Health & Insurance

Japanese pharmacies are well-stocked and easy to use — but the medications available over the counter differ from what you might find at home, and some common drugs are simply not available here. Knowing the system saves time when you’re sick and need help fast. Here’s how Japanese pharmacies work. Types of Pharmacies in Japan Drugstore (ドラッグストア) Large chain stores selling OTC medications, beauty products, groceries, and household goods. No prescription needed. ...

Having a baby in Japan as a foreigner is entirely manageable — but the system has its own structure, paperwork, and expectations that differ significantly from Western healthcare. Getting familiar with the process early reduces stress enormously. Here’s what to expect from pregnancy through childbirth in Japan. As Soon as You Confirm Pregnancy 1. Get Your 母子手帳 (Mother and Child Health Handbook) This is the most important document in Japanese pregnancy. Go to your city hall (市役所) as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed by a doctor. ...

What you'll learn in this guide When foreigners in Japan need private health insurance vs national health insurance Japan’s National Health Insurance explained — what it covers and what it doesn’t Top private health insurance providers for foreigners in Japan compared Costs by age, coverage level, and provider What happens if you leave Japan temporarily — travel insurance considerations Japan has one of the world’s best healthcare systems — and mandatory national health insurance for all registered residents. But Japan’s national health insurance doesn’t cover everything, and some foreigners (new arrivals, digital nomads, those between jobs) need additional or alternative coverage. Here’s the complete guide. ...

Quick Answer In Japan, public health insurance covers most basic dental work at 70% — you pay 30%. Routine checkup: ¥1,500–3,000. Simple filling: ¥1,000–2,500. Root canal: ¥5,000–15,000. Covered: cleanings, fillings, X-rays, root canals, extractions, metal crowns. NOT covered: whitening, ceramic crowns, implants, braces. Any foreigner registered at city hall is automatically enrolled in health insurance, which includes dental. Bring your insurance card (保険証) to every appointment. To find an English-speaking dentist: search “英語対応 歯科 [your city]” on Google Maps. ...

Quick Answer #7119 is Japan’s free medical advice hotline. Call it when you’re unsure if your situation needs a 119 ambulance. A trained nurse answers, asks about your symptoms, and tells you: call 119 now, go to the ER, or wait until morning. Free from any Japanese phone. Available 24/7 in Tokyo (with English interpretation), Osaka, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Aichi, Fukuoka, Kyoto, and Hyogo. In a life-threatening emergency (chest pain, unconsciousness, severe bleeding) — skip 7119 and call 119 immediately. ...