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Visiting medical institutions(醫療機關的需要的)

Last updated date:2023/3/1

When visiting a hospital or clinic

There are two main types of medical facilities: hospitals and clinics.
If you feel sick or are injured and have symptoms that you are concerned about, please visit a clinic (regular doctor) first.
The doctor at the clinic will examine you and refer you to the appropriate hospital if he or she believes that you need to receive specialist treatment or to be hospitalized.
(You may be able to undergo a medical examination at a hospital without a referral, but it will cost more.)

Upon arrival

When you arrive, hand over your National Health Insurance card at the reception desk.
(You will still be able to undergo the medical examination without a National Health Insurance card, but it will cost more.)
(Please mention at the reception desk if you are on holiday and have travel insurance, etc.)
Please tell the member of staff at the reception desk if you require any special consideration during the medical examination due to cultural or religious reasons.

Payment

Please pay the medical fee after the examination is over.
The amount is calculated according to the content of tests etc., so please ask in advance at the reception desk if you would like to know roughly how much it will cost.

If you suddenly fall ill at night or on a holiday

Please see the emergency medical care page for advice on what to do if you suddenly fall ill at night or on a holiday.
On this page, you can check for medical institutes which provide treatment at night or on a holiday.

In the event of an emergency

In the event of a medical emergency, please call 119 and ask for an ambulance.
Please see the page on how to call 119 for more details.

How to search for hospitals which accommodate foreign languages

The Japan Tourism Agency provides information on medical institutions that can provide services to foreign travelers in English, Chinese (traditional and simplified), Korean, and Japanese.

Regarding medical institutions in Yokohama City that accommodate foreign languages

The City of Yokohama lists medical institutions that have introduced telephone-based interpreting services (available in 12 languages), as well as medical institutions within Yokohama City that have received "Japan Medical Service Accreditation for International Patients (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)."
12 languages: English, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Nepali, Russian, Ukrainian

Reference links

Medical information service YOKOHAMA MEDICAL GUIDE leaflet

This leaflet was created in collaboration with MSD K.K. as part of the Medical Perspective Project.

Yokohama Foreign Residents Information Center provides a variety of information and consultations on daily life over the phone or in person.
In addition, if needed it will also refer you to the appropriate specialist or public institution. What is more, it also provides information and consultations on various citizen activities, including international exchanges, volunteer activities and activities to support non-Japanese residents. Consultations are free of charge.

Please feel free to get in touch to receive a range of information needed for daily life in Japan (medical care, health, welfare, child rearing, etc.), or consult about other aspects on life in Japan.
If needed, you will be referred to an appropriate place to go for advice.

This page contains a medical questionnaire in various languages for when non-Japanese residents fall sick or become ill, allowing them to convey their symptoms to a doctor etc. in their native language.

Where to inquire
Content Contact details
About this page Medical Policy Division, Medical Care Bureau (*Inquiries in Japanese only)
Tel: 045-671-2972
Fax: 045-664-3851
Email: ir-policy@city.yokohama.jp

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