See a Doctor in Japan as a Foreigner - What You Should Know
Updated: May 14
Japan Life Guide by Sio
The first time I saw a doctor in Japan, I was really worried I wouldn’t be able to communicate properly. Afterwards, it honestly felt like unlocking a life achievement. Later on, I found out there are medical services that are foreigners friendly and speaks my languages — hopefully the information below can help some of you too.
1️⃣ Process
1) Choose a department (internal, ENT, ortho, etc.)
2) Book – usually by phone or online.
3) Check in – hand in insurance card, fill in the form.
4) Consultation – most doctors speak only Japanese.
5) Payment – If you’re covered by Japan’s national health insurance, you only pay 30% of the medical cost.
6) Medicine – The pharmacy is usually right next to the clinic.
7) Referral – If the doctor thinks you need more specialized treatment, they’ll write you a referral letter for further examination at a hospital specialist.
2️⃣ National Health Insurance
With national health insurance, medical costs are heavily reduced. When I had tonsillitis, the consultation was ¥2,800 and the medication was ¥1,000. An X-ray and one physiotherapy session for my fasciitis cost ¥4,400. These days, many people also register their My Number card as their health insurance card, which is very convenient.
3️⃣ Language Preparation
If you don’t speak Japanese, there’s a chance some clinics may refuse you. It’s best to bring a Japanese-speaking friend with you, or use the websites below to find foreigner-friendly clinics.
Japan National Tourism Organization official site — search by area, specialty, and language. Reliable and multilingual.
MediConnect Japan — 24/7 online English medical support for foreigners.
By MHLW — search by area, specialty, with English, Chinese and Korean support.
AMDA International Medical Information Center — multilingual phone interpretation and support finding foreigner-friendly clinics.
Sio
Resetting life in Osaka after years in the UK, France, Spain, Canada & Argentina.
IG @ anothersio
