Japan has a high-quality healthcare system. Understanding how it works is important.

Japanese Health Insurance System

Mandatory Enrollment: All residents of Japan (including foreign nationals with a residence card valid for 3 months or longer) must be enrolled in a public health insurance program.
Types of Public Insurance:
- Employees' Health Insurance (Shakai Hoken or Kenkō Hoken): Most full-time employees are enrolled through their company. Premiums are deducted from your salary and shared with the employer. Dependents can often be covered under this.
- National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken): For those not covered by Employees' Health Insurance (e.g., self-employed, part-time workers not meeting criteria, students). You enroll at your local municipal/ward office. Premiums are based on income.
Coverage: Typically covers 70% of most medical and dental costs. You pay the remaining 30% at the time of service. For young children and the elderly, the co-payment rate may be lower.
What's Not Covered (Usually): Routine check-ups without symptoms, cosmetic surgery, some preventative treatments, normal childbirth (though lump-sum allowances are often provided), and some advanced or experimental treatments.
High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit: There's a cap on the monthly out-of-pocket medical expenses you have to pay. If your costs exceed this cap, you can apply for a refund of the excess amount.

Finding Medical Care

Clinics vs. Hospitals:
- Clinics (kurinikku or iin): For common illnesses and initial consultations. Many are specialized (e.g., internal medicine - naika, dermatology - hifuka, pediatrics - shonika, ear/nose/throat - jibi-inkoka). You generally don't need an appointment for a first visit, but it's good to check.
- Hospitals (byōin): For more serious conditions, specialized treatments, or emergencies. Larger hospitals often require a referral letter from a clinic to avoid a surcharge, though this isn't always strictly enforced for foreigners.
English-Speaking Doctors: While many doctors have some English knowledge, finding clinics/hospitals with dedicated English-speaking staff can be easier in major cities. Resources:
- Your embassy often lists medical providers.
- Online directories (e.g., Japan Helpline, Himawari - Tokyo Metropolitan Medical Information Service).
- Word of mouth from other foreign nationals.
Appointments: For follow-up visits or specialists, appointments are usually necessary.
What to Bring: Your Japanese health insurance card is essential for every visit. Also bring your Residence Card and any previous medical records if relevant.

Prescription Medication: Doctors issue prescriptions, which you take to a pharmacy (yakkyoku or kusuriya) – often located near or within the clinic/hospital. The pharmacy is usually separate from the doctor's office.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs: Available at drugstores. Some common Western OTC drugs may not be available or may have different formulations/strengths.
Bringing Medication into Japan:
- Strict rules apply.
- Up to 1-month supply of most prescription drugs for personal use is generally allowed.
- Up to 2-months supply of most non-prescription drugs.
- Certain medications (especially stimulants like some ADHD drugs, strong painkillers) are prohibited or require special permission (Yakkan Shoumei - an import certificate). Verify with the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare BEFORE you travel.
Okusuri Techo (Medicine Notebook): Pharmacies will often give you this notebook to keep a record of your prescribed medications. It's useful for doctors and pharmacists to see your medication history.

Covered by Japanese health insurance for most standard treatments (fillings, extractions, root canals).
Cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, and some advanced procedures may not be covered or only partially.