Question 1

How do I go to a hospital or clinic in Japan without speaking Japanese?

Accepted Answer

MedGuide Japan walks you through every step in plain English — what to bring (insurance card, residence card), what to say at reception, how to describe symptoms, and what to expect from the process. No Japanese required.

Question 2

What should foreigners bring to a hospital visit in Japan?

Accepted Answer

You typically need your National Health Insurance card (健康保険証), your residence card (在留カード) or passport, and cash or a card for any co-payment. MedGuide Japan has a full pre-visit checklist in English.

Question 3

How does Japanese health insurance work for foreigners?

Accepted Answer

Most foreigners residing in Japan for more than 3 months must enrol in National Health Insurance (国民健康保険). It covers 70% of most medical costs. MedGuide Japan explains enrollment, coverage, and how to use it at clinics and hospitals.

Question 4

What do I do in a medical emergency in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Call 119 for an ambulance or fire. MedGuide Japan includes a step-by-step English emergency guide covering when to call 119, how to describe the situation, and which hospitals accept emergency walk-ins.

Question 5

Is there an English medical app for foreigners in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Yes — MedGuide Japan is a free iOS app that provides a complete English-language guide to Japanese healthcare. It covers hospital visits, pregnancy, baby health, mental health, dental care, and more — all written for non-Japanese speakers.

Question 6

How do I get prenatal care or give birth in Japan as a foreigner?

Accepted Answer

Japan has excellent prenatal care. You register your pregnancy at your local ward office and receive the Maternal & Child Health Handbook (母子健康手帳). MedGuide Japan's pregnancy section explains every stage in English, including how to choose an OB/GYN and what the birth process looks like.

Question 7

Where can I find English-speaking doctors or clinics in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto have international clinics with English-speaking staff. MedGuide Japan helps you prepare for any clinic visit — including those without English staff — by providing key phrases, symptom descriptions, and process guides.

Healthcare in
Japan,
made clear.

Every screen, built for you

Built for every moment
in Japan's health system

Start in seconds.
No setup needed.

Everything. Nothing held back.

Your health matters.
So does your peace of mind.

Healthcare inJapan,made clear.

Every screen, built for you

Built for every momentin Japan's health system

Start in seconds.No setup needed.

Everything. Nothing held back.

Your health matters.So does your peace of mind.

Healthcare in
Japan,
made clear.

Built for every moment
in Japan's health system

Start in seconds.
No setup needed.

Your health matters.
So does your peace of mind.