While it is natural to want to make the most of sightseeing during a trip to Japan, did you know that many travelers fall ill during their stay? In fact, data shows that approximately 4% (about 150,000 people) of international visitors to Japan per month experience health issues (*1).
The most frequently reported symptoms include colds and fevers, followed by allergies, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Anyone can experience these symptoms, even those who consider their immune system strong. A combination of environmental, dietary, and weather changes can often lead to illness. Ignoring minor symptoms may cause them to worsen, so it is crucial to know ahead of time what to do when you fall ill.
However, visiting the hospital can be challenging due to the language barrier and unfamiliarity with certain procedures. This is where the online consultation service HOTEL de DOCTOR 24 comes in handy.

*1: “Actual Survey on Medical Care of Foreign Travelers Visiting Japan,” 2023 (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism)

HOTEL de DOCTOR 24 is an online medical consultation service that offers 24-hour interpretation support. You can receive a medical consultation with peace of mind, even if you do not speak Japanese. The entire process—from booking an appointment to receiving medical treatment—is completed online using a smartphone or PC. This allows patients to receive consultations from the comfort of their hotels or other private spaces.

This service is operated by M3 Career, Inc., a member of the M3 Group, which also runs m3.com, a leading medical information site used by over 90% of doctors in Japan. Thanks to its extensive network of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other medical professionals, the company has built a reliable platform.

Additionally, HOTEL de DOCTOR 24 has partnerships with many hotels, of which 170 have already adopted the service, making it the leading medical consultation service to offer 24-hour interpretation support (according to M3 Career, Inc.).

Now, let’s look at the key features and advantages of the HOTEL de DOCTOR 24 service.

There are currently over 3,000 physicians awaiting registration, and the platform is fully equipped to coordinate consultations with 100 to 200 patients. About 90% of these registered physicians have experience treating international patients, and 60% can provide services in English. They are also familiar with the common symptoms international visitors to Japan experience, so they can provide accurate medical care.

Medical consultations are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including on public holidays and when hospitals are closed. Night and early-morning consultations are especially in demand, providing peace of mind that help is available if you suddenly become ill at any time.

HOTEL de DOCTOR 24 offers professional medical interpreters fluent in 22 languages, who will accompany you during your consultations with physicians and nurses. They will accurately relay details about your pain and symptoms, so you do not need to worry about language barriers.

In Japan, many clinics require appointments, resulting in long wait times. With HOTEL de DOCTOR 24, you can be assigned a physician, nurse, and medical interpreter to receive immediate consultation.

You can access the service from anywhere in Japan, provided you are in a private setting, such as a hotel room, a friend’s house, or a conference room. In the past, a patient used the service while on a cruise ship, so you do not need to stay in a hotel as long as you have a stable Internet connection.

Online consultations eliminate the need for travel and waiting. You can receive a consultation stress-free from the comfort and privacy of your own room without the need to involve the hotel front desk.

After your consultation, a prescription may be issued if necessary. You will have to pick up your medication from a nearby designated pharmacy, where the nurse will have shared the details of your consultation. You will simply need to present a copy of the prescription along with your passport to the pharmacist.*
(*Additional medication fee required.)

Unlike most Japanese hospitals, where the exact cost is often disclosed only after consultations and tests are completed, HOTEL de DOCTOR 24 offers transparent pricing with a flat rate of 55,000 yen per person (excluding medication costs). You can use the service without worrying about additional charges.*
(*Medication cost not included.)

A medical statement will be issued to facilitate your application for travel insurance, easing any concerns about unexpected expenses.

You only need to complete the following three easy steps to use the HOTEL de DOCTOR 24 service.

First, access the official website and register by selecting your symptoms and desired consultation time. Proceed to the payment screen and enter your credit card information to complete the payment.

Download Zoom on your smartphone or PC to access the online consultation. You do not need to create a Zoom account. With a medical interpreter present, you will first have a conversation with a nurse, followed by a consultation with a doctor, so language barriers will not be a concern.

After the consultation, a medical statement will be emailed to your registered address in PDF format. If needed, a prescription will also be provided for you to pick up your medication from the designated pharmacy.

To use the service, you will need the following:
・A smartphone, tablet, PC, or other communication device equipped with a camera (compatible with Zoom)
・A stable Internet connection
・Your passport
・Your credit card

HOTEL de DOCTOR 24 is a reassuring service that offers 24-hour online consultations. Below are some examples of the types of consultations and symptoms that can be addressed.

●Medical symptoms: cold, fever, abdominal pain, etc.
●Topical symptoms: eczema, itchy skin, etc.
●When you run out of your regular medication
●When you fall ill at night or early in the morning
●When you need a medical certificate to change your flight due to sudden illness
●When you have concerns and need a second opinion after consulting a physician at a Japanese hospital
●When you are not feeling well but are unsure of which department to consult

In case of serious illness, such as convulsions, loss of consciousness, vomiting blood, or trauma, such as fractures, please immediately contact a medical institution or the front desk of your hotel.

Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to help you use HOTEL de DOCTOR 24 more easily.

・How much is the basic fee?
The flat fee is 55,000 yen per use, including the system usage fee, consultation fee, medical interpretation fee, as well as prescription and medical certificate issuance fees as needed. However, it does not include the cost of medication.

・Is insurance coverage provided?
After the consultation, you will be issued a medical statement necessary for insurance claims. As the coverage rules depend on your insurance (credit card insurance, overseas travel insurance, etc.), you will need to inquire with your insurance company for details. Overseas travel insurance can generally cover the cost of medical consultations and medication.

・Is the cost of medication included?
The service fee does not include the cost of medication, which will vary depending on the type and amount of medication needed. You are required to pay at the pharmacy.

・What languages are supported?
Medical interpreter support is available in 22 languages: English, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, Thai, Russian, French, German, Italian, Nepali, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Indonesian, Malay, Khmer, Myanmar, Mongolian, Sinhalese, Hindi, Bengali, and Urdu.
Our reservation website is also available in ten languages, so there is no need to worry about language barriers.

・What is the minimum age for eligibility?
The service is available to individuals aged six and older.

・Is there a cancellation fee?
If you cancel the service after payment, a cancellation fee equivalent to the full usage fee will be charged.

・If all family members are ill, can they all receive a consultation under the same account?
Since a separate medical bill statement is issued for each individual account, you must create an account for each patient.

HOTEL de DOCTOR 24 is a reliable platform that provides solid medical support during your stay in Japan. You can register from outside Japan in advance to access consultations easily in case of an emergency. Register before your trip to Japan for a more enjoyable and worry-free experience!