How to get medical care in Japan

6 min readDec 18, 2023

No one likes to be sick or hurt, especially when you’re far from home. Sometimes, you can tough it out and hope for the best, but other times, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. Medical care in Japan can be daunting, even if you speak Japanese fluently. But with these tips, you’ll be able to find a good clinic, get ready for your visit, fill out the paperwork, pay the right amount, and follow up after your appointment.

Finding a Clinic

The easiest way to find a clinic is to use Google. Just type in your location and what kind of clinic you need, and you’ll get a list of options. If you speak Japanese, you can choose from more local clinics. Still, suppose you prefer a doctor who speaks English or has a more Western style of medicine. In that case, there are English-speaking clinics in major cities across Japan. Read the reviews, as some clinics are better than others. A general clinic should be fine if you’re unsure what kind of clinic you need. The doctor can refer you to a specialist if necessary. Some clinics accept walk-ins, but others require booking online or by phone. Check the website for details.

Preparing for Your Visit

Don’t forget to bring your health insurance card. Your health insurance usually covers 70% of the cost, so you don’t want to miss out on that. Your health insurance card can also serve as an ID in some situations. I always have mine with me, just in case. Also, make sure your phone is fully charged. You’ll need it to find the clinic on Google Maps and to use translation apps to help you fill out the forms. When you go to a clinic for the first time, you must arrive early and fill out some documents. They’ll ask you about your medical history and your current condition. If the form is in Japanese, you should try to fill it out in Japanese. But don’t worry, it’s only the first time. After that, you can show them your membership card and skip the hassle.

Pro Tip: Practice Writing Your Name and Address in Japanese

If you’re only in Japan briefly, you don’t have to learn everything, but you should at least try to write your name and address in Japanese. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should be clear. You’ll need to register in Japanese when you go to a clinic, a post office, a real estate office, or a bank. Trust me, it’ll save you a lot of time and trouble.

Medical Forms

If you think Japan has a lot of forms, you’re right. And when you need to go to a clinic or a pharmacy, you’ll have to deal with even more. But don’t let that stop you from getting the necessary medical care. Here is more detailed information about filling out medical forms.

At the Clinic

After you hand in the form, you must wait for the doctor. Listen carefully for your name. Even if the doctor speaks English, some staff may have trouble pronouncing your name, or they may murmur. The wait time depends on the clinic and the time of day. Sometimes, you can see the doctor right away, but other times, you may have to wait for an hour or more. This is especially true if you visit a specialist such as an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) or a ladies’ clinic. There are not a lot of locations, so they are often busy. That’s why most companies give at least ten days of paid leave a year. Going to the doctor can take up most of your day if you’re sick. So bring something to entertain yourself, like a book or a podcast.

The doctor will examine you and give you a diagnosis. Depending on your condition, they may prescribe medication or refer you to another clinic. Some clinics have in-house pharmacies, but they are rare, so be prepared to go to a separate place to fill your prescription. If severe, always get a second opinion before agreeing to any treatment.

At the Pharmacy

If you have a prescription, you can fill it at any pharmacy. I recommend Welcia because they have English forms and pharmacists in some locations in big cities. You’ll have to fill out another form the first time you go there. They’ll ask you about your allergies and your medications. But don’t worry, it’s only the first time. After that, you can show them your insurance card, and they’ll fill out your prescription. Welcia also gives you English instructions on how to take your medications. There are other smaller pharmacies, too. They may not have English forms or pharmacists, but they should have what you need if you’re in a hurry. Just be aware that you may have to fill out another Japanese form.

Most things are covered by insurance, but some things are not. For example, if you need birth control, chiropractic care, or pregnancy-related care, you’ll have to pay extra. If your treatment is covered by insurance, you must pay 30% of the clinic and pharmacy costs. It may be more if you see a specialist, but it’s still much cheaper than in the US. And the quality of care is usually excellent. The last time I went to the clinic for a sinus infection, the whole visit and the medication only cost me 2000 yen. Dentists may charge more depending on the treatment, but it’s still reasonable even if not covered by insurance.

Pro Tip: Stick to the Same Clinics and Pharmacies

If you find a good clinic and pharmacy, you should return to them if you have similar problems. It will save you time, and they will remember you. Plus, you’ll feel more comfortable and confident with them.

In conclusion, seeking medical care in Japan can be intimidating, but with these tips, you can navigate the process and get the care you need. Whether you need a general check-up, prescription medication, or emergency care, clinics and hospitals across Japan can help. Don’t let language barriers or paperwork discourage you from seeking medical attention. With some preparation and patience, you can care for your health and improve your life in Japan. Remember, your well-being is worth the effort.