Can I see a doctor without insurance?

Yes, but you pay the full cost. Foreign residents staying in Japan for more than 3 months are generally required to join public health insurance. If you forgot your insurance, some clinics let you pay first and refund you when you bring it later; ask at reception.

Should I bring someone who speaks Japanese?

If you can, yes, especially for serious illness or when you must sign a consent form. If you go alone, prepare a note of your symptoms in Japanese and use a tool such as ViCare.

How long is a prescription valid?

An outside prescription (処方箋) is valid for 4 days including the day of issue. After that you need a new one from the doctor.

How to see a doctor in Japan: a step-by-step guide for foreigners

Updated: October 2026

Your first clinic visit in Japan can be confusing: where to go, what to bring and what to say. This guide walks through a typical visit to a neighbourhood clinic (クリニック) so you can prepare.

Local clinic or big hospital?

For everyday problems such as a cold, fever, stomach ache or rash, start at a local clinic (クリニック, 診療所 or 医院). Clinics are usually organised by department: internal medicine (内科), paediatrics (小児科), ENT (耳鼻咽喉科), dermatology (皮膚科) and so on.

Large hospitals (大学病院, 総合病院) are for serious illness or specialist tests. If you go to a large hospital without a referral letter (紹介状) from a clinic, you may have to pay an extra fee on top of the consultation. Start at a clinic; the doctor will refer you when needed.

It helps to have a regular local doctor (かかりつけ医) who knows your history.

What to bring

Proof of health insurance: your My Number card registered as a health insurance card (マイナ保険証), or a valid 資格確認書 / insurance card. Without it you may have to pay the full cost first.
Your residence card (在留カード).
Your medicine notebook (お薬手帳) if you have one, or photos of the medicines you take.
Cash: many small clinics accept cash only.
A note of your symptoms: when they started, your temperature, any medicine you took.
For children: the local child medical subsidy card (if any) and the maternal and child health handbook (母子手帳).

A visit, step by step

Reception (受付)Say 「初診です」 (shoshin desu – it is my first visit) and hand over your insurance. Many clinics require an appointment (予約制); call or check the clinic's website.
Questionnaire (問診票)Fill in your symptoms, history, allergies, current medicines and whether you might be pregnant. If you cannot read it, ask: 「書き方を教えてください」 (kakikata o oshiete kudasai).
Waiting and basic checksStaff may take your temperature or blood pressure. Go in when your name is called.
Consultation (診察)The doctor asks questions, examines you and explains. Ask them to slow down or write things down. Before leaving, ask the diagnosis, whether to come back, and when to return immediately.
Payment (会計)Pay your share (usually 30% with insurance). Keep the receipt (領収書) for your year-end tax deduction.
Pharmacy (薬局)If you are prescribed medicine, take the prescription (処方箋) to a pharmacy. It is valid for 4 days including the day it was issued. The pharmacist explains the directions and gives you a medicine bag (薬袋).

Opening hours and holidays

Many clinics close for lunch, on Sundays and public holidays, and on one afternoon a week. Check the consultation hours (診療時間) before you go. Out of hours, most areas run a night and holiday clinic (休日夜間急患センター); see your city's website.

For an emergency such as difficulty breathing, severe chest pain or unconsciousness, do not wait: call 119.

How ViCare helps

With ViCare you can find the right department from your symptoms, search for that department nearby on Google Maps, show your emergency info in Japanese at reception, use the interpreter in the consultation and read your medicine bag with the camera.

Coming soon to the App Store · Coming soon to Google Play

See the ViCare app

Quick answers

Can I see a doctor without insurance?: Yes, but you pay the full cost. Foreign residents staying in Japan for more than 3 months are generally required to join public health insurance. If you forgot your insurance, some clinics let you pay first and refund you when you bring it later; ask at reception.
Should I bring someone who speaks Japanese?: If you can, yes, especially for serious illness or when you must sign a consent form. If you go alone, prepare a note of your symptoms in Japanese and use a tool such as ViCare.
How long is a prescription valid?: An outside prescription (処方箋) is valid for 4 days including the day of issue. After that you need a new one from the doctor.

This article is general reference information and does not replace advice from a doctor, pharmacist or public office. Rules can differ by municipality and change over time; check with your clinic or city office.