What You Should Know Before Going to a Hospital in Japan

If you are planning to live in Japan, it is important to understand how the medical system works before you actually need to visit a hospital. The system may be different from what you are used to, and knowing a few key points can help you feel more confident and prepared.

First, health insurance is essential in Japan. Everyone is required to join a public health insurance program. International students and self-employed residents usually enroll in the National Health Insurance system, while company employees are typically covered by social insurance through their employer. If you are insured, you generally pay only about 30% of your medical costs. However, if you forget to bring your insurance card to the hospital, you may have to pay the full amount upfront.

Another important feature of the Japanese system is the “referral system.” Large hospitals and university hospitals often require a referral letter from a local clinic. If you visit a big hospital without one, you may be charged an additional fee. For this reason, it is common to first visit a nearby clinic (for example, an internal medicine clinic) and then be referred to a larger hospital if necessary.

Many clinics in Japan do not require appointments, and you can simply walk in during consultation hours. However, this may mean long waiting times. Clinics often have separate morning and afternoon hours, so it is a good idea to check their website in advance.

Payment methods are another thing to keep in mind. While some hospitals accept credit cards, many smaller clinics still prefer cash. Bringing enough cash with you is a safe choice.

Language support depends on the hospital. Large medical centers may offer English services, but small neighborhood clinics often operate only in Japanese. To prepare, you can write down your symptoms in simple English and Japanese, use a translation app, or bring a friend who can help interpret.

Medical consultations in Japan are often relatively short. After your visit, you will usually receive a prescription and take it to a nearby pharmacy to get your medicine. This system is called “outside prescription” and is very common.

In case of an emergency, you can call 119 to request an ambulance. Ambulance services are free of charge, but they should be used only for urgent or serious situations.

Understanding these basic points about Japan’s healthcare system can help reduce stress and make your experience smoother when you need medical care.