Tue Feb 04 08:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Big S’s Sudden Death in Japan Sparks Debate on Healthcare Systems and Travel Insurance
**Tokyo/Taipei –** The sudden death of Taiwanese actress Big S (Xu Xiyuan) from influenza complicated by pneumonia during a trip to Japan has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and sparked a heated discussion about healthcare systems and travel insurance. Big S, 48, passed away on February 2nd.
Reports suggest Big S had been unwell since the first day of her trip, visiting several hospitals before ultimately returning to her hotel. A guide who allegedly assisted her party said she only called for an ambulance when her condition critically worsened in the early hours of February 2nd.
This incident has brought Japan’s tiered hospital system under scrutiny. Dr. Xu Liheng, a thoracic surgeon practicing in Japan, and other medical professionals highlighted two key issues. Firstly, the strict referral system in Japan means rural hospitals may lack emergency services, on-call doctors, or ICUs, necessitating transfers to larger facilities – a stark contrast to Taiwan’s readily available medical centers. Secondly, some claim Japanese doctors are less inclined to treat foreign patients, citing higher fees for foreigners and language barriers hindering effective communication, potentially delaying crucial treatment.
A Japanese-based physician, Dr. Zhang, clarified some online speculation, explaining that severe outcomes from influenza are unpredictable and depend on individual health history. Dr. Zhang also emphasized the stringent nature of Japan’s emergency care, often requiring appointments and prioritising critical cases, leading to situations where hospitals cannot accommodate all emergency patients.
Anecdotal accounts from other individuals corroborate these challenges, detailing difficulties accessing timely and appropriate medical care in Japan due to language barriers and the tiered system, prompting concern about the adequacy of healthcare for foreign tourists.
The tragedy has led to a surge in demand for flu vaccines in Taiwan and a renewed focus on travel insurance policies, many of which exclude coverage for infectious diseases. Experts advise checking insurance details carefully before travelling internationally to ensure appropriate coverage.
The incident also underscores the importance of seeking medical attention promptly when experiencing flu-like symptoms and avoiding activities like hot springs while ill, which can exacerbate conditions, according to Dr. Huang Xuan, a chest and critical care specialist. The case serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of influenza and the importance of adequate healthcare access, particularly when traveling abroad.
First Piper 