FAQs
Q: I've never heard of the Free Choice Foundation. Who are you?A: The Free Choice Foundation was formed as a grassroots organization with the purpose of bringing to the attention of the Japanese Government – and the public at large – the needs and concerns of the foreign community living here, especially in the area of health care. We're made up of non-Japanese and expatriates, both short-and long-term residents of Japan, from all walks of life, along with a number of Japanese citizens who are aware of and support our ideals.
Q: What is it that you're trying to accomplish?
A: Our main goal is to bring the health care concerns of the foreign community to the attention of the Japanese Government. We plan to do so by gathering both objective and subjective information and presenting it to the government, the media and the public. This data will show that the social healthcare system is not a one-size-fits-all solution for everyone, and it's also hoped that it can serve as a basis for open and substantial dialogue that will result in the preservation of real health care choice forthe foreign community of Japan.
Q: Are you trying to do away with Japan's social healthcare system?
A: Absolutely not. We are in no way attempting to do away with or undermine Japan's current social system. We simply wish to express our concerns that no one system (whatever it may be) is automatically right for every individual. As such, we believe that expats, because of circumstances that may indeed be unique to non-Japanese, should have the right to choose a different health care plan if it better serves their needs.
Q: Are you advocating that non-Japanese living in Japan should have more rights than Japanese citizens?
A: Again, absolutely not. We're simply stating that non-Japanese residents often encounter a number of problems and circumstances that do not typically arise with a country's natural citizens. A person from Japan would undoubtedly face the same types of dilemmas living in another land. Frankly, that's a normal occurrence; and, issues involving health care might even be more acute. A private healthcare plan may offer specialized coverages that a national plan does not.
Q: You believe that private health care is better than public health care?
A: We're not here to say that one is necessarily better than the other. What we are here to say is that one shoe does not automatically fit each and every foot. Because of special needs that expatriates often have, we feel it's important that the right of choice be maintained where our health care is concerned.
Q: Do you think that all non-Japanese in Japan should be covered by a private health insurance plan?
A: Not necessarily; indeed, the focus of our movement is about maintaining one's choice. Therefore, it should be up to the individual. If a foreigner here would prefer to be covered by one of the national healthcare plans, then he or she should not be denied access to it.
Q: You say that non-Japanese living in Japan have 'special' needs. Like what?
A: For instance, if an expatriate becomes seriously ill, it may be necessary to pay travel expenses for family members in his or her home country to Japan. Or, if he or she dies, repatriation of remains would be likely. The nationalized plans provide no such benefits, but many private healthcare options do. Additionally, depending on the individual's circumstances, it may be preferable for a expat to see a foreign doctor practicing at an international clinic. Often, the simple but potentially major problem of language barriers can be avoided by doing so.
Q: So why don't you just advocate that non-Japanese join both public and private insurance plans?
A: Medical insurance, whether public or private, is expensive. What Free Choice means by "private insurance" is not a supplemental insurance plan like cancer insurance. To buy two full-coverage medical insurance plans at the same time would be way too expensive for all but the very rich.
Q: How can I join your movement?
A: Simply add your voice to ours. You can do so by leaving your comments on our Homepage form or on our Contact Us page. No personal identifying information will be made available to the government; only your comments will be forwarded (please read our Privacy Policy). We appreciate your input, and we thank you for your support. If you feel strongly about our movement and want to roll up your sleevs and lend us a hand, please visit our volunteer page.