Japan Guide: Health

One of the most important things when going abroad is to make sure that you are covered in case of accidents or illness. Our health guide provides information on health insurance, hospitals, doctors and pharmacies.

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  Health insurance in Japan

  The Japanese health care system

  Japan guarantees its citizens health care through the National Health Insurance scheme (NHI, kokumin kenko hoken). NHI is funded through employee, employer and government contributions, and covers most common medical expenses.

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  Public health care

  The National Health Insurance system

  Japanese citizens under 75 years old are eligible for NHI (National Health Insurance), as are all foreigners who have lived in Japan for more than one year. The one major exception is people who are receiving public assistance.

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  Private health care

  Private health insurance in Japan

  All foreigners are required to have health insurance while in Japan. Some temporary visitors make do with international insurance plans. Those remaining in Japan for longer periods of time, however, either join the National Health Insurance system or choose to arrange for private health insurance in Japan.

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  Emergencies

  Emergency numbers and ambulances

  To call an ambulance in Japan dial 119. Public phones are also equipped with red emergency call buttons. Most operators understand English if it is spoken slowly.

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  Medical treatment

  Hospitals and clinics in Japan

  Japan has excellent, well-staffed hospitals. Of these, the largest are the most highly regarded, and university medical clinics are especially crowded. For less serious ailments and regular check-ups, public health clinics provide care free of charge.

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  Pharmacies

  How to get medication in Japan

  The Japanese word for pharmacy is yakkyoku. While there are pharmacies throughout Japan, not all handle prescriptions, and those that do cannot always provide medications that foreigners require.

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