How to See a Doctor in Japan as a Foreigner (2025)
Japan has excellent healthcare, and as a resident with health insurance, you pay only 30% of medical costs. Here’s how to navigate the system as a foreigner. Health Insurance First Before visiting a doctor, make sure you have health insurance. All residents in Japan are legally required to be enrolled in either: Company health insurance (社会保険) — if your employer provides it National Health Insurance (国民健康保険, NHI) — if self-employed, student, or not covered by employer With insurance, your out-of-pocket cost is 30% of the total medical bill. Without insurance, you pay 100%. ...