Healthcare in Japan

In Japan, call 119 for an ambulance.

What Travelers Should Know

Cost of care

Healthcare in Japan is high quality, but visitors without Japanese health insurance pay the full cost, and hospitals set their own prices. Japan's national health insurance covers residents, but tourists aren't eligible. Hospitals set their own prices for visitors without Japanese insurance, and some charge double the standard fee. Emergency room visits and hospital stays cost much more than a basic visit. An ambulance is usually free in Japan. However, hospital bills can add up quickly. Travel insurance is not just recommended here, it's close to essential.

Finding care

Finding English-speaking medical care can be difficult outside major cities. Tokyo and Osaka have international clinics, but most hospitals operate primarily in Japanese. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) maintains a list of medical facilities that can serve foreign patients. In Tokyo, clinics like the Tokyo Medical and Surgical Clinic or St. Luke's International Hospital have English-speaking staff. Outside major cities, the language barrier is real. The AMDA International Medical Information Center (0120-339-266 (toll-free) or 03-6233-9266, weekdays 10:00 to 16:00) provides multilingual medical consultation and can help you find nearby facilities. Having your symptoms written in Japanese (use Google Translate) can save critical time.

Insurance

Travel insurance is essential for Japan. There are no reciprocal healthcare agreements with most countries, and costs can be high. As a visitor, you are not covered by Japan's public insurance. Without insurance, all costs are out of pocket. Some hospitals may ask for a deposit or upfront payment. Keep all receipts for insurance claims. If your travel insurer has a Japanese assistance line, save that number in your phone before you arrive.

Language

English is limited in most healthcare settings. International clinics in Tokyo and Osaka are the exception. Most Japanese doctors have some English reading ability from their medical training, but conversational English varies a lot. Hospital intake forms are typically in Japanese only. The JNTO tourist hotline (050-3816-2787) offers English support and can help arrange medical interpretation. Translation apps are useful here. If you take regular medication, bring a note from your doctor with the generic drug names, as brand names differ between countries.

Pharmacies

Japanese pharmacies are well-stocked but more regulated than in many Asian countries. Many common medications require a prescription. Pharmacies (yakkyoku) are found everywhere, and drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi and Sugi Pharmacy carry a wide range of over-the-counter medication. However, Japan's drug regulations are stricter than neighboring countries. Some medications that are OTC elsewhere require a prescription in Japan, and certain drugs (including some ADHD medications and strong painkillers) are prohibited entirely. If you rely on specific medication, check Japan's import rules before you travel.