Healthcare and Health Insurance in Japan

Summary: The quality of medical care in Japan is generally considered to be very high, with a strong emphasis on preventative care. Japan has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical services available. In comparison to the US, Japan has a higher life expectancy and lower infant mortality rate. Emergency services in Japan are generally reliable and efficient. Ambulances can be called by dialing 119, and the operator will be able to provide assistance in English. Ambulances are usually equipped with the latest medical technology and staffed with highly trained medical personnel.

How are healthcare services Japan?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Japan, they replied:

"I tell them that everyone is under the same health insurance and not to worry about choosing from medical insurance plans. Also, for those with chronic diseases, I would advise them to check if their medicine and care is available in Japan, as a lot of medicine that is available in America is not available in Japan," remarked one expat living in Tokyo.

"Research clinics and hospitals online that are English-speaking beforehand. Contact clinics to ask if they perform certain procedures. Learn some common words to ask for specific things if you have to go to a Japanese-speaking clinic or hospital. Hospitals will not coddle you - you must advocate for yourself and be firm if you are having certain issues. Otherwise they may rush you out after a quick once-over," said one expat living in Tokyo.

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What are medical services in Japan like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Japan, they replied:

"In Japan, medical services are highly advanced and of a very high quality. The country has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides access to a wide range of medical services, including preventive care, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Japan also has a well-developed network of hospitals and clinics, staffed by highly trained and experienced medical professionals. Patients can expect to receive personalized care and attention, and the latest medical technology is often used to ensure the best possible outcomes," wrote one expat.

"It is difficult to find English speaking health providers, but they do exist. The healthcare culture is very rushed and you must be clear about what you need, otherwise the doctor isn't going to take the time to figure it out for you," commented one expat who moved to Tokyo.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Japan?

"My experience is that the national health insurance is great and easy to enroll in and easy to use. The insurance is reasonably priced and covers 70% of most medical needs. I have not had a problem with the healthcare system yet. I make sure to find an establishment that provides English support and everything is much smoother for me," said an expat in Tokyo.

"I have Social Health Insurance that my job helped set up for me. It's accepted pretty much everywhere as it's a public insurance. I have only needed to do something preventative, though, so I have only paid for medical service in its entirely before," commented one expat living in Tokyo, Japan.

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What are emergency services like in Japan?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Japan wrote:

"You for an ambulance by dialing 119. Tokyo is a huge city so I cannot give a recommendation on the best hospitals, as there are a lot of hospitals to choose from and they vary in their care and speciality. I would advise someone to find a hospital that provides English support if they are not comfortable communicating solely in Japanese," said one expat living in Tokyo.

"Emergency services are common and can be accessed by calling 119 for a fire or ambulance and 110 for police. I am a 20 minute public transit ride away from several different hospitals, or a 10 minute drive. The best hospitals in the city are The University of Tokyo Hospital and St. Luke's International Hospital. I am unfamiliar with their care as I have not had to visit yet," mentioned one expat in Tokyo.

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Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"Tokyo is widely regarded as having the best selection of medical specialists in Japan, with many of the country's top hospitals and clinics located in the city. Other major cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Yokohama also have a wide range of medical specialists available. In addition, many smaller cities and rural areas throughout Japan have excellent medical facilities and specialists, making it possible to find quality care no matter where you are in the country," said one expat.

"Since Tokyo is such a big city, I would say that people rarely have to leave Tokyo for speciality service or care. You may be moved within Tokyo, but I would be surprised is you were moved out of Tokyo," remarked one expat in Tokyo.

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Are common prescription medications available in Japan?

"Pharmacies are usually attached to hospitals or clinics and require prescriptions. There are drugstores for over-the-counter medicine. Prescription medicine is priced pretty low, depending on what coverage and costs you are used to," wrote one expat.

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Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Japan?

"Medical facilities and medical care in Japan are of a very high quality. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical services available. Doctors and nurses are highly trained and experienced, and the latest medical technology is widely used. Japan also has a strong emphasis on preventive medicine, with regular health check-ups and screenings available to the public. In addition, the cost of medical care in Japan is generally lower than in many other developed countries," remarked one expat living in Japan.

"There is a hospital about 15 minutes from my home. Hospitals are everywhere and are accessible. Every hospital I have been to has been of good quality and if it is public or private varies by case," said one expat living in Tokyo.

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As a foreigner living in Japan, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"I have Social Health Insurance as an full-time employee. National Health Insurance also exists if one's job does not pay for half of insurance. Everyone is entitled to public insurance and may enroll if a resident. It costs me about 5% of my salary (and my employer pays another 5%) based on my salary in the previous year. I was enrolled with no questions of my pre-existing conditions. There are public hospitals, but I have not been to one yet. It is often the case that people with some health issue will go to a local, small practitioner that specializes in that field," said one expat living in Tokyo.

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What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Japan if they have access to public healthcare in Japan. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"My experiences with the local healthcare system in Japan during the pandemic have been generally positive. The healthcare system has been very responsive to the pandemic, with the government providing clear guidance on how to prevent the spread of the virus and how to seek medical attention if needed. The healthcare system has also been very efficient in providing testing and treatment for those who need it. In addition, the healthcare system has been very supportive of those who are struggling financially due to the pandemic, providing financial assistance and other forms of support. Overall, I have been very impressed with the way the healthcare system in Japan has responded to the pandemic," wrote an expat living in Japan.

"Clinics and hospitals have had rules to enter their facilities, like masking, distancing, making sure you're not experiencing symptoms," said an expat in Tokyo.

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What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Japan?

We asked expat moms who gave birth in Japan about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:

"It is important to research the healthcare system in Japan before having a baby, as it may be different from what you are used to. Make sure to find a doctor or midwife who speaks your language and is familiar with the healthcare system in Japan. Additionally, it is important to familiarize yourself with the maternity leave policies in Japan, as they may be different from what you are used to. It is also important to research the different types of childcare available in Japan, as this will help you decide which option is best for you and your family. Finally, it is important to build a support network of other expats who have had babies in Japan, as they can provide invaluable advice and support," explained one expat living in Japan.

Are healthcare services good in Japan?

"Healthcare services in Japan are highly regarded and are among the best in the world. The Japanese healthcare system is based on universal health insurance, which covers all citizens and residents. The system is funded by a combination of employee and employer contributions, as well as government subsidies. Healthcare services in Japan are comprehensive and include preventive care, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. The country also has a strong emphasis on preventive care, with regular check-ups and screenings for various conditions. In addition, Japan has a well-developed network of hospitals and clinics, providing access to quality care for all citizens," said one person in Japan.

15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Japan

How are healthcare services Japan?

What are medical services in Japan like?

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Japan?

What are emergency services like in Japan?

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

Are common prescription medications available in Japan?

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Japan?

As a foreigner living in Japan, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Japan?

Are healthcare services good in Japan?

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