Healthcare in Tokyo

Expat healthcare in Tokyo and healthcare in Japan as a whole are of good quality. Health insurance is mandatory and is partially funded by compulsory contributions determined according to annual income.

There are two main nationalised healthcare schemes in Japan – Employees’ Health Insurance (EHI) for those working in the country, and National Health Insurance (NHI), which covers those ineligible to use EHI.

The government covers 70 percent of costs, with the patient responsible for the balance. Certain procedures may not be covered, and some purchase private health insurance for extra coverage. Private health insurers require that patients pay upfront for treatment and then submit receipts for reimbursement. The insurer then refunds the approved amount to the policyholder.

Pharmacies are widely available throughout Tokyo, and many are open 24 hours a day. They can be identified by a green cross symbol. Over-the-counter medication is available for minor ailments, but for more serious conditions, a prescription from a doctor is required.

While English-speaking staff are common in larger hospitals and clinics, this may not be the case in smaller facilities or pharmacies.

Non-Western medicine is also prevalent in Japan. These treatments are often used in conjunction with Western medicine and are sometimes covered by Japanese health insurance.

Below is a list of prominent hospitals in Tokyo.

Hospitals in Tokyo

Japanese Red Cross Medical Center

Address: 4-1-22 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8935 
Website: www.med.jrc.or.jp

St Luke’s International Hospital

Address: 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8560 
Website: hospital.luke.ac.jp

Tokyo Station International Center

Address: 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005 
Website: www.international clinic.tokyo

University of Tokyo Hospital

Address: 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655 
Website: www.h.u tokyo.ac.jp