Healthcare is one of the most important things to sort out when relocating to Japan. Fortunately, the country has a good quality healthcare system, but you’ll need to know how to access it. The general practitioner (GP) is the first port of call when you feel unwell. Here’s what you need to know about GPs in Japan.

Japan’s Healthcare System

Japan has a high-quality healthcare system available to all its citizens and long-term residents. It is an insurance-based system, where residents make regular contributions in return for highly subsidized healthcare. There is also a public assistance program to cover those unable to contribute.

In addition to public healthcare, there is also private medical provision available to those not eligible for the public system as well as those who would like to take out additional coverage.

Public healthcare is administered through Japan’s 47 prefectures. The phone number for health emergencies is 119.

Who Can Access Doctors in Japan?

Japanese citizens and long-term residents can access GP services in Japan through the insurance-based system. This covers anyone living in Japan for 90 days or more, usually through employment-based insurance contributions.

However, the public insurance scheme only covers state-funded services. If you want access to full medical services including English-speaking doctors, or if you cannot access public healthcare, you will need to take out private health insurance coverage or pay directly to see a Japanese doctor.

How to Find a Doctor

If you’re registered for public healthcare, you can find doctors working at local clinics. The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare (MHLW) has a list of services in each prefecture. You can search for GPs in:

You can look for English-speaking medical professionals on the following websites:

Visiting a Doctor in Japan

You don’t need to register with a doctor in Japan. However, you can register with a clinic if you want to. You can call ahead and make an appointment, or just walk-in. In recent years, video sessions have grown in popularity.

When you arrive at a clinic, you will need to check in. At the first session, you’ll usually need to complete a medical intake form (monshin hyo) answering questions about your medical history. Don’t forget to bring along your health insurance card, along with passport or residence card.

When talking to a Japanese doctor, you should use the honorific title sensei. Your GP will ask about symptoms, perform basic medical checks, prescribe medication, and refer to a specialist if required.

GP appointments in Japan are generally quite short, but there tends to be more follow-up appointments to monitor progress than in countries like the US and UK.

Japanese Medical Specialists

There are many types of medical specialists in Japan, usually working in hospitals and clinics. Unlike in some countries, you don’t need a GP referral to see a Japanese specialist. You can also attend a walk-in session but should be prepared for a long wait.

Medical specialists in Japan include cardiologists, oncologists, gynecologists, and psychiatrists.

Doctor Costs in Japan

A consultation with a GP in Japan typically costs around 5,000-10,000 yen. Public health insurance covers 70% of this (up to 100% for children, pensioners, and low-income groups). Private GPs charge more but you can take out a private medical insurance policy to cover these costs.

Patient fees in the public sector are controlled by the MHLW.

Gala8357, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons