Diabetes in Japan (Specifically Okinawa)?
Hi all,
I just joined this group last week. My wife and I applied for JET, and she got in but I didn't. She is assigned to Nanjo, Okinawa Prefecture. I have a question for any JETs or spouses of JETS who happen to be diabetic: What do you do? Currently, I am a Kaiser member. I should be able to get one more three-month supply of insulin and test strips just before we leave, but what then? I have a Medtronic Paradigm insulin pump. Does anyone know if Medtronic will ship supplies across the Pacific? Will this be too cost-prohibitive? I know these last two are questions for Medtronic directly, but if anyone has any input, I would appreciate it. If I have to rely on syringes during my time in Japan, so be it. My bigger concern is affording everything. I have not yet found a job in Okinawa, so as it stands, I will be going on a dependent visa. Does anyone know what the dependent insurance rates are for JET? Again, any sort of input or stories from fellow diabetics would be greatly appreciated.
PS- Apologies to anyone who is receiving this multiple times. I'm cross-posting to all three JET communities I could find. If you know of another JET/Eikaiwa/Japan/Gaijin/TEFL/etc. groups, please advise.
I just joined this group last week. My wife and I applied for JET, and she got in but I didn't. She is assigned to Nanjo, Okinawa Prefecture. I have a question for any JETs or spouses of JETS who happen to be diabetic: What do you do? Currently, I am a Kaiser member. I should be able to get one more three-month supply of insulin and test strips just before we leave, but what then? I have a Medtronic Paradigm insulin pump. Does anyone know if Medtronic will ship supplies across the Pacific? Will this be too cost-prohibitive? I know these last two are questions for Medtronic directly, but if anyone has any input, I would appreciate it. If I have to rely on syringes during my time in Japan, so be it. My bigger concern is affording everything. I have not yet found a job in Okinawa, so as it stands, I will be going on a dependent visa. Does anyone know what the dependent insurance rates are for JET? Again, any sort of input or stories from fellow diabetics would be greatly appreciated.
PS- Apologies to anyone who is receiving this multiple times. I'm cross-posting to all three JET communities I could find. If you know of another JET/Eikaiwa/Japan/Gaijin/TEFL/etc. groups, please advise.