Hospital Visit Guide — Japan
Clear steps, essential phrases, and a printable checklist for residents and long‑term visitors
Need medical care in Japan? Know these steps
This guide explains when to call emergency services, how to register at a hospital or clinic, what documents to bring, how insurance works, and useful Japanese phrases to help you communicate.
Emergency numbers119 (Ambulance/Fire)
Police110
Multilingual helpInterpreter services at many big hospitals
Life‑threatening?
Call 119 immediately (救急車: kyuukyuusha). Tell them your location, condition, and whether you speak Japanese.
Where to go — Emergency, ER, or clinic?
Emergency (call 119)
Life‑threatening signs: trouble breathing, chest pain, severe head injury, heavy bleeding, sudden weakness, loss of consciousness. Ambulance crews may direct you to the nearest hospital with adequate emergency care.
Non‑urgent / outpatient
For colds, minor injuries, and follow‑ups: visit a local clinic (診療所・クリニック / shinryoujo / clinic). Many clinics require appointments — call first or use the hospital/clinic website.
Large hospitals often have an "International Patient Desk" (国際外来) or designated doctors who assist non‑Japanese speakers. Use hospital websites or city foreigner services for recommendations.
What to bring
- Residence Card (在留カード) — shows your legal status in Japan.
- Health Insurance card (保険証) — National Health Insurance or employer insurance. Present it at registration to reduce costs.
- Passport — for identity and hospital records if needed.
- Medication & allergy list — include brand/generic names, doses, and timing. Mark allergies clearly in both English and Japanese.
- Payment method — some clinics require payment upfront; keep receipts for insurance claims.
Insurance & costs
Most residents are covered by National Health Insurance (国民健康保険) or employment insurance. With insurance, patients typically pay 10%–30% of costs at the point of care. Private insurers may reimburse different amounts — keep invoices.
Tip:
Call your insurer before treatment for confirmation. For private hospitals, ask for an estimate in writing if possible.
Communication & interpreters
- Ask reception for an interpreter or the international desk (国際外来). Many university and larger city hospitals provide this service.
- Use smartphone translation apps or carry printed phrases (below) and your medical history in Japanese.
- When signing consent forms, make sure you fully understand risks and costs — request translation support if needed.
- Use smartphone translation apps or carry printed phrases (below) and your medical history in Japanese.
- When signing consent forms, make sure you fully understand risks and costs — request translation support if needed.
Emergency phrases
Print and keep these visible on your phone's lock screen or a paper card.
Useful Japanese phrases — say or show
Japanese (日本語) — Romaji — English
救急車を呼んでください。
Kyuukyuusha o yonde kudasai.
Please call an ambulance.
息が苦しいです。
Iki ga kurushii desu.
I am having trouble breathing.
アレルギーはペニシリンです。
Arerugii wa penishirin desu.
I am allergic to penicillin.
英語の通訳をお願いします。
Eigo no tsuuyaku o onegaishimasu.
Please provide an English interpreter.
保険証を使えますか？
Hokenshou o tsukaemasu ka?
Can I use my (national) insurance?
最後に薬を飲んだ時間は〇時です。
Saigo ni kusuri o nonda jikan wa 〇 ji desu.
The last time I took my medication was at 〇 o'clock.
Printable Checklist — click to mark done
Selections are saved to your browser on this device.
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Residence Card (在留カード)Carry the original if possible.
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Health Insurance Card (保険証)National or company insurance details.
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PassportFor identity and hospital registration.
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Medication list & dosesInclude Japanese translations if possible.
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Allergies (アレルギー)Clearly state severity (e.g., anaphylaxis).
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Local & emergency contactsPhone number of accommodation and a family member.
Editable emergency card (copy & edit)
Name / 名前:
Residence Card No. / 在留カード番号:
Nationality / 国籍:
Allergies / アレルギー:
Current medications / 現在の薬:
Insurance provider & policy / 保険:
Local phone / 現地電話:
Emergency contact / 緊急連絡先:
Languages spoken / 話せる言語:
Special notes / 備考:
FAQ
Q: Will hospitals accept foreign insurance?
A: Many will. With Japanese National Insurance you pay a reduced share at the point of care. Private insurers may reimburse later — keep detailed invoices and receipts.
Q: What if I can't speak Japanese?
A: Ask reception for an interpreter (通訳). Large hospitals often provide this service. Use translation apps and printed phrases as backup.
Q: How quickly does ambulance service arrive?
A: It depends on location and call volume. Ambulance crews prioritize life‑threatening conditions.
A: Many will. With Japanese National Insurance you pay a reduced share at the point of care. Private insurers may reimburse later — keep detailed invoices and receipts.
Q: What if I can't speak Japanese?
A: Ask reception for an interpreter (通訳). Large hospitals often provide this service. Use translation apps and printed phrases as backup.
Q: How quickly does ambulance service arrive?
A: It depends on location and call volume. Ambulance crews prioritize life‑threatening conditions.
