How to See a Doctor in Japan
Learn how the Japanese medical system works and what to expect the first time you visit a clinic or hospital.
Japan’s medical system is based on universal health insurance. If you have a valid insurance card, you can usually visit almost any medical institution and pay only 30 percent of the cost.
The difference between a clinic and a hospital
Clinic:
- A small medical facility with 19 beds or fewer
- Usually divided by specialty, such as internal medicine, dermatology, or ENT
- Often accepts walk-ins, though the wait may be longer
- Best for mild symptoms and regular visits
Hospital:
- A larger medical facility with 20 beds or more
- Includes university hospitals and general hospitals
- Often expects a referral letter from a clinic
- If you go without a referral, you may have to pay an additional selection fee of around ¥5,000 to ¥11,000
Typical visit flow
1. Find a clinic that matches your symptoms
2. Book an appointment by phone or online if needed
3. On the day, show your insurance card at reception
4. Fill out a medical questionnaire about symptoms and history
5. See the doctor
6. Pay your 30 percent share at the counter
7. If needed, take the prescription to a pharmacy and pick up the medicine
Common clinic types
- Internal medicine: fever, cough, stomach pain, fatigue, and other general symptoms
- Dermatology: skin trouble, rashes, allergies
- ENT: nasal allergies, ear problems, throat symptoms
- Orthopedics: back pain, fractures, sprains
- Dentistry: dental treatment, partly covered by insurance
In an emergency
- Call 119 for an ambulance
- For less urgent advice, some areas have the emergency consultation line #7119
English-speaking medical care
In large cities, you can often find clinics that support English. Searching online for “English clinic near me” or “foreign-friendly clinic near me” is often effective.