Nagoya

⚕️

Health and Medical Assistance

Guidance on medical safety, hospitals, clinics, and health-related precautions.

Sections

1. Medical Facilities in Nagoya

Nagoya, as one of Japan's largest cities, has a well-developed healthcare system with numerous hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical centers. The city offers both public and private healthcare facilities, many of which are equipped with modern technology and highly trained medical professionals.

Key Hospitals and Clinics:

  • Nagoya University Hospital

    • A major teaching hospital with advanced medical care and some English-speaking staff.
    • Address: 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya
    • Phone: +81-52-741-2111

  • Nagoya City University Hospital

    • Known for its comprehensive care and specialized departments.
    • Address: 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya
    • Phone: +81-52-851-5511

  • Nagoya Central Hospital

    • Offers general medical services and has some English-speaking staff.
    • Address: 4-1-1 Sannomaru, Naka-ku, Nagoya
    • Phone: +81-52-951-1111

  • Meijo Hospital

    • A large hospital with a wide range of specialties.
    • Address: 1-1-1 Jingu, Atsuta-ku, Nagoya
    • Phone: +81-52-241-1351

  • Nagoya International Center (NIC) Medical Interpreting Service

2. Emergency Contacts

In case of a medical emergency, you can contact the following numbers:

  • Ambulance and Fire Services: Dial 119

    • Free to call, but note that operators may not speak English. If you don’t speak Japanese, say “Ambulance, please” and provide your location in English or Japanese.

  • Police (for non-medical emergencies): Dial 110

  • Japan Helpline (24/7 English Support): Dial 0570-000-911

    • Offers assistance for emergencies, including medical issues.

  • Nagoya International Center (NIC) Emergency Support:

    • Phone: +81-52-581-0100
    • Provides guidance and interpretation services for foreigners in emergencies.

3. Costs of Common Medical Services

Healthcare in Japan is generally affordable compared to many Western countries, especially if you are covered by insurance. However, for visitors without insurance, costs can be higher.

  • General Consultation at a Clinic: ¥5,000–¥10,000 (without insurance)
  • Specialist Consultation: ¥10,000–¥20,000 (without insurance)
  • Hospital Admission: ¥10,000–¥30,000 per day (without insurance)
  • Emergency Room Visit: ¥10,000–¥20,000 (without insurance)
  • Prescription Medications: ¥1,000–¥5,000, depending on the medication.

4. Insurance Considerations

For Visitors:

  • Travel Insurance:
    Visitors are strongly advised to purchase travel insurance before arriving in Japan. Travel insurance typically covers medical expenses, including emergency care, hospitalization, and repatriation.

  • Japan National Health Insurance (NHI):
    Short-term visitors are not eligible for NHI. However, if you are staying in Japan for more than 3 months, you may be required to enroll in the NHI system.

For Residents:

  • National Health Insurance (NHI):

    • All residents staying in Japan for more than 3 months must enroll in the NHI or Employee Health Insurance (EHI) system.
    • NHI covers 70% of medical costs, leaving you to pay 30% out-of-pocket.
    • Monthly premiums depend on your income but typically range from ¥2,000–¥20,000.

  • Employee Health Insurance (EHI):

    • Provided through employers and covers a similar percentage of medical costs.

5. How to Access Healthcare as a Foreigner

Steps to Access Medical Care:

  1. Find a Suitable Facility:
    Use the Nagoya International Center’s list of English-speaking doctors or search online for clinics that cater to foreigners.

  2. Make an Appointment:

    • Many clinics require appointments, especially for non-emergency cases.
    • Call ahead and confirm if English-speaking staff are available.

  3. Bring Identification and Insurance:

    • Visitors: Bring your passport and travel insurance details.
    • Residents: Bring your residence card and health insurance card.

  4. Payment:

    • Be prepared to pay upfront if you are uninsured.
    • Credit cards are accepted at most major hospitals but not always at smaller clinics.

6. Language Support in Medical Settings

Language can be a barrier in Japan, but Nagoya offers several resources to assist foreigners:

  • English-Speaking Doctors:
    Many large hospitals and some private clinics in Nagoya have English-speaking staff.

  • Nagoya International Center (NIC):

    • Provides interpretation services and a list of multilingual medical facilities.

  • Medical Interpretation Apps:

    • Apps like Google Translate or VoiceTra can help with basic communication.

  • Professional Medical Interpreters:

    • Some hospitals offer interpreter services for a fee.

7. Cultural and Procedural Considerations

Understanding Japanese healthcare culture and procedures can help you navigate the system more effectively:

  • Politeness and Formality:

    • Japanese medical staff are highly professional and polite. Patients are expected to reciprocate this respect.

  • Removing Shoes:

    • In some clinics, you may be asked to remove your shoes before entering.

  • Medication:

    • Japanese doctors may prescribe smaller doses of medication compared to Western countries. If you require specific medications, bring a supply or a prescription from your home country.

  • Punctuality:

    • Arrive on time for appointments. Being late is considered disrespectful.

  • Privacy:

    • Japanese medical facilities prioritize patient privacy. You may be asked to wait in separate areas or use partitions during consultations.

  • Cash Payments:

    • Smaller clinics may only accept cash, so it’s wise to carry enough yen.

8. Additional Resources

  • AMDA International Medical Information Center:

    • Offers multilingual support for medical inquiries.
    • Phone: +81-3-6233-9266
    • Website: AMDA Medical Center

  • Japan Visitor Hotline (24/7):

    • Phone: +81-50-3816-2787
    • Provides assistance for medical and other emergencies.

Summary

Nagoya offers excellent healthcare services, but navigating the system as a foreigner requires preparation. Ensure you have travel insurance if visiting, or enroll in the National Health Insurance system if residing in Japan. Use resources like the Nagoya International Center for language support and guidance. Familiarize yourself with cultural norms and procedural expectations to make your healthcare experience smooth and stress-free.

If you have further questions or need specific recommendations, feel free to ask!