If you need emergency medical help in Japan, call 119 for an ambulance. The Japan Visitor Hotline, 050-3816-2787, offers visitor assistance 24 hours a day. Seek emergency care first; the visitor hotline is not an ambulance dispatch service. JNTO: emergency numbers and visitor hotline
ESSENTIALS
Finding a hospital that welcomes international patients
How to find care in your language, and what the JMIP and JIH labels mean.
Start with an official directory
The JNTO medical institution search has filters for area, language and medical department. It provides basic directory information. Contact the facility to confirm its hours, language support and whether it can accept your visit. A listing does not guarantee an appointment. JNTO search guidance
If you are unsure which department to contact, ask the facility's reception or international patient office for administrative guidance. A clinician should assess your health concerns and decide what examination or treatment is appropriate. This page does not select care based on symptoms.
What the labels mean
JMIP: international patient support systems
The Japan Medical Education Foundation evaluates arrangements for international patients, including multilingual guidance and consideration for cultural and religious needs. Use its official explanation and accredited-facility directory to check the label. It is a system-level assessment; ask the facility about the service you need.
JIH: receiving patients who travel for care
Medical Excellence JAPAN recommends participating hospitals through its Japan International Hospitals program. Its criteria examine arrangements, services and experience in receiving medical travelers, including the departments involved. Check the official JIH information for the current scope. Do not assume every department or service is included.
Neither label establishes that a particular service is suitable for you or that your appointment, insurance coverage or price is confirmed. Ask the hospital directly.
Before you make travel arrangements
If you are traveling specifically for care, contact the hospital's international patient office or a support agency to understand its enquiry process. Ask where to submit records, who reviews them and when you can expect a written reply. Wait for the hospital's acceptance and appointment instructions before treating a proposed visit as confirmed.
Questions to ask
- Can you accept a new patient with my visitor or resident status?
- Is my language available on the appointment date, and through whom?
- Do I need a referral, advance record review or an appointment?
- Are interpreter and translated-report charges separate?
- Which insurance documents and payment methods do you accept?
- Who should I contact if the appointment changes?
Send medical records only through a process the hospital has confirmed. Keep a copy of its instructions, contact details and appointment confirmation.
Sources checked on 17 October 2026. Next review: 17 January 2027. No fixed count of accredited or recommended hospitals is used. Written with AI-assisted research and drafting. No sponsorship.
Information provided for planning purposes only. No diagnosis, treatment recommendations, or direct booking services.
PRACTICAL SUPPORT
Help with the arrangements.
Contact the healthcare provider or responsible public office first. If you need language support, ask which interpreting arrangements it accepts. Confirm availability and any fees directly.
Care Compass Japan does not book care, make a referral or send your medical records through these links.