One thing to note is that in Japan, a regular clinic is often also referred to as a hospital. So if you feel like people are blowing it out of proportion by telling you to go to “the hospital”, remember they are just advising you to see a general practitioner.

On the flip side, if you have some kind of emergency or serious illness, be sure to communicate to your supervisor the extent of the problem so that you go to an actual full-scale hospital. It’s good to ask your supervisor and around your school for advice about which is best to go to (the school nurse is a valuable asset!)

Local doctor’s clinics are easy to find across Saga. Keep in mind that they are often classified under ‘internal medicine’ (naika 内科) for illnesses and conditions, or ‘orthopedic surgery’ (geka 外科) for injuries.

Hospitals are generally close by and, while the language barrier can be difficult, it can be overcome with a good dictionary/app and patience. Most doctors are required to study English at university, and some will have completed a period of study or practice abroad, so it is common for at least a basic level of English to be understood. Be sure to do research about where you go, just in case.

Check out our links to English-speaking medical professionals and assistance here.

Visiting a Hospital/Clinic

Before

• Talk to your supervisor, DR, or colleagues to find a doctor or hospital in your area
• If you don’t feel comfortable going alone, ask someone to come with you (e.g. a SPIRA medical interpreter, a friend with good Japanese)
• Call the clinic or hospital to check for consultation hours, that your insurance is acceptable, and that they have the medical department for your ailment
• Make sure you have your Health Insurance Card, My Number Card, or other related paperwork.
• Confirm with your supervisor if you need a doctor’s note in order to have sick leave approved (shindansho – 診断書)

During

• Take your shoes off (if there are slippers)
• Go to reception and give them your Health Insurance Information.
• You might be asked about your symptoms at reception before seeing your doctor.
• If it’s your first time you’ll need to fill out an application form (shinsatsu moshikomisho – 診察申込書)
• You will receive a patient’s card (shinsatsu ken – 診察券), and a chart will be prepared for you (you will need to bring the shinsatsu ken with you on any subsequent visit)
• See the doctor for your consultation. If required, be sure to ask for a doctor’s note.
• Return to the waiting room and wait to be called to pay (remember to keep all your receipts for insurance).

A few other points

• Because Japan has a different mindset when it come to privacy, if you want more anonymity for more sensitive issues, it might be a good idea to seek medical treament in a clinic or hospital outside of your town or even the prefecture.
• You will often be prescribed a number of different medications, even for a very standard condition/illness.
• If you’ve explained things to your doctor any medication should be just as effective as any from your home country.
• Remember that Japanese doses are generally not as strong medication you might receive in your home country so check out the doses you have been prescribed.
• Most hospitals/clinics have an in-house pharmacy or there will one nearby
• You can buy ibuprofen (イブプロフェン) over the counter from most pharmacies in large quantities for a small price. EVE is a common brand name for the drug.
• Japanese-English medication name database