@Kalshann @MostlyHarmless Grew up in the US, live and work in Japan. Medical insurance is better in J, but attitude toward illness is not ideal. http://www.shindoisshin.com/blog/dont-work-when-youre-sick Usually get a pool of paid time off that you use for everything; vacation, errands that need to be done during work hours, etc. If you are at one of the very few places that does offer separate time off for illness, you have to document it with proof that you went to see a doctor and that you were advised not to return to work.