Hi, Could anyone recommend a good OB/GYN that speaks english (female is preferred) and has an experience with IVF. I am new here and would like to go to one of the woman's clinic in Minato-ku or Shibuya-ku area.
Thanks, Inna

Hi, I'm moving to Tokyo with my husband and we are unfortunately IVF candidates. Can anyone suggest a good IVF clinic in Tokyo? How much does it cost? Thank you.
Elisa

Hi Elisa !
Don't sound so despair that you have to be an IVF candidate. Think positively, you still get a chance. I am a proud mum of a 1 year old boy and this was made possible with IVF. The hospital I went to and highly recommend will be SANNON Hospital near to Roppongi.

http://www.sannoclc.or.jp/english/index.html

The facility there is very advance and complete. Mostly importantly, most doctors and nurses speak English, they also provide interpretation service.

The usual checkup fee seems reasonably normal (ie. we paid usually about JPY1,000 with subsidies from the National Health Insurance). Unless you have to undergo other tests, then fee will be higher. As for the surgeries (retrieval and implantation), we paid around JPY400,000 (subsidies varies from city to city. unfortunately, there are no subsidies in our City... so it will be helpful to find out with the City Hall near you).

After my pregnancy, we did not opt for another hospital for follow up (which will definitely be much cheaper). We stayed on with Sannon because we were very comfortable with our doctor and also due to much health complication.

We spent about JPY1million for a 2-week stay in the hospital and cesarean. I heard a public hospital cost no more than JPY500,000 (whereby JPY350,000 can be claimed from the National Insurance after baby is born.).

I have to warn you in advance that the waiting time at Sannon is VERY LONG, at times we had to wait for even up to 4 hours before we get to see our doctor. Such long waiting time is required because my doctor (Dr Kobayashi at the Reproduction Center) took time to listen and explain in details to us. When I was warded, he took time to visit me and listen to my problems. Personally, we feel that he sincerely care and is a very responsible doctor, someone we can trust wholeheartedly. Most importantly, he knows what he is doing. So, in short, it is worth all the while waiting. The waiting time is shorter for weekdays, try to avoid weekends. Another advice, bring food and drink in case you have to wait over the lunch hour.

The above fees are just a rough guide. It all depends on your health condition and the number of visits and treatments that are required. And also the type of surgery required. I would suggest you visit them and find out more information. They have English speaking staff to help you.

I hope this info helps and all the best in your IVF!

God Bless! Cheers, Patricia

note from Admin: corrected info
SANNO HOSPITAL
8-10-16 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-0052 Japan
Tel: 81+(3)3402+3151, Fax: 81+(3)3404+3652
E-mail: sannoclc@sannoclc.or.jp URL: http://www.sannoclc.or.jp

sorry I did not realise I posted my message so many times !! I made a typing error in my message. The amount claimed from the National Insurance after baby is born was JPY300,000 instead of JPY350,000. I understand that such amount varies from City to City. So it will be good to check with your National Insurance.

Actually C-sections are covered by National Health as a medical emergency. And you can do normal birth plus 1 week stay for about Y300,000, even in Tokyo, if you go the cheapest route. Pricing for giving birth and National Health coverage are covered in the discussion regarding "Cost of Birthing in Japan" at http://www.tokyowithkids.com/discussions/messages/35/490.html

Hi Inna, Elisa,

I just moved to Tokyo last week. I am undergoing IVF too.

I need to do a blood test this weekend and after having called a few hospitals and clinics, none seem to be able to give me same day results. I need same day results to fax back to my fertility doctor in home country so he could advise on next course of action/medicine dosage.

If anyone can help or share information they know it would be much appreciated.

Does the Sanno hospital accept National Health insurance? Thanks

note from Admin: Yes

Could someone let me know if assisted reproduction techniques like IVF, IUI etc are covered under japanese health insurance. Thanks

Sorry,
I don't really think they are covered. Also pregnancy is not covered so I don't see how they would cover for IVF!