This section is for informational reference only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Costs, insurance rules, and administrative systems may change over time — please confirm the latest details with the relevant medical institution, municipal office, or immigration authority. If you notice anything outdated or inaccurate, we welcome your feedback and will keep this updated.

Hospital Registration

First, decide: should you make an appointment in advance?

Most clinics don't operate on a walk-in basis. It's best to call ahead and confirm whether they can see you, so you avoid waiting in line for hours only to be told they're full for the day.

Show your insurance card and explain why you're there

初診/再診です。受診をお願いします。

しょしん/さいしんです。じゅしんをおねがいします。

This is my first visit / a follow-up visit — please arrange for me to be seen.

Residents with an insurance card should use this line and show the original insurance card — it must be the original, a copy is not valid. You need to bring your insurance card for your first visit each month; for follow-up visits, your patient ID card (診察券) is enough. If you visit again in a new calendar month, it counts as a new month and you'll need to show your insurance card again.

保険証をお持ちですか？

ほけんしょうをおもちですか？

Do you have your insurance card with you?

If you don't have Japanese health insurance

観光客です。日本の健康保険はありません。全額（現金またはカード）で支払います。受診できますか？

かんこうきゃくです。にほんのけんこうほけんはありません。ぜんがく（げんきんまたはカード）でしはらいます。じゅしんできますか？

I'm a visitor without Japanese health insurance. I'll pay the full cost myself, in cash or by card — could I be seen?

This applies to short-term visitors without Japanese health insurance — for example, family or friends visiting temporarily.

The general in-clinic process

Register at the front desk (show your passport, fill out the medical questionnaire) → Wait to be called → Doctor's consultation (describe your symptoms, answer questions) → Necessary tests, if any → Doctor's diagnosis → Explanation of the treatment plan → Pay and receive your prescription at the front desk → Pick up medication at the pharmacy.