Healthcare & Health Insurance in Japan

"I tell them that everyone is under the same health insurance and not to worry about choosing from medical insurance plans. Also, for those with chronic diseases, I would advise them to check if their medicine and care is available in Japan, as a lot of medicine that is available in America is not available in Japan," said one foreigner in Tokyo.

"It is difficult to find English speaking health providers, but they do exist. The healthcare culture is very rushed and you must be clear about what you need, otherwise the doctor isn't going to take the time to figure it out for you," said one digital nomad in Tokyo.

"In Japan, medical services are highly advanced and of a very high quality. The country has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides access to a wide range of medical services, including preventive care, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Japan also has a well-developed network of hospitals and clinics, staffed by highly trained and experienced medical professionals. Patients can expect to receive personalized care and attention, and the latest medical technology is often used to ensure the best possible outcomes," commented a person living in Japan.

"My experience is that the national health insurance is great and easy to enroll in and easy to use. The insurance is reasonably priced and covers 70% of most medical needs. I have not had a problem with the healthcare system yet. I make sure to find an establishment that provides English support and everything is much smoother for me," wrote one digital nomad living in Tokyo, Japan.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Japan can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, the cost of healthcare in Japan is higher than in many other countries due to the high quality of care and the advanced technology used. Health insurance premiums can also be costly, but the government subsidizes a portion of the cost for those who qualify. Additionally, many employers offer health insurance plans to their employees, which can help to reduce the cost," said one foreigner in Japan.

"Emergency services are common and can be accessed by calling 119 for a fire or ambulance and 110 for police. I am a 20 minute public transit ride away from several different hospitals, or a 10 minute drive. The best hospitals in the city are The University of Tokyo Hospital and St. Luke's International Hospital. I am unfamiliar with their care as I have not had to visit yet," explained one person living in Tokyo, Japan.

"You for an ambulance by dialing 119. Tokyo is a huge city so I cannot give a recommendation on the best hospitals, as there are a lot of hospitals to choose from and they vary in their care and speciality. I would advise someone to find a hospital that provides English support if they are not comfortable communicating solely in Japanese," wrote one digital nomad living in Tokyo, Japan.

"Emergency services in Japan are highly efficient and reliable. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial the emergency number 119. This number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is free of charge. When calling, it is important to provide the operator with as much information as possible, such as the exact location of the emergency, the type of emergency, and any other relevant information. The operator will then dispatch an ambulance to the scene as quickly as possible," said one foreigner in Japan.

"Tokyo is widely regarded as having the best selection of medical specialists in Japan, with many of the country's top hospitals and clinics located in the city. Other major cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Yokohama also have a wide range of medical specialists available. In addition, many smaller cities and rural areas throughout Japan have excellent medical facilities and specialists, making it possible to find quality care no matter where you are in the country," wrote one digital nomad living in Japan.

"Pharmacies are usually attached to hospitals or clinics and require prescriptions. There are drugstores for over-the-counter medicine. Prescription medicine is priced pretty low, depending on what coverage and costs you are used to," said a member in Tokyo.

"There are pharmacies in every neighborhood and they are easily accessible and reasonably priced. However, being in Japan, some medications may not be available or provided. Therefore, check which medications are available before moving to Japan," explained one person living in Tokyo, Japan.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Japan. Many of the same medications that are available in other countries are also available in Japan, although they may have different brand names. In addition, some medications that are not available in other countries may be available in Japan. In order to obtain a prescription medication in Japan, a patient must visit a doctor and receive a prescription. The prescription can then be filled at a pharmacy," wrote one digital nomad living in Japan.

"Medical facilities and medical care in Japan are of a very high quality. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical services available. Doctors and nurses are highly trained and experienced, and the latest medical technology is widely used. Japan also has a strong emphasis on preventive medicine, with regular health check-ups and screenings available to the public. In addition, the cost of medical care in Japan is generally lower than in many other developed countries," commented a person living in Japan.

"There is a hospital about 15 minutes from my home. Hospitals are everywhere and are accessible. Every hospital I have been to has been of good quality and if it is public or private varies by case," explained one digital nomad living in Tokyo, Japan.

"There is a national health insurance that everyone (expats and Japanese people) is enrolled in. Its cost is based off of your previous year’s income. It covers 70% of most medical costs, but preventative care is not covered (flu shots, checkups, etc.). There are public and private hospitals available," remarked one member in Tokyo.

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Japan, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Japan is comprehensive and provides a wide range of services, including preventive care, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. The system is funded by taxes and premiums paid by citizens and residents, and is managed by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The quality of care is generally high, and the cost of services is relatively low compared to other countries," explained one expat living in Japan.

"Tokyo has managed it very well, and during this outbreak, the standard of medical care there has been superb," said a member in Tokyo.

"My experiences with the local healthcare system in Japan during the pandemic have been generally positive. The healthcare system has been very responsive to the pandemic, with the government providing clear guidance on how to prevent the spread of the virus and how to seek medical attention if needed. The healthcare system has also been very efficient in providing testing and treatment for those who need it. In addition, the healthcare system has been very supportive of those who are struggling financially due to the pandemic, providing financial assistance and other forms of support. Overall, I have been very impressed with the way the healthcare system in Japan has responded to the pandemic," explained one person living in Japan.