4 Must-Knows of Japan's Healthcare System: A Foreigner’s Guide
They say experience is the best teacher - well, I have had a great teacher! I want to share some short and helpful tips on healthcare in Japan.
You must have many questions, and I hope that some of these pointers can help you get your answers!
Japan has a well-organized healthcare system, and as a foreigner, it’s important to understand how it works. Whether you’re thinking of staying short-term or you love it and wanna make it your home, having health insurance is a must. So let me give you this breakdown to help you navigate the healthcare system.
1. Types of Health Insurance in Japan
In Japan, there are two main types of health insurance:
Public Health Insurance (国民健康保険 / Kokumin Kenkō Hoken & 社会保険 / Shakai Hoken): This is available to everyone living in Japan. If you’re a resident, you are required to enroll in either:
National Health Insurance (国民健康保険 / Kokumin Kenkō Hoken – NHI) – For self-employed, students, part-time workers, or those unemployed.
Social Health Insurance (社会保険 / Shakai Hoken – SHI) – For full-time employees, provided by your employer.
Private Health Insurance (民間医療保険 / Minkan Iryō Hoken): This is offered by companies or can be purchased individually for extra coverage, such as overseas treatment or private hospital rooms.
If you come to Japan on a working visa (就労ビザ / Shūrō Biza) or temporary working visa (一時就労ビザ / Ichiji Shūrō Biza), you must join the health insurance system. Your health insurance is linked to your residence record (住民票 / Jūminhyō), pension (年金 / Nenkin), and ward office (市役所 / Shiyakusho), so it’s important to keep your information updated.
2. My Number Card (マイナンバーカード) & Healthcare
In recent years, Japan has linked healthcare records to the My Number Card (マイナンバーカード / Mainanbā Kādo), a national ID card. This card connects to your medical history, residence, pension, and tax records. To get your My Number Card, you must register at your ward office (市役所 / Shiyakusho).
It’s a very important card, and you will need it for various official processes, including healthcare. If you don’t have one yet, apply as soon as possible to avoid complications in the future.
3. Visiting a Clinic (診療所 / Shinryōjo) vs. a Hospital (病院 / Byōin)
In Japan, you don’t go straight to a hospital (病院 / Byōin) for most health issues. Instead, you first visit a local clinic (診療所 / Shinryōjo) for treatment. Clinics are smaller and handle general medical issues.
If your condition can be treated at the clinic, there’s no need to go to a hospital.
If your condition is serious, the clinic will give you a referral letter (紹介状 / Shōkaijō) for a hospital visit.
Hospitals mainly handle serious or emergency cases (緊急 / Kinkyū).
Without a referral letter, hospitals may charge an extra fee (around ¥5,000–¥10,000).
Many clinics do not have English-speaking doctors, so it helps to check in advance or bring a translation app.
4. Important Tips for Healthcare in Japan
Always carry your health insurance card (健康保険証 / Kenkō Hokenshō) – You need it every time you visit a clinic or hospital.
Keep your address updated at the ward office (市役所 / Shiyakusho), as your insurance is linked to it.
Check clinic hours – Many clinics close early or have limited weekend hours.
Use a translation app – Apps like Google Translate or DeepL can help with communication.
For emergencies, dial 119 – This is Japan’s emergency number for ambulances.
Understanding the healthcare system in Japan can make your life easier and help you get the care you need when you need it. Stay insured, keep your documents up to date, and know where to go for treatment!
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