<\/p>\n
A Comprehensive Guide for Foreigners<\/strong><\/p>\n When faced with a medical emergency in a foreign country, even basic procedures can feel overwhelming. For foreign residents and travelers in Tokyo, understanding how emergency medical services operate can make a critical difference in outcomes. This guide walks you through the emergency room (ER) procedures in Tokyo\u2014from calling an ambulance to follow-up care\u2014so that you’re prepared when it matters most.<\/p>\n In Japan, you should go to the emergency room if you experience:<\/p>\n Chest pain or difficulty breathing<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Serious injuries or fractures<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Heavy bleeding<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Sudden weakness or slurred speech (possible stroke)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Loss of consciousness<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Severe allergic reactions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n High fever in infants or elderly<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Psychiatric emergencies (self-harm, severe mental distress)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n For minor issues like colds or mild pain, visit a clinic or urgent care center instead.<\/p>\n Dial 119<\/strong> for ambulance services. The number is toll-free and available nationwide.<\/p>\n The Tokyo Fire Department offers multilingual support<\/strong> (English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Tagalog, etc.) via interpreter services.<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t speak Japanese:<\/p>\n Say \u201cHelp! Emergency. English, please.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Provide your location and phone number slowly.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Alternatively, use apps like Japan Travel by Navitime<\/strong>, which includes emergency phrases in Japanese.<\/p>\n Ambulances in Japan are staffed by trained EMTs. They will:<\/p>\n Assess your condition<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Provide basic care (oxygen, CPR, IV if needed)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Transport you to a hospital that has an available ER and is appropriate for your condition<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Important:<\/strong> The crew calls hospitals in advance to confirm availability. If the hospital refuses due to overcrowding, they\u2019ll try another.<\/p>\n Yes. In Japan, ambulance services are free<\/strong>. However, you pay for treatment<\/strong> once at the hospital.<\/p>\n Once at the hospital:<\/p>\n You\u2019ll be taken to the ER department for triage.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n A nurse will assess your condition and prioritize care.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n You may have to wait if your case is not life-threatening.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n If possible, bring:<\/p>\n Health insurance card (NHI or private)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Residence card or passport<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Medication list or actual medicine<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Allergy information<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Cash or credit card<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Even in emergencies, these help speed up admission and treatment.<\/p>\n Most ERs operate primarily in Japanese, but several hospitals in Tokyo offer English-speaking services<\/strong>:<\/p>\n St. Luke\u2019s International Hospital (Tsukiji)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Tokyo Medical University Hospital (Shinjuku)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Juntendo University Hospital (Bunkyo)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo Hospital (Hiroo)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Keio University Hospital (Shinanomachi)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Some hospitals offer on-demand interpretation<\/strong> via iPad or phone.<\/p>\n You may receive:<\/p>\n Blood tests, ECG, imaging (CT, MRI, X-ray)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Medication<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Wound treatment or fracture care<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Emergency surgery, if necessary<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Psychiatric evaluation (via duty psychiatrist)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Doctors will explain findings and recommend treatment. If you need hospitalization, they will admit you or refer you elsewhere.<\/p>\n You pay 30% of the cost<\/strong>. Most hospitals accept Japanese insurance at the time of billing.<\/p>\n You must pay 100% upfront<\/strong>. Be prepared for higher charges, especially if imaging, bloodwork, or surgery is involved.<\/p>\n Typical ER bill:<\/strong><\/p>\n Minor treatment: \u00a55,000\u2013\u00a520,000<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Severe case with tests: \u00a530,000\u2013\u00a5100,000+<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n If you’re admitted:<\/p>\n You\u2019ll be asked to present insurance documents<\/p>\n<\/li>\n A deposit may be required (for uninsured patients)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Rooms vary from multi-bed wards to private rooms (with added cost)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Meals, pajamas, and toiletries may not be included<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Family or embassy staff can help with logistics if needed.<\/p>\n In cases of suicidal ideation, panic attacks, or psychosis:<\/p>\n ER doctors may involve psychiatric specialists<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n You may be transferred to a mental health facility<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Involuntary admission is possible under the Mental Health Act (if danger is present)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n TELL Lifeline (03-5774-0992)<\/strong> offers 24\/7 mental health support in English.<\/p>\n For dental emergencies<\/strong>, each ward designates on-call dentists<\/strong> during off-hours<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Pediatric ERs exist at select hospitals (e.g., National Center for Child Health and Development)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n You can check availability via:<\/p>\n Tokyo Medical Information Service (AMDA)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Tokyo EMS smartphone app<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Local ward office websites<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n After your ER visit, the hospital may:<\/p>\n Schedule a follow-up at their outpatient clinic<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Refer you to a specialist<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Provide a written report for insurance or embassy<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Always keep your discharge summary and receipts.<\/p>\n Most Tokyo hospitals operate on a pay-first<\/strong> system. If you have international insurance:<\/p>\n Ask for a detailed receipt (\u660e\u7d30\u66f8 \/ meisai-sho)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Submit the receipt to your insurer for reimbursement<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Some hospitals accept direct billing<\/strong> for certain expat health plans<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Tourists should:<\/p>\n Keep their passport and travel insurance card ready<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Know their travel insurer\u2019s emergency number<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Use embassy assistance if necessary<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)<\/strong> also offers a multilingual tourist helpline<\/strong> at 050-3816-2787.<\/p>\n In addition to hospital resources, foreigners can access:<\/p>\n TELL Lifeline<\/strong> \u2013 Mental health support<\/p>\n<\/li>\n AMDA Medical Information Center<\/strong> \u2013 Multilingual hospital directory<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Tokyo Fire Department EMS Interpreters<\/strong> \u2013 Phone-based support for 119 calls<\/p>\n<\/li>\n JNTO Emergency Support<\/strong> \u2013 For visitors and tourists<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n During outbreaks:<\/p>\n Hospitals may limit ER access<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Fever clinics may be set up separately<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Call ahead or consult a ward health center before visiting<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Masks and hand sanitation remain standard protocol in most medical facilities.<\/p>\n Ambulance \/ Fire:<\/strong> 119<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police:<\/strong> 110<\/p>\n<\/li>\n TELL Lifeline (English):<\/strong> 03-5774-0992<\/p>\n<\/li>\n JNTO Emergency Tourist Support:<\/strong> 050-3816-2787<\/p>\n<\/li>\n AMDA Medical Information Center:<\/strong> 03-5285-8088<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Keep a medical emergency card<\/strong> in your wallet (with allergies, conditions, contact info)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Know your blood type<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Carry your insurance card<\/strong> or policy copy at all times<\/p>\n<\/li>\n If in doubt, err on the side of caution<\/strong> and seek care early<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Being informed doesn\u2019t prevent emergencies\u2014but it gives you power and peace of mind. Tokyo\u2019s emergency rooms are well-equipped and experienced, and with a bit of preparation, you can navigate them even under pressure.<\/p>\n Yes. Dial 119 for ambulance and fire services. The number is free and available 24\/7.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Yes. The Tokyo Fire Department offers multilingual support including English. Just say \u201cEnglish, please\u201d and speak clearly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Yes. The ambulance ride is free, but you will be charged for treatment at the hospital.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Some major hospitals with English-speaking staff include St. Luke\u2019s International Hospital, Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo Hospital, and Keio University Hospital.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Yes. Bring your health insurance card, residence card or passport, and a list of any medications or allergies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n With insurance, you pay 30% of the cost. Without insurance, you must pay 100% upfront. Costs can range from \u00a55,000 to \u00a5100,000 depending on the treatment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Yes. Tourists can visit any emergency room. Be sure to carry your passport and travel insurance information.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Yes. Psychiatric emergencies are assessed in ERs and may result in referral or admission to a mental health facility.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Paramedics will call other hospitals to find one that can accept you. You may be taken to a hospital farther away.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Yes. Each ward has designated on-call dentists and pediatric ER services. Check with your local ward office or AMDA Medical Info Center.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Most hospitals require upfront payment. You can request a detailed receipt to file a reimbursement claim with your foreign insurer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Some hospitals offer on-demand interpretation via tablets or phone. However, English may not always be available on-site immediately.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8363,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[66],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8362","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tokyo-relocation-guide"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\n1. What Constitutes a Medical Emergency?<\/h2>\n
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\n2. Calling an Ambulance in Tokyo<\/h2>\n
2.1. Emergency Number<\/h3>\n
2.2. Language Support<\/h3>\n
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\n3. What Happens When an Ambulance Arrives?<\/h2>\n
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\n4. Are Ambulances Free?<\/h2>\n
\n5. Arriving at the Emergency Room<\/h2>\n
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\n6. What Documents Should You Bring?<\/h2>\n
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\n7. Language Barriers and Support<\/h2>\n
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\n8. Treatment at the ER<\/h2>\n
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\n9. Payment Procedures<\/h2>\n
9.1. With Insurance (NHI or Shakai Hoken)<\/h3>\n
9.2. Without Insurance<\/h3>\n
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\n10. Overnight Hospital Admission<\/h2>\n
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\n11. Psychiatric or Mental Health Emergencies<\/h2>\n
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\n12. Dental and Pediatric Emergencies<\/h2>\n
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\n13. Aftercare and Follow-up<\/h2>\n
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\n14. Using Foreign Insurance<\/h2>\n
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\n15. ER Procedures for Visitors and Tourists<\/h2>\n
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\n16. Emergency Services for Non-Japanese Speakers<\/h2>\n
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\n17. COVID-19 and Infectious Diseases<\/h2>\n
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\n18. Useful Phrases for the ER<\/h2>\n
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\n \nEnglish<\/th>\n Japanese<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n I need an ambulance<\/td>\n \u6551\u6025\u8eca\u3092\u304a\u9858\u3044\u3057\u307e\u3059 (Ky\u016bky\u016bsha o onegaishimasu)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n I don\u2019t feel well<\/td>\n \u5177\u5408\u304c\u60aa\u3044\u3067\u3059 (Guai ga warui desu)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n I\u2019m allergic to…<\/td>\n …\u306b\u30a2\u30ec\u30eb\u30ae\u30fc\u304c\u3042\u308a\u307e\u3059 (…ni arerug\u012b ga arimasu)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Please speak English<\/td>\n \u82f1\u8a9e\u3092\u8a71\u3057\u3066\u304f\u3060\u3055\u3044 (Eigo o hanashite kudasai)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n It hurts here<\/td>\n \u3053\u3053\u304c\u75db\u3044\u3067\u3059 (Koko ga itai desu)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\n19. Emergency Contact Numbers<\/h2>\n
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\n20. Final Tips<\/h2>\n
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\nFrequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
Is 119 the correct number for an ambulance in Tokyo?<\/h3>\n
Can I speak English when calling an ambulance?<\/h3>\n
Are ambulances in Japan free?<\/h3>\n
What hospitals in Tokyo offer English-speaking ER services?<\/h3>\n
Do I need to bring any documents to the emergency room?<\/h3>\n
How much does emergency treatment cost in Tokyo?<\/h3>\n
Can tourists access emergency medical care?<\/h3>\n
Are psychiatric emergencies treated in ERs?<\/h3>\n
What happens if a hospital is full?<\/h3>\n
Are there emergency dental or pediatric services in Tokyo?<\/h3>\n
Can I use foreign insurance in Japanese ERs?<\/h3>\n
Is interpretation available at emergency rooms?<\/h3>\n