What should I do if I get sick or encounter an emergency while traveling?

Okay, no problem! Getting sick or having an emergency while traveling is definitely a worry. Don't panic! I've faced similar situations in Tokyo too, and dealing with it isn't as complicated as it might seem. I've put together this super practical guide for you – hope it helps you travel with more peace of mind!

What to Do If You Get Sick or Encounter an Emergency While Traveling

Step 1: Prevention is Always the Best Medicine (Before Your Trip)

Preparation before you leave is key to handling problems smoothly.

Absolutely Buy Travel Insurance!
- This is non-negotiable, a MUST-HAVE! Medical costs in Japan are very high – even a simple cold or fever requiring a hospital visit can result in a shockingly expensive bill. Comprehensive travel insurance is your best safety net.
Prepare a Small Travel Medical Kit
- Pack your regular medications: cold medicine, stomach medicine (especially for stomach issues/traveler's diarrhea), allergy medicine, pain relievers, band-aids, etc. This way, you can handle minor ailments yourself without scrambling at an unfamiliar pharmacy.
- Important: Japan has strict rules about bringing certain medications into the country (e.g., cold meds containing pseudoephedrine). If carrying prescription medications, check the regulations beforehand or carry an English doctor's note.
Save Important Information
- Store important numbers and details electronically on your phone and carry a printed copy in your wallet: your insurance company's emergency contact, policy number, passport photo, hotel address/phone, and emergency family contacts. This ensures access even if your phone dies or is lost.

Step 2: What If You Actually Get Sick? (Handling Based on Severity)

Situation 1: Minor Ailments (Cold, Diarrhea, Mild Allergy, etc.)

If symptoms are mild, try self-treatment first.

Go to a Drugstore (ドラッグストア - Drugstore)
- Major chains like Matsumoto Kiyoshi (マツモトキヨシ), Welcia, and Daikoku Drug (ダイコクドラッグ) have branches everywhere in Japan.
- You can buy most over-the-counter (OTC) medicines here. Even with Japanese packaging, you can often guess based on Kanji (Chinese characters): "風邪" (Kaze) = cold, "下痢" (Geri) = diarrhea, "痛" (Itami) = pain/"痛み止め" = painkiller, "熱" (Netsu) = fever.
- Use a translation app to show the clerk your symptoms, or use simple English and gestures; they are usually helpful and can recommend the right medicine.

Situation 2: Feeling Really Unwell – Need to See a Doctor (Persistent High Fever, Severe Pain, etc.)

Don't tough it out – find a doctor.

How to Find a Hospital or Clinic?
- Simplest Way: Ask Your Hotel Front Desk! This is the most convenient option for travelers. They usually have information on nearby clinics or partner facilities that accept foreign visitors. They can often make appointments and call taxis for you.
- Search Online: Visit the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) website for a list of medical institutions offering multilingual services.
- Call for Help: Contact AMDA International Medical Information Center. They provide multilingual telephone consultation and can refer you to appropriate medical facilities.
What to Prepare When Going to the Hospital:
- Bring your passport and travel insurance card/details.
- Have cash or a credit card ready. Even with insurance, you will likely need to pay out-of-pocket at the time of treatment. Remember to get the Medical Certificate (診断書 - Shindansho) and receipts! You'll submit these later to your insurance company for reimbursement. Make sure to get the medical certificate!
- Many small private clinics only accept cash, so having yen is advisable.

Step 3: LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY!

If facing a life-threatening illness, serious accident, or fire, immediately call emergency services.

Remember These TWO Universal Numbers for Japan!
- 🚑 119: Call for an ambulance or fire truck. Dial this immediately for: severe injury, sudden serious illness (heart attack, breathing difficulties), or fire.
- 🚓 110: Call the police. Use this for: theft, robbery, traffic accident, serious altercation, or if you are lost.
What to Say When Calling 119?
- When connected, don't panic if you don't hear English. Speak slowly and clearly: "Ambulance, please!" or "Fire!" (The Japanese word for ambulance is "Kyukyusha" (救急車)).
- Operators will either connect you to an English speaker or arrange live interpretation.
- Crucially, clearly state your location. If you don't know the exact address, describe nearby landmarks: "under Tokyo Tower," mention a train/subway station name, or a major store/sign.
- Tip: Calling an ambulance is free in Japan. However, all subsequent medical treatment costs at the hospital are the patient's responsibility. (Again: Travel insurance is VITAL!).

Step 4: Other Useful Backup Plans

Contact Your Country's Embassy/Consulate
- When to contact them? For example: if your passport is lost/stolen, or if you face serious legal disputes/incidents or safety/security threats. They can provide consular assistance and protection, but they cannot pay for medical bills or personal expenses.
Stay Calm
- Last, and most important: Stay Calm. Panicking solves nothing. Japan is a very safe country with excellent public order and a highly developed medical system. By following the steps above, you will find a solution.

Hope this guide is helpful! Wishing you safe and enjoyable travels in Tokyo!