What we do:
We interpret for the foreign community at healthcare institutions.
Those eligible for our services:
International residents in Sapporo.
We do not provide volunteer interpretation services to residents outside of Sapporo, except for international students and their families who need to go to medical facilities in Sapporo.
For medical consultations where you need to communicate with doctors or other medical staff, phone interpretation services are accessible by contacting the Sapporo Medical Communication Hotline.
If you need our assistance, please make an inquiry through [Contact Us].
How to use our service:
- First, please call Sapporo Medical Communication Hotline at 011-211-2121 to ask for an appointment with a medical institute to be made for you. ※Please only use this service once you have decided which hospital you would like to go to.
(Unfortunately, SEMI doesn’t help make an appointment for your consultation.) - Once an appointment is made, please email SEMI to request an interpreter to accompany you. You must apply for this service several days before going to the hospital.
- After we receive your request, we will check to see who is available for assignment.
- The assigned interpreter (or contact person) will then send an email to you to confirm the assignment.
If you have sent a request and you still haven’t heard from your assigned interpreter three days before your appointment, please send us a reminder email. - We will communicate the meeting location and time to meet via email.
- If you already have an appointment, you can directly request a SEMI interpreter by emailing us. Please describe your condition in detail, such as symptoms, medical history, and the medical institution where your appointment is located. Please be sure to contact us several days in advance before visiting the hospital.
The fee:
Our services are free for international residents in Sapporo who use clinics and hospitals in Sapporo, with some exceptions. However, an interpretation fee may be charged by SEMI for travelers, residents outside of Sapporo, and those whose medical expenses are not covered by their health insurance. Whether a fee will be charged is dependent upon each individual’s particular circumstances.
What we do not accept:
If a client assaults, uses abusive language towards, or otherwise harasses one of SEMI’s members or anyone else, that client will no longer be able to make use of SEMI’s services.
Your confidentiality is guaranteed.