Guide to Seeking Medical Care for Sudden Illness in Japan

By leveraging official resources, insurance systems, and local communities, you can efficiently handle medical needs in Japan even without Japanese language skills.

I. Emergency Situations: Immediate Actions

1. Call an Ambulance (Free of Charge)

   • Dial 119: When connected, say "Ambulance" or "Kyukyu desu!" (It's an emergency!).
   • Language Assistance:
     • Request "Chinese/English, please" – some operators can connect you to a translator.
     • Show this Japanese phrase to passersby for help: 「救急車を呼んでください！中国語／英語が話せる方いませんか？」 (Please call an ambulance! Is there anyone who speaks Chinese/English?).

2. Emergency Hospital Visits

   • No upfront payment is required, but you must provide:
     • Passport copy (information page)
     • Credit card (UnionPay/Visa/Mastercard accepted; WeChat Pay/Alipay not usable)
   • Priority: Go to hospitals marked as "Emergency Medical Service Hospitals" (救急告示病院), such as St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo (24-hour multilingual support).

II. Non-Emergency Situations: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Find Multilingual Medical Facilities

   • Official English Resources:
     • Japan Medical Assistance Website (hospital search, insurance guidance)
     • Guide to Japanese Hospitals PDF (symptom charts, cost calculations)
   • APP Assistance:
     • Japan Healthcare Info (hospital navigation + symptom translation templates)
     • Google Translate (real-time conversation or medicine label translation)

2. Preparation Before Visiting a Doctor

   • Medical Questionnaire: Use translation apps to convert symptoms, allergies, and medications into Japanese (e.g., chest pain → 「胸の痛み」).
   • Chronic Illness Patients: Bring English medical records and original medicine packaging (some medications may not be available in Japan).

3. Clinic First Visit + Referral System

   • Visit a nearby "Naika Clinic" (general clinic). If specialized treatment is needed, request a "Shokaijo" (referral letter) to avoid high initial fees at large hospitals (5,000–10,000 JPY).

III. Costs and Insurance: Optimal Solutions

1. National Health Insurance (NHI)

   • Mandatory Registration: Apply at your local ward office with your Residence Card. Medical costs will then be 30% of the total.
   • Reimbursement: If NHI is not yet active, keep receipts and apply for reimbursement within 2 years of treatment.

2. Temporary Travel Insurance (Backup Option)

   • For the transition period before NHI activation:
     • Purchase Tokyo Marine Travel Insurance (6-day plan: 2,650 JPY; covers up to 10 million JPY in medical expenses).
   • Note: Business Management Visa holders must still apply for NHI; travel insurance is only a temporary supplement.

IV. Communication and Payment: Key Details

1. Multilingual Hotlines

   • Japan Visitor Hotline: 050-3816-2787 (24/7 English/Chinese support)
   • Tokyo Medical Interpretation Support: 03-5285-8181 (Weekdays 9:00–20:00)

2. Payment Methods

   • Credit cards: UnionPay/Visa/Mastercard (some clinics accept cash only).
   • Avoid Issues: Voluntarily provide your passport or credit card to establish trust with the hospital.

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V. Preventive Measures and Community Resources

1. Preparation in Advance

   • Save your address, blood type, and emergency contact (company/friend) in Japanese on your phone.
   • Join expat community groups (e.g., WeChat/Line groups) for real-time medical recommendations.

2. Purchasing Medicine

   • Prescription Drugs: Take your "Shohosen" (prescription) to a "Chozai Yakkyoku" (dispensing pharmacy). Pharmacists may use translation devices to explain usage.
   • Over-the-Counter Drugs: Buy non-prescription medicine at drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi. Look for "Class 2 Medicines" (for colds, stomach pain, etc.).

Summary: Quick Checklist for Emergencies

1. Dial 119 → Say "Ambulance" → Provide your address (write it in Japanese beforehand).
2. Show your passport + credit card at the hospital, and mention "Hokensho Shinsei-chu" (insurance application in progress).
3. Contact the Japan Visitor Hotline or expat groups for translation assistance.