How to Get Medical Care in Japan as a Foreigner (Real Tips + Free Hospital List)

Navigating medical care in Japan as a foreigner can be daunting—but it doesn’t have to be. I’ve complete a training as a medical guide for foreigners living in Japan, and in this post, I’ll share some of the most common pain points foreigners face when trying to get healthcare here, plus practical solutions to make the process smoother. To support you further, I’ve posted a free list of hospitals and clinics with English-speaking staff under the Freebie Shelf tab on my website.

Let’s dive into the real challenges—and how to handle them.

5 Common Pain Points for Foreigners Navigating Medical Care in Japan

1. Language Barrier at Clinics and Hospitals

Many people rely on Google Translate or a pocket translator. Others bring a bilingual friend or family member. Major hospitals often offer multilingual support—use these services whenever possible.

While Japan’s Ministry of Health has compiled a nationwide list of clinics and hospitals with English-speaking staff, the list is in Japanese. So the list is for your reference.

I made a list of hospitals with English-speaking staff at Tokyo area, which is in English. Please see those in the Freebie Shelf tab of this site. You can download those for free!

2. Clinic vs. Hospital: What's the Difference?

Clinics in Japan usually specialize in a single area like internal medicine, gynecology, psychiatry, or dentistry. Some are medium-sized and offer multiple disciplines. In general, appointments are required, and walk-ins are discouraged unless it’s urgent. If you feel very unwell, call the clinic first to ask if they can see you.

Hospitals are usually reserved for referrals from clinics—especially university or regional hospitals. You can go without a referral, but you’ll likely pay an additional fee. Check each hospital’s website for the doctors’ bios and specialties.

Good news: wait times are often short, which could vary from on the same day to 2-3 weeks, much better than the months-long waits in some countries. In an emergency, call 119 or go directly to the ER.

And forget HMO/PPO networks—Japan has none. You can go to any clinic or hospital, regardless of your insurance provider. National Health Insurance (NHI) and employer-sponsored health plans offer similar treatment levels. Main differences: NHI doesn’t cover maternity leave stipends or wellness vacation discounts.

3. Prescription Refills from Your Home Country

If you’re on long-term medication, this is important. When we moved, my husband needed his U.S. prescriptions refilled. A local internal medicine doctor was able to prescribe equivalent Japanese medication with no issue. The brand name was different, but the effect was the same.

Important tip: aspirin requires a prescription in Japan. Plan ahead so you don’t run out. After receiving a prescription, you’ll need to bring it to a pharmacy—usually located near the clinic. Bringing medical records from your home country helps your new doctor understand your case.

4. Surprise Medical Costs & Understanding Co-Pay

Here’s how co-payments work:

• Under 6 years old: 20%

• Age 6 to 69: 30%

• Age 70–74: 20% (30% for those with higher incomes)

Your insurance starts from the date you’re officially started at an employer (e.g., hired on June 1 = coverage from June 1). But it can take a few days for your insurance card to arrive. If you need treatment before it comes, you’ll pay out of pocket—but you can file for reimbursement. Just remember, you must apply within a deadline, so check with your insurance provider.

5. Confusion About National Health Insurance (NHI)

If you are not sure what’s covered, please ask. Doctors usually inform you if something isn’t covered, but double-checking is always wise.

For costly procedures, consider applying for the High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit. Based on income, it caps your monthly medical expenses. Get the application form from your local city office.

Real-Life Tips from True Stories

1. Cardiovascular Emergencies: Go Early

An U.S. friend in Japan had his blood pressure spike to 180/121 and went to the ER at a large hospital. To his disappointment, the doctor simply told him to see a clinic and sent him home. In the U.S., he would’ve been admitted immediately.

He returned the next day with a referral and received excellent care from a cardiovascular specialist. Lesson learned: If you're at risk of heart issues, it's best to visit a large hospital proactively—before any symptoms appear.

2. Pain Management: Speak Up

My husband’s dentist visit taught us that Japanese doctors may be conservative with pain medication. He’s very pain-sensitive and had to ask multiple times for extra anesthetic. In some fields—especially oncology—there’s a tendency to avoid strong medications due to side effects or addiction concerns.

Tell your doctor clearly if you’re sensitive to pain. You know your body best.

3. Changing Doctors: It’s Okay

Another friend had terrible foot pain. The nurse suspected gout, but the doctor insisted it was a ligament issue—no tests, no real listening. A second opinion confirmed it was gout.

Don’t hesitate to switch doctors if something doesn’t feel right. It’s your health.

Japan vs. U.S. Healthcare: A Quick Comparison

In the U.S., hospital care can be incredibly advanced—but also incredibly expensive.

For example, cardiologists in the U.S. earn significantly more than their counterparts in Japan. Recent data (2022–2023) shows that U.S. cardiologists earn an average of $420,000–$530,000, with top earners exceeding $500,000 annually
(Sources: comphealth.com, beckersasc.com).

In contrast, cardiologists in Japan earn an average of around ¥12 million (approximately $85,000). Senior specialists may reach ¥20–25 million ($150,000–$180,000), but that’s still just a fraction of U.S. earnings
(Sources: phchd.com, leverageedu.com).

No wonder U.S. healthcare costs are so high.

That said, Japan’s healthcare system is smart, affordable, and efficient. For example, nurses in Japan often care for 3–4 ICU patients, whereas in U.S. hospitals, a nurse may be assigned to just one.

One friend of mine paid $60,000 for cancer treatment in the U.S. back in 2004. In Japan, however, patients can take advantage of the High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit, which caps out-of-pocket expenses based on income.

Japan may not offer luxury hospital rooms or 24/7 one-on-one monitoring, but its doctors are highly skilled, hardworking, and patient-centered. If you're looking for a balance between high-quality care and reasonable cost, Japan is truly hard to beat.

Final Thoughts

Healthcare is one of the most intimidating parts of living in another country. But with the right knowledge and support, you can get excellent care in Japan.

Remember:

• Use English-speaking hospitals when needed (check the Freebie Shelf)

• Bring your medical records from your home country

• Ask questions

• Don’t be afraid to change doctors

• Speak up about pain or concerns

You’re not alone—and you deserve good care. 

→ Visit NavigatorJapan.com and check the Freebie Shelf for hospital lists and more expat resources.