In Japan, the national health insurance system allows residents to receive medical treatment with a co-payment of 10% to 30%, making it relatively easy for people to visit medical facilities when needed.

However, healthcare systems vary worldwide, and not everyone is automatically covered by insurance as they are in Japan. In some countries, ambulance services are costly, medical expenses can differ by hospital or doctor, and overall treatment costs can be significantly higher.

As a result, some international travelers try to manage their symptoms with over-the-counter medication, only seeking medical attention when their condition has worsened. Delaying treatment can lead to higher medical costs, extended travel disruptions, and an increased risk of spreading infectious diseases. It’s best to visit a medical facility as soon as symptoms appear. During peak flu season in winter, clinics can become crowded, making it more difficult to get an appointment, so extra caution is advised.

Japan has various types of medical facilities, including university hospitals, public hospitals operated by the national or local government, large private hospitals, and small clinics. Large hospitals offer multiple specialties and are well-equipped with staff and medical technology. However, they prioritize patients with a referral letter. If you visit a large hospital without a referral, you may need to pay an additional fee of 5,000–7,000 yen on top of the consultation cost, and waiting times can be long.

Small clinics usually specialize in specific fields and often require reservations. If you are a traveler, inform the clinic of your situation and ask if they accept walk-in patients. These clinics are commonly found near major train stations but may have limited foreign language support compared to larger hospitals. If you have a pre-existing condition or are pregnant, preparing a written note with essential medical details can help facilitate communication.

Consider including the following information:
・Name
・Blood type
・Current medical conditions
・Medications you are taking
・Allergies
・Medical history
・Religious considerations (e.g., for blood transfusions)
・Emergency contact information

If you need medical assistance while traveling in Japan, here are five main ways to find a suitable medical facility:

1. Ask Your Tour Operator or Guide
According to a survey by the Japan Tourism Agency, about half of travel agencies pre-select medical facilities for foreign travelers in case of illness or injury. Some tour operators may also accompany you to the hospital.

However, it may not always be possible to arrange a medical facility in every destination on your tour, so there is a chance that no specific recommendation will be available.

2. Ask Your Hotel Concierge or Front Desk
Hotel staff can often recommend nearby medical facilities based on your symptoms. However, note that they typically do not accompany guests to the hospital.

3. Visit a Tourist Information Center
Tourist information centers provide multilingual resources and can direct you to nearby medical facilities. Many Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)-certified tourist information centers also have staff who can communicate in foreign languages.

In the event of a disaster, these centers also offer updates on transportation and evacuation sites, making them a useful resource in emergencies.

4. Contact Your Travel Insurance Provider
If you have travel insurance, contact your provider to get a recommended medical facility. Some insurance plans for international visitors cover medical expenses and prescription costs at partner hospitals, allowing you to receive treatment cashless.

Additionally, many travel insurance plans offer language support, such as phone interpretation services or arranging an interpreter to assist you at the hospital. These services are often covered under the policy.

(Note that in some regions, cashless medical facilities may not be available. Additionally, some costs, such as prescription fees, may not be covered under cashless payment options.)

5. Search Online
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) website allows travelers to search for medical facilities that accept international patients. The site is available in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Korean, and lets you filter results by location, available languages, and medical specialties.

In an emergency, dial 119 to call an ambulance. Follow these steps.

The operator will typically ask for the above information over the phone. Answer as accurately as possible, and if you're unsure of your location, ask a nearby Japanese person for help.

Ambulance services in Japan are free for everyone, regardless of nationality. However, in some regions, a fee may be charged if an ambulance is called for a non-urgent situation. Medical treatment at the hospital will be at your own expense.

If you need to visit a medical facility in Japan, be sure to bring the following:
・Passport or Temporary Landing Permit (for cruise passengers)
・Insurance card or policy document (if you have travel insurance)
・Cash or a credit card

Additionally, having these items can be helpful:
・A point-and-speak phrasebook with illustrations and keywords to help communicate symptoms
・A medical information memo with details such as past illnesses, allergies, current medications, and any religious considerations

The Japan Tourism Agency provides a multilingual guidebook for foreign travelers seeking medical care in Japan, along with downloadable tools to assist with communication. Preparing these in advance can help ensure a smoother experience in case of an emergency.

1. Confirm Payment Methods at Reception
When visiting a medical facility, check the available payment methods at reception. Many large hospitals in Japan accept both cash and credit cards, but some facilities may only accept cash. Cashless payments are not yet widespread, so it’s best to be prepared. International travelers may also be asked to present their passport at reception.

2. Check with Your Travel Insurance Provider
Depending on your travel insurance policy, you may either need to pay upfront and file for reimbursement later, or your insurance company may cover the costs directly. Make sure you understand your insurance policy’s payment process.

Some credit cards include travel insurance, but coverage often applies only if you used the card to pay for your trip. Confirm whether your medical expenses are eligible for reimbursement under your plan.

3. Pay a Deposit (if required)
Some hospitals require international visitors to pay in advance or provide a deposit via credit card or cash before receiving treatment. Be sure to check with the reception upon arrival.

4. Settle the Bill After Treatment
After treatment, review your bill and make the necessary payment.

If you receive a prescription, note that medications are usually dispensed at a separate pharmacy, not within the hospital. In cases where a hospital provides medication, the cost is settled separately from the treatment fee. Pharmacies are often located near hospitals, but if you're unsure, ask the reception for directions.

If you need a medical certificate or documents in a language other than Japanese, it may take additional time to process. In such cases, the hospital may mail them to you later, and you will be required to pay for postage in advance.

For international travelers, all medical expenses must be paid out-of-pocket. Costs vary depending on the symptoms, treatment, and hospital, but here are some general estimates for medical fees without insurance:
・Initial consultation fee: Around 3,000 yen
・Blood test: Around 6,000 yen
・X-ray: From 2,000 yen (varies by body part and number of images)
・Abdominal CT scan: Around 15,000 yen
・Surgery: Tens of thousands of yen or more

In Japan, doctors determine necessary tests and treatments, which can increase total medical expenses. Additionally, arranging an interpreter or using interpretation services may incur extra costs.

If you experience a severe medical condition, treatment fees can be extremely high, so purchasing travel insurance is strongly recommended.

If you have concerns about medical payments, consult the hospital reception or your travel insurance provider. If you don’t have international travel insurance from your home country, you can still purchase coverage after arriving in Japan. Having insurance is a wise choice to prepare for medical emergencies.

Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.
・Supported languages: English, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese
・Premium: From 800 yen per day
・Eligibility: Must apply on the day of arrival (after completing immigration procedures); applications are not accepted if more than five days have passed since entry.
・Coverage period: 1 to 31 days

For minor health issues like a mild cold, stomach discomfort, hangovers, or minor cuts from a fall, you may not need to visit a hospital but might still require medication. In such cases, head to a local drugstore and ask for advice.

Many drugstores in tourist-heavy areas such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Ginza often have staff who speak English, Chinese, or Korean.

For more details, check out this article.

Unexpected illness or injury during your trip to Japan can be stressful, especially with language and cultural differences. However, it's important not to ignore your symptoms just because you're in a foreign country. Preparing in advance, such as purchasing travel insurance, can help, but if you start feeling unwell, seek medical attention before your condition worsens.

* This article was originally published in July 2019 and has been revised and updated in February 2025.
* Information may change over time, so we recommend checking for the latest updates. Please note that we are not responsible for any issues arising from the information provided.