Healthcare in Japan: Guide for Foreign Residents

This page provides general information about Japan’s healthcare system for foreign residents. It is not medical advice. For specific medical questions, consult a qualified healthcare professional. System details and costs may change. Last reviewed: 2026.

Healthcare in Japan for Residents

Japan has a universal healthcare system widely regarded as one of the best in the world — high-quality care, broad coverage, relatively low out-of-pocket costs, and short wait times for most procedures. Foreign residents who hold a valid residence status and register at their municipal office are required to enroll in and have access to this system.

The Insurance System

Most residents are covered by one of two schemes:

• Employer Health Insurance (健康保険, kenkō hoken): If you are a full-time employee at a company with 5+ employees, you will be enrolled in company health insurance through your employer. Premiums are shared between you and your employer. This typically covers you and your dependents.
• National Health Insurance (国民健康保険, Kokumin Kenkō Hoken / NHI): For the self-employed, part-time workers, students, and those not covered by employer insurance. Administered by your municipal office. Premiums are based on your previous year’s income in Japan.

What Insurance Covers

Both insurance types cover 70% of most medical costs — you pay 30% at the point of care (20% for children under school age; 10% for those 75+). Coverage includes:

• Doctor visits and outpatient care
• Hospital stays and surgery
• Prescription medications (most common medications)
• Diagnostic tests, X-rays, blood tests
• Dental care (basic — not cosmetic)
• Mental health services (under psychiatry/neurology)
• Maternity care (though delivery itself is not covered — see below)

Important note on childbirth: Normal delivery is not covered by health insurance in Japan. A lump-sum payment (出産育児一時金, shussan ikuji ichijikin) of ¥500,000 (verify current amount) is provided by your insurer to help offset delivery costs. Many hospital deliveries cost ¥500,000–¥700,000 or more. Caesarean sections may be partially covered as they are classified as medical procedures.

Finding a Doctor

Japan’s healthcare system is generally first-come, first-served for outpatient care at clinics. For hospitals, a referral letter (shōkai-jō) from a clinic is often required for specialist departments at large hospitals, and may be required for initial visits at some major hospitals.

• Clinics (クリニック, kurinikku): Small private practices specializing in internal medicine, orthopedics, dermatology, etc. Your first stop for most health concerns. Walk-in and appointment-based.
• Hospitals (病院, byōin): For more complex care, surgery, or if referred by a clinic. Major hospitals may have English-speaking staff or international patient desks.
• Emergency (救急, kyūkyū): Dial 119 for ambulance. Emergency departments (救急外来) are available 24 hours.

Finding English-Speaking Doctors

• AMDA International Medical Information Center: Provides medical information and interpreter referrals for foreigners in Japan. Website: amdamedicalcenter.com
• HIMAWARI (Patients’ Consultation Service): Tokyo Metropolitan area service (03-5285-8181). Can provide information about hospitals with foreign language support.
• Your municipal office international desk: Many city offices maintain lists of local medical facilities that offer foreign-language support.
• JNTO and municipal tourism boards: Often maintain hospital/clinic directories for each prefecture.

Mental Health Services

Mental health services are available in Japan and covered by health insurance under psychiatry (精神科, seishinka) or neurology (心療内科, shinryō naika). Finding English-speaking therapists or psychiatrists can be challenging outside Tokyo and Osaka; online therapy platforms (some Japan-based, some international) have expanded options for expats. The Japan TELL Lifeline (03-5774-0992) provides English-language counseling and referrals.

Prescription Medications

Some medications common in your home country may not be available in Japan, or may have different brand names. Japan restricts certain medications that are legal elsewhere (notably some ADHD medications, certain stimulants, and some sleep aids). If you take regular medications, check with the Japanese embassy before arriving — it may be necessary to bring a doctor’s letter and customs declaration. More information is available from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (mhlw.go.jp).

Costs Without Insurance

Visiting a doctor without health insurance is technically possible but expensive — you pay 100% of costs. Always enroll in NHI or maintain employer coverage. Gaps in insurance enrollment can leave you without coverage and create premium payment obligations for the uncovered period.

See also: First Steps After Arriving in Japan — includes NHI enrollment as part of the post-arrival checklist.