🇯🇵 Healthcare in Japan

Japan has a world-class healthcare system with near-universal coverage. As a foreign student registered in Japan, you are part of it — but navigating it requires knowing a few practicalities.

The healthcare system

Japan operates a National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken / NHI) scheme. Foreign residents staying for more than three months are legally required to enrol. Students pay a reduced premium (often 2,000–5,000 JPY per month depending on the municipality and any university subsidy) and the scheme covers approximately 70% of medical costs — you pay the remaining 30% out of pocket at the point of care.

Enrolment happens at your local ward or municipal office (kuyakusho / shiyakusho) immediately after registering your address (jyuminhyo). Many universities assist with this process during orientation. You will receive a green Health Insurance card (hoken-sho) — keep it with you at all times.

Some universities also offer a supplementary university group insurance that covers the 30% co-payment and other costs; check your university's student affairs office.

Finding & registering with a doctor

Japan distinguishes between clinics (kurinikku / iin) — small practices run by one or two doctors — and hospitals (byoin, usually 20+ beds). For everyday illness, a clinic is faster and cheaper. For serious conditions or referrals, hospitals are appropriate.

• Use Japan's online clinic finder (byoin-madoguchi.com or AZ-NET) or ask your international student office for recommended clinics.
• Some clinics display an "English OK" sign or are listed on the AMDA and Tokyo Medical Consultation directories.
• There is no mandatory GP registration — you can visit any clinic or hospital directly, but showing up at a large hospital without a referral (shokai-jo) incurs a surcharge of 5,000–7,700 JPY.

Tip: Japan's healthcare system relies heavily on documentation in Japanese. Carry a written note with your symptoms, current medications, and allergy history translated into Japanese — your university international office can often help prepare one.

Pharmacies & prescriptions

Pharmacies are called yakkyoku (dispensing prescriptions) or drug stores (doraggu sutoa) for over-the-counter items. Major chains include Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia, and Tsuruha. Prescriptions must be dispensed within four days of issue. Many common medications sold freely elsewhere are controlled in Japan — check the MHLW list before travelling with medication from abroad. Pharmacists at larger chains in Tokyo and Osaka often speak basic English.

Emergencies & urgent care

Dial 119 for both ambulance (kyukyu-sha) and fire. The operator may not speak English — say "Kyukyu desu" (It's an emergency) and your address slowly. Alternatively, use the J-Alert / Q-Phone app or ask a bystander to call.

Note that Japanese ambulances will transport you to the nearest available facility, which may not speak English. The AMDA International Medical Information Centre (03-6233-9266) can assist with interpretation before or during a hospital visit.

Mental health support

Stigma around mental health is decreasing on Japanese campuses, and most universities have a Student Counselling Room (gakusei sodanshitsu). Sessions are typically free but may be in Japanese only; enquire about English availability. Nationally, Inochi no Denwa (0120-783-556, free, 24 h on certain days) offers crisis support in Japanese. For English-language support, the TELL Lifeline (03-5774-0992), operated by the non-profit TELL Japan, provides free counselling and a crisis line in English Monday–Friday and on weekends.