What is Japan's healthcare system like? Where should I go to see a doctor when I'm sick? How do I use my National Health Insurance?

Hello! I see you're asking about seeing a doctor in Japan – definitely a big deal when you first start living here. Don't worry, I'll walk you through it. It's actually quite simple once you understand it.

What is Japan's Healthcare System Like?

Simply put, Japan has a National Health Insurance (NHI) system. Think of it like a massive "group medical membership club".

Universal Participation: Anyone legally residing in Japan (with a residence card, even students) must join this "club". Employees usually join their company's "Social Insurance", while students, freelancers, and the unemployed join the "National Health Insurance".
Shared Costs: Everyone pays a monthly membership fee (insurance premium), pooling into a huge fund.
Discounted Care: When you need medical care, this "club" covers most of the cost. You typically only pay 30% of the total medical bill. The remaining 70% comes from that big pool.

So, remember this key point: In Japan, as long as you have insurance, you only pay 30% of the cost in the vast majority of cases. This significantly reduces the individual burden of medical expenses.

Where Should I Go When I'm Sick?

This depends on the situation and is a bit different from some countries – you don't necessarily rush to a big hospital for everything. Choosing the right place saves a lot of hassle.

1. Minor Illnesses (Cold, Fever, Diarrhea, Skin Allergy, etc.)

Go to: A Clinic (クリニック / 医院)

These small clinics are everywhere, like community health centers or private practices in your neighborhood. They are usually specialized, such as:

Internal Medicine (内科 - naika): Colds, fever, stomach aches, etc. – the most common place to go.
Otolaryngology (ENT) (耳鼻咽喉科 - jibiinkouka): Ear, nose, and throat problems.
Dermatology (皮膚科 - hifuka): Skin allergies, acne, eczema, etc.
Ophthalmology (眼科 - ganka): Eye problems.
Orthopedics (整形外科 - seikeigeka): Not cosmetic surgery! This is for bones, joints, muscle sprains, back pain.

Advantages:

No appointment usually needed (though calling ahead is better).
Fewer people, shorter wait times.
Doctors spend more time communicating with you and examining you carefully.

How to find one? Open Google Maps and search [Your location] + Internal Medicine or [Your location] + Dermatology, and you'll find plenty.

2. Serious Illnesses, Surgery, or Comprehensive Testing Needed

Go to: General Hospital (総合病院 - sōgō byōin)

These are large hospitals with many departments and inpatient facilities. However, going directly to a big hospital can cause two problems:

You might need a "Referral Letter" (紹介状 - shōkaijō): Without a referral letter from a clinic, many large hospitals will charge you an additional "initial consultation fee" of 5,000 to 10,000 yen, and this fee is not covered by insurance.
Very Long Wait Times: They are extremely crowded; just registering and waiting to be seen can take half a day.

The correct process is: Go to a clinic first. If the doctor thinks your condition is complex, they will proactively write you a "referral letter" recommending you go to a specific large hospital for further tests or treatment. This saves money and is more efficient.

3. Emergencies (Accident, Unconsciousness, Difficulty Breathing, etc.)

Action: Call Emergency Services at 119

Without hesitation, immediately dial 119.
Once connected, clearly state it's an "emergency (きゅうきゅう - kyuukyuu)" and give your address.
Important Note: Ambulances in Japan are free, but the treatment costs at the hospital afterwards still need to be paid by you (via your insurance).

4. Getting Sick at Night or on Holidays/Weekends

Most clinics are closed on weekends and national holidays. If you get sick suddenly during these times but it's not an emergency requiring an ambulance, you can:

Look for a "Night-time/Holiday Clinic" (休日夜間診療所 - kyuujitsu yakan shinryōjo): Each area has designated clinics for holidays or night-time service.
How to find one? Search Google for [Your city name] + 休日夜間診療 or [Your city name] + 救急 (kyuukyuu - emergency). You should find information on the local government website listing the hospitals/clinics on duty that day.

How Do I Use My National Health Insurance?

The process is very standardized and the same at any hospital or clinic. Remember this "5-Step Medical Visit Process":

Step 1: Before You Leave Home

Bring three things:

Health Insurance Card (健康保険証 - kenkō hokenshō): This is the most important! It's your "discount card".
Residence Card (在留卡 - zairyū kādo): For identification.
Cash: While many large hospitals accept cards, countless small clinics only take cash! So bring enough cash to be safe.

Step 2: Arrive at the Clinic, Go to Reception (受付 - uketsuke)

Hand your Insurance Card to the receptionist/nurse.
If it's your first visit, tell them: "初診です (shoshin desu)" (This is my first visit).
They will give you a "Patient Registration Form (問診票 - monshinhyō)" to fill out with your personal information and symptoms. Don't worry, many places have English versions, or you can use a translation app on your phone.

Step 3: Waiting and Seeing the Doctor

Hand the completed form back, then wait in the waiting area. A nurse will call your name and take you to see the doctor. Describe your symptoms to the doctor. After examining you, the doctor will tell you the diagnosis and treatment plan.

Step 4: Payment (会計 - kaikei)

After seeing the doctor, go back to the reception area and wait.

The nurse will call your name again and tell you the cost.
You pay 30% of the fee.
The nurse will return your Insurance Card, Receipt (領収書 - ryōshūsho), and Prescription (処方箋 - shohōsen).

Step 5: Go to the Pharmacy for Medication

Japan has a "separation of prescribing and dispensing" system. Clinics diagnose and prescribe, but don't sell medication.

Take the Prescription (処方箋 - shohōsen) the doctor gave you to a nearby "Dispensing Pharmacy" (調剤薬局 - chōzai yakkyoku). They are usually right next to or across from the clinic, very convenient.
At the pharmacy, give the Prescription and your Insurance Card to the pharmacist.
The pharmacist will prepare your medication, call your name, and explain how to take each medicine in detail.
Here, you pay 30% of the medication cost.

That's it! The entire medical visit process is now complete.

To summarize:

Japan's healthcare has insurance; you only pay 30%, so it's reassuring.
Go to a clinic for minor issues; get a referral from a clinic for major issues to go to a hospital.
Your "Insurance Card" is essential for appointments; cash is king.
Hospitals/clinics only diagnose and prescribe; pharmacies dispense medication. Show your insurance card and pay separately at both places.

Hope this guide helps! Don't panic if you get sick in Japan; the system is very user-friendly and convenient.