Navigating a Japanese Hospital Visit

A Step-by-Step Guide for Foreigners in Japan

Visiting a hospital in Japan as a foreigner can be a confusing and intimidating experience. From language barriers and unfamiliar procedures to insurance rules and cultural expectations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, Japan’s healthcare system is efficient, affordable, and well-organized—once you understand how it works.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about navigating a Japanese hospital visit: from understanding the system, making appointments, and dealing with insurance, to what to expect during and after your visit.

1. Understanding the Japanese Healthcare System

Japan has a universal healthcare system, meaning everyone is required to enroll in some form of public health insurance. There are two main types:

• Employee’s Health Insurance (Shakai Hoken) – Provided through employers

• National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenkō Hoken) – For freelancers, students, and others not covered by employers

With either insurance, you typically pay 30% of medical costs, and the rest is covered by the government.

If you’re not insured, you’ll pay 100% out-of-pocket, which can become expensive quickly.

2. Types of Hospitals and Clinics in Japan

Japanese healthcare facilities are generally divided into three categories:

For non-emergency care, it’s best to visit a clinic first. Hospitals often require referrals and longer wait times.

3. When Should You Go to a Hospital?

You should consider visiting a hospital if:

• You have a serious condition or injury

• Your clinic doctor refers you

• You require diagnostic tests (MRI, CT, endoscopy)

• You need specialist care or surgery

For minor illnesses (cold, fever, flu), start with a local clinic. For dental or eye care, visit specialty clinics.

For life-threatening emergencies, dial 119 for an ambulance. Some staff speak basic English.

4. How to Find the Right Hospital

Use these resources to locate English-speaking or foreigner-friendly hospitals:

• Japan Healthcare Info (japanhealthinfo.com)

• Embassy or Consulate websites

• Tokyo Metropolitan Medical Institution Information (Tokyo EMS)

• Google Maps (search: “English-speaking hospital Tokyo”)

Check reviews, location, opening hours, and whether they accept your insurance.

5. Making an Appointment

Unlike many Western countries, walk-ins are common in Japanese clinics and some hospitals. However, for larger hospitals or specialist departments, you may need an appointment.

How to Book:

• Phone call (often Japanese only)

• Online form (English available in some hospitals)

• In-person (first-come, first-served in clinics)

• Use a friend or translation app if necessary

Bring a Japanese-speaking friend if you’re unsure. Many hospitals use number ticketing systems, especially for first visits.

6. What to Bring with You

When visiting a hospital, make sure to bring:

• Health Insurance Card (National or Employee)

• ID (Residence Card or Passport)

• Cash or credit card

• Previous medical records (if applicable)

• Referral letter (紹介状) if coming from another doctor

• Medication list (in English and Japanese if possible)

Some hospitals may also ask for your My Number card.

7. At the Reception Desk (初診受付)

Your first stop is the reception area, usually labeled 初診受付 (shoshin uketsuke) for first-time visitors.

Steps:

1. Fill out a registration form (問診票 / monsinhyō)

2. Submit your insurance card and ID

3. Receive a patient ID card (診察券) – Keep this for future visits

4. Wait until your number is called or displayed

If English is not available, use translation apps like Google Translate or Pocketalk.

8. During the Examination

Once called, you’ll be guided to the appropriate department or consultation room.

Things to Expect:

• Most doctors wear white coats and speak formally

• English level varies greatly – some speak fluently, others not at all

• Use a translation app or request a medical interpreter if available

• Doctors may be brief and direct; this is standard in Japan

Don’t hesitate to ask questions, even if they seem basic.

9. Medical Tests and Procedures

If your condition requires tests, such as X-rays, bloodwork, or scans:

• You may be asked to wait or come back another day

• Many hospitals have these services in-house

• Results are usually explained briefly unless you request more detail

For minor procedures (e.g. stitches), you may be taken to a separate treatment room.

10. Prescriptions and Pharmacies

After your consultation, you’ll usually receive a prescription slip (処方箋 / shohōsen). Take this to a nearby pharmacy (薬局 / yakkyoku).

Tips:

• Most prescriptions are valid for 4 days

• Pharmacies often have staff who speak basic English

• Bring your insurance card and patient ID

• Ask for medicine instructions in English if unclear

Prescription medications are heavily regulated—don’t expect antibiotics “just in case”.

11. Payment and Insurance Coverage

After your visit, go to the payment counter (会計 / kaikei).

Payment Process:

1. Your bill is calculated

2. You pay 30% of the total (if insured)

3. You receive a receipt and any needed documentation

You can usually pay by:

• Cash

• Credit card

• IC card (Suica, Pasmo) in some hospitals

Keep all receipts, especially if you plan to claim reimbursement through private or overseas insurance.

12. Follow-up Visits and Referrals

If further treatment is needed, you’ll receive:

• A referral slip (紹介状) to another specialist or hospital

• A follow-up appointment date

• Instructions for tests or home care

Be sure to bring your patient ID card next time—this speeds up the check-in process.

13. Emergency Visits (ER)

In case of emergency:

• Dial 119 – say “Ambulance, please. English OK.”

• Ambulances are free of charge

• Emergency rooms operate 24/7 but English support is limited

Bring:

• ID and insurance card

• Any known allergies or health conditions (in writing if possible)

• A friend to help interpret if you can

Many emergency departments triage based on urgency. Be prepared to wait if your case is not critical.

14. Dealing with Language Barriers

Language can be the biggest challenge during a hospital visit. Here are tips to help:

• Pre-write key symptoms in Japanese using Google Translate

• Use apps like VoiceTra, Pocketalk, or Google Translate (with camera)

• Some large hospitals offer volunteer interpreters

• Prepare a medical phrase sheet (available online)

15. Cultural Differences to Know

• Doctors may not explain as much as in Western countries. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.

• Nurses are extremely respectful, but may not offer unsolicited help.

• Expect longer waiting times but shorter actual consultations.

• Mental health care is more conservative; ask for English-speaking specialists.

16. Special Considerations

For Pregnant Women:

• Use an OB/GYN clinic (産婦人科 / sanfujinka)

• Some offer English support and prenatal classes

• Hospitals like Sanno or Aiiku are expat-friendly

For Children:

• Visit a pediatric clinic (小児科 / shōnika)

• Bring maternal/child handbook (母子手帳) if you have one

For Tourists:

• Many hospitals require upfront payment in full

• Travel insurance is essential; show your policy at reception

17. Aftercare and Getting a Second Opinion

If you’re unsure about your diagnosis or treatment:

• You have the right to request a second opinion

• Some private international clinics can review test results

• You can switch to a different facility for follow-up care

18. Useful Japanese Phrases

Conclusion

While visiting a hospital in Japan can be challenging at first, it becomes much easier once you understand the system. From reception to prescription, each step has its own rules—but most are straightforward with a bit of preparation.

By bringing the right documents, knowing what to expect, and using the tools available to bridge the language gap, your visit can be efficient, safe, and stress-free.

Whether you’re living in Japan long-term or just visiting, understanding how to navigate the hospital system is essential for your peace of mind and well-being.