Understanding medical terms in Japanese can be difficult. Finding an English-speaking doctor might be challenging at first and even if there is an English-speaking doctor, you may have to set-up your appointment in Japanese since many receptionists do not speak English. In any case, when in doubt, go to the doctor! Healthcare is relatively cheap in Japan and it is important to be pro-active.
Language Barrier
You will most likely need to give the receptionist/nurse an overview of your symptoms in Japanese when you arrive. You can tell them or give them a written note that you prepared in advance. It is a good idea to bring along a book (or app) of medical Japanese and to practice some words/phrases in advance if possible. There are a lot of online guides available such as Japanese Phrases for the Doctor’s Office – The True Japan, which is very in-depth and uses polite Japanese. There is also Visiting the Doctor in Japan: A Japanese-Language Guide | Tokyo Cheapo, which covers the basics with audio. You can always resort to Google Translate or DeepL as well.
Different Treatment Locations
Often cover a wide range of specializations, deal with emergencies, and also have in-patient facilities. Large hospitals may also have a first-time consultation fee and/or a fee for subsequent visits without a letter of referral.
Usually smaller and may only have a single doctor and offer only one specialization. Some of them may have several doctors covering different specializations.
A clinic only for women and specializes in women’s health. If you need an OB/GYN, you will find one at a Ladies’ Clinic.
Dentists
「歯科医」(shikai )
With thousands of dentists in Japan, you might wonder which one is the right one at the right price. Dental care prices vary by clinic and treatment. It may be beneficial to ask around for local recommendations. Keep in mind that dentists are generally appointment-only and that the national health insurance does not cover everything. The article “How Much Does Dental Care Cost in Japan?” from City-Cost offers some information as a baseline at www.city-cost.com/blogs/City-Cost/MdgEw-medical .
Optometrist
「検眼医」(kengani )
Your best bet for an affordable pair of glasses is to go to a discount eyewear chain store such as J!NS, Owndays, or Zoff! Even if you don’t understand Japanese, it should be alright. They have things like English versions of their pamphlets. The cost of their glasses includes a quick eye test, so you do not need to bring your own eye prescription. Normal glasses can be made in 30 minutes, but special requirements (such as astigmatism) may require you to come back to pick them up the following day. Unless you need an eye exam for illness or injury-related reasons, the exam is not covered by the national health insurance nor are eyeglasses.
As for contact lenses, you might want to buy them online since it is usually cheaper (e.g., Amazon, Rakuten). However, you can still find some low-price contact lenses in-stores like Don Quijote or Costco. On a side note, circle lenses tend to be more expensive in Japan than online or in South Korea.
Finally, if your goal is to free yourself from wearing glasses or contacts, know that it is possible to get LASIK in Japan. Consider bringing someone with you during your appointments and plan accordingly so that you can take a few days off from work. If you want to read more about the procedure, people have shared their experiences about the procedure on YouTube and other platforms.
The Workplace Health Check
「健康診断」(kenkō shindan)
Your school will require you, like other public employees, to have an annual health check. The date varies by location. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire prior to the check and will receive results within a few weeks. Common tests include:
In some cases your supervisor or another person from you contracting organization will accompany you to this visit to ensure the health check goes smoothly. If you are unsure about who will accompany you (or if someone else will be there at all) ask your supervisor about it.
Language Note
Often there are staff who can speak some English or have a pocket translator.
If necessary, tell the staff:
“I don’t understand Japanese.” 「日本語が分かりません。」
(Nihongo ga wakarimasen)
“Is there an English-speaking person available?” 「英語を話せる方がいらっしゃいますか？」
(Eigo o hanaseru kata ga irasshaimasu ka?)
Procedure for Sick Leave and Going to the Hospital/Clinic
You can use sick leave 「病休」(byōkyū) when you fall ill and are unable to attend work. The number of days available and rules of use vary by contracting organization, so please ask your supervisor. If you are too sick to go to work:
- Call your supervisor/vice-principal to explain you are sick and unable to work. You may have to give your symptoms (and some information may be shared with the staff at a morning meeting).
- You will need to go to a clinic or hospital. You may be asked to provide a doctor’s note 「診断書」(shindansho). You must request this from the doctor and it will cost extra. Also, your school may request prescriptions or receipts as proof.
- Be aware that Japanese staff rarely use sick leave and use paid leave instead. Please discuss with your supervisor to avoid confusion about what type of leave you are requesting.
What to Bring to the Hospital or Clinic
- Resident Card 「在留カード」(zairyū kaado): you should always carry this around.
- Health Insurance Card 「保険証」(hokenshō): if you forget to bring the card, you can pay the full bill and get reimbursed later.
- Translation Aid (as necessary): ask in advance, when possible, for accompaniment.
- Any paperwork you filled out prior to the appointment
Visiting the Hospital and Clinic
If the illness requires prescription drugs, some hospitals will issue a small dosage in the waiting room. The staff will return to check for any signs of a reaction (rash, etc.) to make sure you are not allergic to the medication.
You may receive prescription drugs at the hospital or be sent to a pharmacy 「薬屋」(kusuriya). If not dispensed on-site, you will be given a prescription (or it may be faxed to the pharmacy). You must fill your prescription within 3 days of it being issued. When you visit the pharmacy for the first time you will receive a small booklet that contains your medication history 「お薬手帳」(o kusuri techō). Be careful not to lose this booklet as it is necessary in order to get your prescription refilled. You may need to visit the doctor before each refill of your medication so be sure to ask when you receive the medication from the pharmacy.
Fractures
You will most likely receive a cast or sling for fractures or sprains. Hospitals and some clinics provide crutches but may request a deposit.
National Health Insurance & Payment
「支払い」(shiharai )
Under the national health insurance, 70% of most hospital and clinic visits and treatments are covered. You will pay the remaining 30% and can request reimbursement for accident-related injury exceeding 5,000 yen from the JET accident insurance. Please note the supplemental insurance does not cover dependents.
Paying in installments
「分割払い」(bunkatsu-barai )
It is possible to pay for more expensive treatments such as surgeries in smaller amounts over time. However, it is highly unlikely that common medical bills will be large enough to require installments.
Receipts
「領収書・レシート」(ryōshūsho ・ reshiito)
Keep all receipts, including transportation to the hospital. If you visit without your health insurance card or are using the JET accident insurance, you will need to submit copies of receipts to receive reimbursement. Please be aware that it may take up to several months to process the claims.
JET Accident Insurance Policy
JET participants are covered by an additional insurance policy to the national health insurance. This policy’s coverage period is from the first day of employment on JET until one month after the end of the contract or the participant has returned to their home country, whichever is earlier. This policy will cover costs related to injury and illness, even while traveling outside of Japan.
For example:
For more information, contact Tokio Marine Insurance Co (https://jetprogramme.org/en/jpai-contact/).
Final Advice
For things other than the common cold, it a good idea to be prepared with appropriate vocabulary so as to save time when checking in and speaking with the doctor. This is especially true if you have any medical allergies or pre-existing conditions, since the terminology might be different.
Also, privacy is different in Japan. Expect that people at work may hear of your symptoms and that you will have to share details with the nurse in the waiting room to check-in. If meeting your students or co-workers at the clinic is a concern, consider using a clinic in another town when possible.
