General Medical Information

Before Going to the Hospital / Clinic

The health care system in Japan is one of the best in the world with national health insurance available to all Japanese citizens and registered expatriate nationals, including students whose visa is sponsored by the university. Although the health care system may be different than what you are familiar with in your home country, affordable, quality health care is available and may be necessary during your stay in Japan.

If you are in need of health care, do a little research to find the closest hospital or clinic near where you live. You might also want to determine if a special clinic is more appropriate for your condition, as the wait at a general hospital may be longer, and a smaller clinic may have more personal care.

Upon visiting the hospital, if possible, bring your dictionary. While the standards of health care are high in Japan, the system is somewhat different. If you want a thorough explanation of your condition and treatment, politely insist on a specific explanation so that you can understand the care you are being given.

After the diagnosis, you will pay and may be given a receipt that includes a prescription for medication, which you should then take to a pharmacy (usually nearby the hospital or clinic where you are served). Note that Japanese physicians may request that you return for a follow-up evaluation.


Appointment and Cost

Hospitals and clinics in Japan are often open for walk-ins. If a hospital you plan to visit does not take appointments, check its days and the working hours of the physicians you may want to see prior to your visit. For the availability of English-speaking physicians, please click here. With your National Health Insurance, your medical cost at the hospital is reduced to 30% (70% covered by insurance) on your bill. National Health Insurance (NHI) applies to prescription medications as well. Pharmacies are generally located very close to each hospital. Please be sure to bring a minimum of 5,000 yen for your first time visit. If you have concerns about which doctor to see for a certain condition, please e-mail the Office of Student Services for assistance (e-mail: oss@tuj.temple.edu).


Finding a Doctor or Hospital / Clinic

For general purpose (non-emergency, non-chronic) conditions, just about any hospital will be sufficient. If you want specialized care or prefer to visit a hospital with English-speaking staff, you may need to do some research before going to the doctor. Note that some smaller clinics or hospitals with foreign staff may not accept National Health Insurance, so be sure to check before you go. If you have additional private insurance, you can pay up-front and then be reimbursed later. However, no clinic will accept non-Japanese health insurance in lieu of payment.

It is recommended that you seek medical services in the vicinity of your dorm or housing, as you may need to revisit a hospital or clinic several times over the course of the treatment. Often small, family-clinics provide excellent care and are preferred for minor conditions because of their personalized attention and less time-consuming paperwork.

Several clinics and larger hospitals are located near TUJ. For more information, consult the Office of Student Services in Azabu Hall.


What to Do in an Emergency

Japanese hospitals are open to the general public for limited hours and may not allow emergency admission, particularly in the evenings or on weekends. Please call in advance to confirm - even if this means seeking assistance to do so - and go to a hospital or clinic that is large enough to have an emergency room for general admission. For critical health situations, please do not hesitate to call 119 for an ambulance. There is no charge for the use of an ambulance. Please refer to the Tokyo Fire Department's website for further information.

Emergency Numbers:

  • Fire: 119
  • Ambulance: 119
  • Police: 110 (English speaking police: 03-3501-0110 ext.4585 or 4586 *daytime only)
  • Poison Control for American products: 042-552-2511 ext. 57740 or 57852 (US Air Force Hospital, Yokota)

Free Services that Provide Information on Medical Institutions that Offer Assistance in Foreign Languages:


Medications: Personal Import

Although it is strongly recommended to see doctors in Japan and receive prescriptions here, there may be more complex situations where you need to personally import some medications for your treatment. Prescriptions from outside of Japan are generally not allowed. Please read the following websites carefully. They provide important legal information on personal medication import.


If you have a serious and/or chronic medical condition, please inform OSS and your family right away.


FAQs on Questionnaires - First Time Hospital Visit

When you visit a new hospital or clinic, you will be asked to fill out forms with your personal information. Here are common questions that are on those sheets. Please do not hesitate to ask for help at the reception desk if you have any questions.

Click image for larger view