $6
Drinks for your prospective "wife": $6 - $600
Taxi to the Baby Making Place (in Native Tongue, RabuHo): $10
Entrance fee to the Baby Making Place: $80-120
Baby Making in Baby Making Place: Priceless

Hope that helps
PS all prices are in Real Dollars (ie CDN) unless otherwise noted

[SoulShine]

Hi. Can anyone give me a rough idea of the costs involved with having a child in Japan? I get the impression it`s not cheap, but does having medical insurance help? Any info appreciated.

Though Kurogane is basically right (as he usually is) the cost of delivery will cost anywhere from 500,000 yen to 1,000,000 yen, depending on the clinic you go to. Put on top of that the regular trips to the doctor (20,000 yen it seems so far), and it gets really quite expensive just to have the kid. Unfortuanatly NHI doesn't cover jack for the birth of a child, all out of your own pockets.

[kurogane]

Though Kurogane is basically right (as he usually is) the cost of delivery will cost anywhere from 500,000 yen to 1,000,000 yen, depending on the clinic you go to. Put on top of that the regular trips to the doctor (20,000 yen it seems so far), and it gets really quite expensive just to have the kid. Unfortuanatly NHI doesn't cover jack for the birth of a child, all out of your own pockets.

He's right. I forgot all about those other annoying costs that come after the fun is done.
I would go somewhere else and have it.
If you go to the states, your child will have a chance to become a Bastion of Freedom and Liberty, and serve and die for his/her country before he/her is old enough to drink or vote legally. They also get those fancy combat pants they don't even have at the army surplus stores yet.
Hope that helps

[waller]

Yes, quite the policy makers these people! Note; C - sections are covered by insurance (but i doubt you can specify that you want one)

Also, you recieve 300,000 afterwards to help offset the costs (but not if you had a c-section) .

[nicholasparsonsexperience]

Thanks folks, and Kurogane in particular for that valuable information....

So even visits to the doctor aren`t covered by health insurance?!? What exactly is the purpose of health insurance in this country?

I didn`t expect the hospitals to be free (good old NHS....sigh), but up to 1 million yen??!! That`s just too much.

And up to 300 grand is reimbursed? Has anyone been through this procedure, how long does it take to get reimbursed for the hospital bills?

This all sounds rather worrying.....

[paulh]

Though Kurogane is basically right (as he usually is) the cost of delivery will cost anywhere from 500,000 yen to 1,000,000 yen, depending on the clinic you go to. Put on top of that the regular trips to the doctor (20,000 yen it seems so far), and it gets really quite expensive just to have the kid. Unfortuanatly NHI doesn't cover jack for the birth of a child, all out of your own pockets.



I have 2 children born in Japan and both were covered under the NHI including birth hospital stay and the gyno visits. You get back about 300,000 yen after the birth from the city government

Whether you get cover depends on the prefecture you live in as some places do not cover birth and hospital costs. For us it cost nowhere near 500K as we paid only 30% of the doctors bill at the clinic on NHI.

Its during the next 20 years till they leave home that it hits your wallet.

[SoulShine]

I have 2 children born in Japan and both were covered under the NHI including birth hospital stay and the gyno visits. You get back about 300,000 yen after the birth from the city government

Whether you get cover depends on the prefecture you live in as some places do not cover birth and hospital costs. For us it cost nowhere near 500K as we paid only 30% of the doctors bill at the clinic on NHI.

Its during the next 20 years till they leave home that it hits your wallet.


Sorry to burst your bubble here, Paulh. My wife and I are going through it right now, and I can tell you that now NHI covers jacksh!t. Maybe it did when your kids were born, but now it's costing us out the ________. If you have more proof of this, I would most certainly love to see it. It'd save us a hell of a lot of money.

[kurogane]

It depends on the prefecture, he said. He's in Kyoto Fu, ancient capital.

Where are you?
Anyways, good luck, amn.

[SoulShine]

It depends on the prefecture, he said. He's in Kyoto Fu, ancient capital.

Where are you?
Anyways, good luck, amn.

Ok, fair enough. I'm in Tokyo, current capital, so maybe in Kyoto NHI covers it. Here in Tokyo it unfortunately doesn't.

[kurogane]

I'm in Tokyo, current capital, .

You parvenu, you. ;)
Sorry to hear they won't pay, though. That's F'ed up in a country that claims to want to raise the birthrate, eh?

Nice avatar, BTW

[paulh]

Ok, fair enough. I'm in Tokyo, current capital, so maybe in Kyoto NHI covers it. Here in Tokyo it unfortunately doesn't.

You might be interested in this

http://www.jpma.or.jp/12english/guide_industry/healthcare/healthcare.html

scroll down to the graph on what NHI covers. Includes Childbirth costs

[SoulShine]

You might be interested in this

http://www.jpma.or.jp/12english/guide_industry/healthcare/healthcare.html

scroll down to the graph on what NHI covers. Includes Childbirth costs

Thank you Paulh, this could be very helpful, and very much cost saving.

Kurogane, yeah, it is pretty f'ed up. It would certainly be nice to at least have some continuity throughout the country to a certain extent as to what NHI would actually cover.

[waller]

Paul, that graph refers to the cash payment of 300,000 which is part- reimbursement. Here is a link to a recent Japan times article which is very helpful:

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/print/features/life2004/fl20041116zg.htm

To quote from the article:

"In Japan, pregnancy is viewed as a voluntary condition. For this reason, childbirth is not covered under National or Employee Health Insurance.
However, this refers to only "normal," or essentially trouble-free deliveries. Caesarean sections and other "abnormal" procedures and complications in pregnancy or childbirth are covered.

While "normal childbirth is not covered, there is a lump sum of 300,000 yen paid after births, stillbirths and miscarriages of 85 days gestation to help with childbirth-related costs, such as midwifery or clinic expenses.

If the mother is the policy-holder, she can apply for the 300,000 yen or one-half her standard monthly income (whichever is more).

If the mother is taking a leave of absence from work and does not enjoy the benefits of paid maternity leave, she can apply for an EHI subsidy amounting to 60 percent of her standard daily pay for the period of absence. This subsidy covers a period from 42 days before the birth (98 days for multiple births) to 56 days after the birth.

Abortion for economic reasons is not covered under NHI and EHI."

So, you do need to stump up the costs yourself, at the time. There are good discussions on this at:

http://www.tokyowithkids.com/discussions/messages/35/490.html?WednesdayFebruary220050841pm

[kanazawaku]

I gave birth to a baby in January at a large hospital in Yokohama.

Doctor's visits cost about 5000 yen each time, including ultrasounds. Occasionally a blood test, etc, would bump the cost up to 7000 yen. Doctor's visits were not covered by NHI, but any perscribed medications were. The Mother/Child Handbook you recieve at your local municipal office includes coupons for 2 free ultrasounds and free bloodtest.

Appointments are scheduled every 4 weeks until Week 28, every two weeks Week 28-36, and once a week thereafter.

A normal vaginal delivery (ie no painkillers) cost 35 man and includes a 5-night hospital stay. In my situation there were complications leading to an 8-night stay. Necessary IVs, etc, were covered by NHI, as was care for the baby. Our total hospital bill was 40 man.

I have a friend who had a baby at a small private hospital. She had an epidural and stayed in the hospital for 5 nights. It cost her 45 man.

We received a one time payment of 30 man about 6 weeks after the baby was born. You have to apply for this, though, it isn't automatic. A section of the application must be filled out by the hospital where you gave birth. In addition, you are eligible to recieve a Child Allowance of 5000 yen per child per month for the first two children, and 10000 for each additional child. Also we recieved a coupon to be used in Yokohama that makes childcare and medication free for children up to 5 years of age. (You have to ask for it, they don't freely offer information.)

I would advise anyone thinking of becoming pregnant to have a vaccination against German Measles (aka rubella) because children here are not required to vaccinated, and outbreaks are common. The infection is not serious in adults or children, but can be devestating to an unborn baby resulting in blindness, retardation, or miscarriage.

Gotta go, the baby's crying...

[nicholasparsonsexperience]

Thanks for your post Kanazawaku. That`s answered my question perfectly, along with the other useful info that has been posted on this thread.

I guess first of all I should find out the costs for my area, as it has been mentioned that they can vary considerably from place to place. Can I find out from my local City Hall? Or local hospitals?

Also Dads, did you go to pre-natal classes with your wife/partner? Do you recommend it? (I would like to go but my Japanese is very limited/ busy schedule etc.)

[paulh]

Thanks for your post Kanazawaku. That`s answered my question perfectly, along with the other useful info that has been posted on this thread.

I guess first of all I should find out the costs for my area, as it has been mentioned that they can vary considerably from place to place. Can I find out from my local City Hall? Or local hospitals?

Also Dads, did you go to pre-natal classes with your wife/partner? Do you recommend it? (I would like to go but my Japanese is very limited/ busy schedule etc.)

I was present at the birth of the first one and attended a couple of pre-natal sessions with the wife when she was about 7 or 8 months along. The husband usually just goes for moral support, gives her a back rub and remember shes carrying this thing around inside her, it gets heavy and its nice for the husband to learn how to give massages etc.

The nurse will tell her how to breathe during delivery and as far as the husband goes hes just there for hand holding and comfort. When you actually see the baby's head pop out and the amount of pain they are in I think they appreciate husbands being there. Not all husbands go of course but i think if you make the time she'd appreciate it.

[kanazawaku]

Prenatal classes at the hospital may be required if you plan to be present at the birth. Moral Support does not begin to describe how much help my husband was to me. Even if your wife does not think she wants you to be present now, she may very well change her mind. Keeping your options open by attending the classes may not be a bad idea. Busy schedules can be hard to work around, but your baby only comes into the world once. Don't forget your camera!

[kintarou]

how about a home birth? i believe j-women recieve some kind of medication to induce the delivery, but surely it's not out of the question - especially if it's safe and you can save money?

and after all, it has been going on for a while

[kanazawaku]

I think that if you contacted the hospital or municipal office, they would have a hard time answering questions about the cost of having children simply because every birthing experience, just like every child, is different. If your child is born on the weekend, or needs a little medical encouragement, or decides to come into the world in the dead of night additional fees will apply.

Different hospitals have very different philosophies about childbirth, and this inadvertently influences the cost. Some hospitals believe in letting nature take its course and prefer not to intervene, others will give Mom and epidural and deliver Baby by C-section at the first sniff of trouble. The latter is probably more expensive.

Hospitals also have varied approaches to breastfeeding. Some will encourage breastfeeding by keeping Mom and Baby together 24 hours a day. Others will bring Baby only at feeding times. Still other hospitals don't care too much about breastfeeding and will give Baby formula after the breast no matter what. If you plan to breastfeed, choosing the proper hospital is of the upmost importance because the first two or three days are critical to establishing milk supply.

Many small, private hospitals do not have on-staff pediatricians, which you may want to take into consideration.

Conversely, large hospitals are more likely to be able to handle a variety of complications, have younger staff familiar with recent methods, and have English speaking staff available, as well as female doctors.

Mother and Father should talk about what kind of birthing experience they would prefer, whether or not they want Baby to be breastfed, and the risks involved in home delivery or delivery at a small hospital. You can research hospital's birthing philosophies on the internet. Young mothers and fathers in your area are another source of information. Most people with young babies will be more happy than to answer questions about where and how their baby was born.

There are so many options to consider, that I think you may find that cost is a low priority.

[waller]

Re the breastfeeding thing. I have heard stories that the naughtiness that formula companies such as Nestle get up to in the developing world also go on here. I mean, pushing formula onto new moms, discouraging breast feeding, reps visiting new mums etc. It is pretty much universally recognised that breast is best for babies , unless there are difficulties with the mum and feeding. So be aware of this. Tokyo with kids is a good site for this kind of stuff.

[Pocky-man]

Yesterday, we went to a Mums and Dads lecture given by the city council, one question I asked to the nurse was about folic acid, she said it was not necessary for pregnant mums to take, she said it's all in the food.

We lost our baby last year due to Hydrocephalis, it was recommend to take one 400 microgram tablet three months prior to becoming pregnant and continue until at least three months into the pregnancy.

On the box of tablets is a note from the British Govenment's chief medical officer, it says it advises that women who are pregnant or trying to conceive, should take 400mg of Folic Acid every day until the 12 week of pregnancy etc etc.

I was in contact with the Hydrocephalis center in the UK and spoke to a doctor who told me that Japan is way behind on advising pregnant mums to take Folic Acid.

Of course most women can have a normal healthy baby without taking Folic Acid.

as to cost of having a baby, it has been say it's possible to claim before and after expenses against tax, can someone tell me if this is correct and where can we apply. Thanks.

[kanazawaku]

If you out of pocket medical expenses exceed more than 10 man in a calendar year, you can apply to have a portion of that amount returned at your local tax office. When you apply, you must fill out the form and attach your Gensenchoshu, which is a form from your company that verifies your salary and how much tax you paid during the year in question. You must also attach the receipts from your doctor and pharmacist. You can also claim transportation to and from the hospital. If you don't have a receipt, just write the amount and form of transportion on the receipt from your doctor.

How much of a refund you can recieve depends upon your income. It usually isn't very much, but anything is better than nothing!

I was also shocked about the folic acid thing. I don't know much about them, but vitamins for pregnant women are available in the maternity sections of department stores.

[waller]

Yesterday, we went to a Mums and Dads lecture given by the city council, one question I asked to the nurse was about folic acid, she said it was not necessary for pregnant mums to take, she said it's all in the food.

We lost our baby last year due to Hydrocephalis, it was recommend to take one 400 microgram tablet three months prior to becoming pregnant and continue until at least three months into the pregnancy.

On the box of tablets is a note from the British Govenment's chief medical officer, it says it advises that women who are pregnant or trying to conceive, should take 400mg of Folic Acid every day until the 12 week of pregnancy etc etc.

I was in contact with the Hydrocephalis center in the UK and spoke to a doctor who told me that Japan is way behind on advising pregnant mums to take Folic Acid.

Of course most women can have a normal healthy baby without taking Folic Acid.

as to cost of having a baby, it has been say it's possible to claim before and after expenses against tax, can someone tell me if this is correct and where can we apply. Thanks.


I am very sorry for your loss.
Unfortunately, from what I can gather, this country is very behind in many aspects related to childbirth and prenatal procedures. The folic acid thing is standard procedure in NZ an d Australia I know for a fact, and pretty sure most other devleoped countries. Furthermore, I myslef would not take the tablets sold here, but get them sent from home. I was taking so-called iron tablets here but pretty sure they were not the real deal.

Other areas where Japan is miles behind; many hospitals still do the old style ceasarian i.e vertical cut - considered pretty damn barbaric in NZ these days. Pre-natal testing is virtually non-existent apart from main centres - impossible to get triple, quad blood tests or nuchal fold scan in my city. Pain relief - hardly given at all from what I understand. Breast feeding - poor education about this . Personally, I"d get a second opinion on pretty much everything .

[boydie]

I discovered a few ways to reduce the cost of birth in Japan
but I would not recommend a first time Mom copying me. I had already had 2 children in Australia so I had a good idea of how my 2 pregnancies in Japan were progressing just by having been there and done that.
I recommend taking folic acid supplements. Like previous posters I was amazed it was not promoted here in Japan. Generally the Japanese have a lower incidence of spinabifida perhaps because of the diet already including a lot of dark green vegetables. A natural supply of folic acid. I bought an American brand available at many shops even in rural areas of Japan called Nature made.
The nuchal fold (or translucency test) was also not promoted and I had to change doctors until I found one that seemed knowledgable enough about it being a reliable marker for downs syndrome. To be on the safe side I did an anmniocentisis, expensive, about Y60 000 from memory but gave me peace of mind which I couldn get from the nervous doctors.

There are a lot of check ups and I was very busy with work so I skipped half of them, that saved a lot. We only have one ultra sound in Oz at about 5 months through out the pregnancy so
I was rather shocked when the doc put me up in the flying chair for over half of my visits

The hospital gave me a list of what was included in the hospital pack provided. Since early check out is encouraged in Oz I wasnt prepared to stay in the hospital for more than 24 hrs so I started telling them this from the first check up to be sure theyd let me go. This allowed me to buy my own necessities so instead of the Y20 000 hospital pack, I bought my own bits and pieces, cotton towels napkins etc at the local pharmacy for undr Y6000
With one baby born in Japan I checked in a t 3pm very quick labor and went home before lunchtime the next day ( total of 20 hrs) and ended up with 100 000 left over out of the gift money. I didnt initially do that to save money as I expected to use the gift or lose it. I simply preferred the early checkout and returning to the comfort of home so was very suprised when I had money left over.
with the second one born here same hospital I checked in a 6 pm and bub was born at 12.04am (my longest labor) the delivery crossed over by 4 minutes into a second day which happened to be a holiday and I had virtually no money left over this time I left before lunch again toal of 17 hrs but higher costs.....moral of the story here was to push harder before midnight.!

For a 1st bub I would not advise a home birth. There are only so many minutes a bub can survive without oxygen and if things go wrong you and bub gets stuck half way you will be up for the home birth midwifes fee ..about 300000 plus the same cost again at the hospital for the emergency delivery.

While I work fulltime our salary doesnt allow us to get the child endowment I do get free childcare for child no 3 and 4 or subsidized preschool fees. If you were here in your first yr you might get child endowment as it is based on your income for the previous 12 mths so if you were not in Japan you had no income. Unless of course you go and show them your overseas income receipts.

There are heapds of free events and facilities like the local jidokan for young children in Japan and health insurance provides free care for children up to Elementary school. (but this varies with local councils)
On the whole I think Japan is quiet affordable for kids, considering the quality of care and facilities available here. Go for it.