Expat Healthcare Guide: Medical Care in Tokyo

Healthcare Overview

Tokyo offers healthcare facilities across 15 medical districts, with a cost of living score of 1.0/5. Explore insurance options, hospitals, and medical costs for expat families below.

Tokyo boasts one of the world's most advanced and efficient healthcare systems, characterized by universal coverage and a hybrid public-private structure. Japan's healthcare model achieves exceptional health outcomes with high life expectancy and low infant mortality rates. The system is highly accessible to residents, including foreigners with proper registration, and features cutting-edge medical technology alongside traditional Japanese medical practices. Tokyo's medical facilities are particularly renowned for their cleanliness, efficiency, and specialized expertise.

Quick Stats

Security Score

5.0 /5

Cost of Living

1.0 /5

Medical Areas

Cost Items

Top Healthcare Neighborhoods

See All 15 →

Shinjuku

Density 5/6

Facilities: Hospitals, clinics, specialty centers, university hospitals

Notable: Tokyo Medical University Hospital, Keio University Hospital, Shinjuku Medical Ce...

Minato

Density 5/6

Facilities: International hospitals, clinics, specialty centers

Notable: Jikei University Hospital, Japanese Red Cross Medical Center, Toranomon Hospital

Shibuya

Density 4/6

Facilities: Clinics, specialty centers, medical offices

Notable: Shibuya Ward Health Center, Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo Hospital, Shibuya Ekimae Cl...

Want to See Your Numbers?

Get personalized healthcare costs, timelines, and checklists for your family in Tokyo.

Free to start. No credit card required.

Practical Tips

Consider St. Luke's International Hospital for English-speaking medical care.

They provide comprehensive international patient services and English support, though appointments are generally recommended.

Utilize the Himawari directory to locate English-speaking dentists and clinics.

It provides a comprehensive, publicly managed list of medical institutions with language support, including contact details.

Visit clinics between 11 AM and 2 PM on weekdays

shortest wait times as most locals visit before work or after 5 PM

They offer sliding scale fees and maintain high standards of client confidentiality and ethical practice.

Useful Links

Tokyo Metropolitan Health Insurance Association

Official health insurance provider for Tokyo residents with information on enrollment, benefits, and healthcare coverage requirements.

›

Japan National Health Insurance System

Official government resource explaining the national health insurance system, enrollment procedures, and coverage details for foreign residents.

›

Tokyo Metropolitan Medical Institution Information

Official Tokyo government database of hospitals and clinics with foreign language support, searchable by location, specialty, and languages spoken.

›

AMDA International Medical Information Center

Non-profit organization providing multilingual medical information, hospital referrals, and telephone interpretation services for foreigners in Tokyo.

›

Tokyo Metropolitan Government - Medical Safety Support Center

Government resource for medical safety information, patient rights, and healthcare navigation in Tokyo, including emergency response protocols.

›

Explore Other Guides

Immigration Guide Housing Guide Education Guide Finance Guide Transport Guide Pets Guide

Healthcare Guides in Japan

Fukuoka

Osaka

View all 140+ city guides →

Frequently Asked Questions

Tokyo offers both public and private healthcare options for expats. Quality and accessibility depend on your insurance coverage and chosen facility. Use ReloPlanner to compare healthcare options and costs.

Tokyo has 15 neighborhoods with notable healthcare facilities. The best areas depend on your specific medical needs. Check ReloPlanner for detailed healthcare density scores.

Plan Your Entire Move to Tokyo

Access step-by-step guides, personalized budgets, and expert tips for healthcare and 6 other relocation categories across 140+ cities.

Free to start. No credit card required.

Data verified: March 2026

This was the general picture

Your move to Tokyo looks nothing like this

This guide covers Tokyo for everyone. Your plan covers your origin country, your kids' ages, your budget, your dog — with real costs, a sequenced task list, and the things most families don't find out until it's too late.

Build your personalised plan — free →

Takes 2 minutes to set up