How to Access Healthcare as a Tourist
Step 1: Identify the Right Facility
Japan has three main types of medical facilities:
- Clinics (診療所/クリニック): Small facilities for non-emergency care. This is where you should go first for most issues.
- Hospitals (病院): Larger facilities with 20+ beds. Some require a referral from a clinic.
- Dental clinics (歯科): Separate facilities specifically for dental care.
Pro tip: In Japan, you typically visit a clinic first. Going directly to a large hospital without a referral may result in an additional fee of 5,000-7,000 yen.
Step 2: Find a Facility
Search for clinics and hospitals on Travelers Hospital
You can filter by:
- Language support (English, Chinese, Korean)
- Location (prefecture and city)
- Department (internal medicine, dental, pediatrics, etc.)
- Features (24-hour, emergency, credit card accepted)
Other resources:
- JNTO Medical Institution Search: Japan National Tourism Organization's official directory
- AMDA International Medical Info Center: Multilingual medical consultation hotline (03-6233-9266)
Step 3: Visit the Clinic
- Arrive and register at the reception desk. Bring your passport and insurance card (if applicable).
- Fill out a questionnaire (問診票) about your symptoms, allergies, and medical history.
- Wait to be called. Wait times vary — typically 15-60 minutes.
- See the doctor. Consultations are usually 5-10 minutes.
- Pay at the counter. Most clinics accept cash only. Some larger hospitals accept credit cards.
- Get your prescription and visit a nearby pharmacy (薬局).
Telemedicine: A New Option for Tourists
Since 2024, several telemedicine services have launched specifically for foreign visitors in Japan:
- Online video consultations with English-speaking doctors
- Prescription delivery to your hotel
- Available for non-emergency conditions like colds, allergies, stomach issues, and skin problems
This is particularly useful if you're in a rural area or struggling with the language barrier.
Emergency Medical Care
When to Call an Ambulance
Dial 119 and say "kyuukyuu desu" (救急です = "It's an emergency").
Ambulance service in Japan is completely free — there is no charge regardless of your insurance status.
Other Emergency Numbers
Emergency Hospitals by City
Find 24-hour and emergency hospitals near you:
Travel Insurance: Do You Need It?
Yes — absolutely. Here's why:
- Japan's national health insurance does not cover tourists
- Medical costs without insurance can be 3-10x higher
- Hospitalization or surgery can easily exceed 500,000 yen ($3,500+ USD)
- Evacuation costs (air ambulance) can reach millions of yen
2026 Update: Mandatory Insurance for Tourists
Japan's government has announced plans to require all incoming tourists to have private medical insurance as part of its tourism policy package. While enforcement details are still being finalized, this signals the growing importance of being properly insured.
What to Look for in Travel Insurance
- Medical coverage of at least $100,000 USD
- Emergency evacuation coverage
- 24-hour assistance hotline in your language
- Cashless treatment option at partner hospitals
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions (if applicable)
Tips for a Smooth Hospital Visit
What to Bring
- Passport (ID verification)
- Travel insurance card/documents
- Credit/debit card AND cash (many clinics only accept cash)
- List of current medications
- Medical history summary in English
- Phone with translation app installed
Essential Japanese Medical Phrases
Payment Methods
Always carry at least 10,000-20,000 yen in cash when visiting a medical facility.
FAQ
Q: Can tourists see a doctor in Japan?
A: Yes. Anyone can receive medical care in Japan regardless of nationality or insurance status. You may need to pay the full cost if you don't have insurance.
Q: How much does a doctor visit cost without insurance?
A: A basic consultation typically costs 3,000-10,000 yen ($20-70 USD). With tests or medication, expect 10,000-30,000 yen.
Q: Do Japanese doctors speak English?
A: Some do, especially in major cities. Use our hospital search to find facilities with English-speaking staff.
Q: Can I use my home country's health insurance in Japan?
A: Generally no. Most countries' national insurance does not cover treatment abroad. Travel insurance is recommended.
Q: What if I can't communicate with the doctor?
A: While some hospitals have translation devices, their accuracy for medical conversations is still limited and can add stress. Your best option is to find a clinic with genuine English-speaking staff using our search tool. If none is available nearby, call AMDA's multilingual hotline (03-6233-9266) for phone interpretation with a trained human interpreter.
Q: Is the ambulance really free?
A: Yes. Ambulance transport is free in Japan. However, the medical treatment at the hospital will be charged.
Q: Can I get my prescription filled at any pharmacy?
A: Yes. Take your prescription (処方箋) to any pharmacy. Most are located near hospitals and clinics.
Q: What happens if I can't pay?
A: Hospitals are legally required to provide emergency care regardless of ability to pay. For non-emergency care, you'll be asked to pay before leaving or arrange payment.
Q: Are there 24-hour clinics in Japan?
A: Some areas have after-hours clinics and 24-hour hospitals. Search for 24-hour facilities here
Q: Should I go to a clinic or hospital?
A: For non-emergency issues, visit a clinic first. Going directly to a large hospital without a referral may incur an additional fee.
Find a Hospital Near You
Don't wait until you're sick to figure out where to go. Search for hospitals and clinics in Japan now:
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