Health and Medical Care
Medical Services
Hospitals and Clinics
- Hospitals and clinics are usually open weekday mornings and closed on Sundays and National Holidays.
- In case of emergency, call an ambulance (TEL: 119).
- When a doctor prescribes you medicines, make sure that you receive a full explanation of the medicine.
Things to Make Note of at Hospitals and Clinics
- (1) If you have difficulty communicating in Japanese, please use an interpreter service or take someone who can interpret with you.
- (2) If you do not understand anything healthcare providers or staff members say, ask immediately.
- (3) Ask your doctor to explain your test results and prescribed medicines in easy Japanese until you fully understand.
- (4) Be on time for your appointment. Also, obey visiting hours when visiting hospitalized patients.
- (5) Please do not use your mobile phones and other electronic devices for conversations and clinics.
- (6) If you have difficulty paying hospital expenses or need information about any support programs you can use, consult with the hospital. If the hospital has social workers, consult with them.
- (7) There are many support programs for those in need. However, in order to receive these services and benefits, you must apply for them by yourself. Therefore, it is very important to have information about these programs. If you do not know any support programs you can use, consult with the concerned institutions and organizations as well as social workers. Consultation is free and your privacy will be protected.
Clinical Department List (Which department shall a patient go with these symptoms?)
| Internal Medicine (Naika) | Treatment of illness or disease affecting the internal organs |
|---|---|
| Psychiatry (Seishinka) | Treatment of mental disorders |
| Neurology (Shinkei-Naika) | Specialized treatment of nerve and muscle disorders |
| Pediatrics (Shonika) | Medical care of infants, children and adolescents |
| Surgery (Geka) | Treatment of disease and injuries using manual and instrumental surgical techniques |
| Orthopedics (Seikei-geka) | Treatment of disorders or injuries of bones, joints, and their associated muscles |
| Plastic Surgery (Keisei-geka) | Repair, replacement, or reshaping of malformed, injured, or lost parts of the body |
| Neurosurgery (Nou-shinkei-geka) | Surgery of the brain or other nerve tissue |
| Dermatology (Hifuka) | Diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the skin |
| Urology (Hinyoukika) | For the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the kidney, bladder, and genitalia |
| Gynecology & Obstetrics (Sanfujinka) | For the treatment of the diseases of women’s reproductive organs, pregnancy and childbirth |
| Ophthalmology (Ganka) | For the treatment of the injuries and diseases of eyes |
| Otolaryngology (Jibi-inkoka) | For the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the ear, nose, and throat |
| Physiotherapy (Rihabiriteishon-ka) | For the treatment of physical disabilities by massage, electrotherapy, physiotherapy or exercises |
| Radiology (Houshasenka) | Diagnostic testing using substances such as x-rays to diagnose injury or disease. |
| Anesthetics (Masuika) | For local or general loss of sensation, especially of pain, before surgical operations |
| Dentistry (Shika) | for treatment of teeth and gums |
Medical Insurance Systems
Medical Expenses
If you’re not enrolled in a medical insurance program, you must cover all your medical expenses, which sometimes can be very high. Some financial aid programs are available for the elderly, infants, single parent households and those suffering from intractable diseases.
Japanese Public Health Insurance Programs
In Japan, the universal healthcare insurance system obliges all residents in Japan to enroll in a public health insurance program. The public health program has two types; one provided for employees to register at the workplaces, and the other offered by local governments. Private medical insurance cannot replace the public health insurance program.
Once you enroll in a public health insurance program, you need to pay the premiums, but when covered by health insurance, you only pay 30% of the total medical cost when you see medical doctors to receive treatment for injuries and illnesses. In addition, you can receive benefits when you deliver a child as well as when your medical expense exceeds a certain amount.
Reduction and Exemption of National Health Insurance Premiums
If you have difficulty paying the National Health Insurance premiums due to hardships, such as being the victim of a disaster, unemployment, and facing bankruptcy, your insurance premiums may be reduced or exempted upon application.
Inquire at the Health Insurance and Pension Section at your local ward office/ward branch office.
Other Programs
Free or Low-Cost Medical Service Program
This program is offered for those who have difficulty in paying medical costs due to financial reasons, such as low income, to receive medical care either for free or at reduced cost. In order to apply for this program, you need to go to a registered medical institution in the program for medical treatment and submit documents certifying your household’s income.
Health Insurance and Pension Section TEL：075-251-1175
Health Examinations and Vaccinations
Health checkups
Receive regular health checkups to prevent yourself from getting a serious disease. Some checkups are free of charge.
| Specific Health Checkup | For people aged 40 to 74 years |
|---|---|
| Kyoto City Health Checkup | For those who are not enrolled in any health insurance programs, receiving welfare benefits and aged 40 years and older |
| Health Checkup for the Late-stage Elderly | For insured people under the medical insurance system for the elderly aged 75 or over |
| Health Checkup in Adolescence | https://www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/menu3/category/37-3-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0.html (Japanese) |
| Tuberculosis Testing | For Kyoto City residents aged 15 or older who do not receive a health examination at work or school |
| Various Cancer Testing | https://www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/menu3/category/37-2-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0.html (Japanese) |
| Dental Consultation for Adults and Pregnant Women | https://www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/hokenfukushi/page/0000234925.html |
| Dental Consultation for Babies and Toddlers | https://www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/hokenfukushi/page/0000234998.html (Japanese) |
| Periodontal Disease Check | https://www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/hokenfukushi/page/0000246515.html |
| HIV/ Sexually Transmitted Diseases Test/Consultation | For those who are concerned they may be infected with HIV and/or sexually transmitted diseases https://www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/hokenfukushi/page/0000271215.html |
| Hepatitis B & C Virus Test | For those who are concerned about themselves being infected with hepatitis virus https://www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/hokenfukushi/page/0000097089.html |
List of ward office/ward branch office in Kyoto City
Vaccinations
Routine Vaccinations (vaccinations designated by the Immunization Act)
Vaccinations help you to build up immunity against bacteria and viruses which may cause infectious diseases once they enter your body. We recommend that your children should receive periodical vaccinations to maintain their good health. For details about children’s vaccinations, see the Maternity and Child Health Handbook.
Vaccination sites: Kyoto City’s cooperative medical facilities for vaccination