1. 9 Where should I go when I get sick?

For mild symptoms, such as a cold or upset stomach, go to a nearby clinic.
For more serious symptoms or major injury, go to a hospital.

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Nearby clinic

Hospital

Mild symptoms, such as a cold or stomachache

 

Small hospital, clinic

Referral/referral letter

If a serious illness is detected. If surgery or hospitalization is required

Serious illness or symptoms, major injury

Large hospital
(general hospital)

What is the difference between a clinic and a hospital?

Hospital: more inpatient beds

Clinic: 19 or fewer inpatient beds

 If you go to a large hospital that has 200 or more inpatient beds without a referral, you will be charged an amount of around ¥1,000 to ¥8,000 yen on top of your medical expenses.

How to receive a medical consultation

In Japan, anyone can receive a medical consultation at a clinic or hospital.

  1. Check your symptoms.
  2. Search for a clinic or hospital near you that has the appropriate department for your symptoms.
    • Some clinics and hospitals only have certain particular departments (e.g., ophthalmology (eye diseases), otolaryngology (ear and nose diseases), dentistry (teeth diseases), orthopedics (injuries)).
    • If you go to a large hospital without a referral, you will be charged an amount of around ¥1,000 to ¥8,000 yen on top of your medical expenses.
    • If you need a referral, you can obtain one at a clinic.
  3. If you go to a large hospital that has 200 or more inpatient beds, it is better to have a referral.
  4. Take your health insurance card, cash (about ¥10,000), and any medication you are taking with you to the clinic or hospital.
  5. Explain your symptoms at reception. You will be asked to show your health insurance card, so show it at reception.
    • You may also be asked to show some identification (residence card, etc. or passport).
  6. You will be called when it is your turn, and a doctor will see you.
    • Some clinics and hospitals take appointments. If you make an appointment, you will spend less time waiting at the clinic or hospital.
    • After you have seen the doctor, do not throw away any receipts or medical certificates. You will need them the next time you see the doctor.

Find out more!

* These websites contain information needed for medical consultations, so please refer to them.

Self-Report Form for Medical Institutions

* Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) website

You can search for clinics and hospitals deemed friendly to foreign visitors (Japanese, English etc).

Can I pay the money in instalments?
What will I need when I go to a clinic or hospital?
3Comment

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