Ebisu, Tokyo



Health Care in Tokyo

By Joshua Wood, LPC

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

Summary: Explore healthcare options for expatriates and digital nomads in Tokyo: uncover top-rated providers, hospitals, and medical facilities to meet your needs while living abroad in Tokyo.

Tokyo has a comprehensive healthcare system that includes both public and private hospitals and clinics. The public healthcare system is called the National health insurance (NHI) and is used by both Japanese citizens and foreigners.

Japan's Healthcare System

The NHI is a universal healthcare system that covers most medical expenses. It is used by most Japanese citizens and is also available to foreigners. People generally recommend using public hospitals in Tokyo for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Tokyo are typically well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Japan. However, many expats prefer to use private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Private hospitals in Tokyo are typically more expensive than public hospitals, but they offer more personalized care and a wider range of services.

Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Tokyo

  • Tokyo Medical and Surgical Clinic: This is a private clinic located in the heart of Tokyo. It specializes in general medical care and offers a wide range of services, including preventive care, diagnostics, and treatments.
  • Tokyo International Medical Center: This is a private hospital located in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo. It specializes in providing medical care to expats and digital nomads, and offers a wide range of services, including preventive care, diagnostics, and treatments.
  • Tokyo Medical University Hospital: This is a public hospital located in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo. It specializes in providing medical care to both Japanese citizens and foreigners, and offers a wide range of services, including preventive care, diagnostics, and treatments.

Emergency Services in Tokyo

Tokyo has a comprehensive emergency medical services system. Ambulance services are available and can be called by dialing 119. Ambulances typically arrive quickly, but there can be delays depending on the severity of the emergency.

Health Insurance Companies in Tokyo

The most popular private health insurers in Tokyo are Japan Health Insurance, Japan Medical Insurance, and Japan Life Insurance. These companies offer a range of health insurance plans, including basic plans, comprehensive plans, and specialized plans. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance
PassportCard Expat Health Insurance

With PassportCard, you'll never worry about paying your medical bills out of pocket again. Get up to 10% off on your policy now.
Get Quote

 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance PassportCard Expat Health Insurance

With PassportCard, you'll never worry about paying your medical bills out of pocket again. Get up to 10% off on your policy now.
Get Quote

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

Copyright 1997-2026 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal