Hospital in Kyoto

7 comments

1. You might want to consider calling 119 for an ambulance. I have no experience with Japanese medical services but it’s supposedly free and they will provide translation services for you. Thought I would try to chime in since no one else has

2. Dang! Here’s what I know from my trip planning (from a US citizen’s POV):

   US Govt MEdical Assistance guide
   https://jp.usembassy.gov/services/doctors/

   Check out the options listed here for Kyoto region: https://japan2.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-doctors-osaka.html#Kyoto

   Other notes: I hope you bought travel insurance!
   While medical care in Japan is good, English-speaking physicians and medical facilities that cater to U.S. citizens’ expectations are expensive and not widespread. Japan has a national health insurance system which is available only to those foreigners with long-term visas for Japan. National health insurance does not pay for medical evacuation.

   Medical caregivers in Japan require payment in full at the time of treatment or concrete proof of ability to pay before they will treat a foreigner who is not a member of the national health insurance plan.
   Patients must pay the entire amount of the treatment received prior to leaving the hospital. It is up to patients to subsequently request compensation through their U.S. insurance companies. The Japanese government has also instituted enhanced immigration screening for visitors with unpaid medical fees who attempt to re-enter Japan. It is essential to consider obtaining supplemental insurance if your current plan does not cover you while on international travel.

   U.S. prescriptions are not honored in Japan, so if you need ongoing prescription medicine you should arrive with a sufficient supply for your stay in Japan or enough until you are able to see a local care provider.

   Other Medical Resources / medical centers
   Tokyo Area – https://japan2.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-doctors-tokyo.html

3. Call an ambulance. They will find and take you to a hospital that will treat you. If you just try to walk into a hospital you may be denied service. This is just how Japan works.

4. If you aren’t already at the hospital, call your travel insurance first. They often will tell you which one you need to go to for your coverage to be valid.

5. Thanks everyone. The temple staff gave first aid, including wheeling me out in a wheelchair, and called an ambulance. I was seen really quickly at the hospital, had an X-ray and now back at the hotel just 4 hours after falling, resting with leg in a splint (bad sprain, no break!) and new crutches. Everyone was so helpful and lovely. We’re going to adapt our holiday plans (were meant to be walking a small part of the Nakasendo) and have been told to see my doctor when I get home, but feeling grateful for all the assistance I received. Thanks to everyone who replied!

6. Contact your insurance. Theres a contact number in there. They will point you to the proper hospital if its not an emergency.

7. Oh man lol my last trip I averaged more than 5 miles walking in a day.. good luck on the rest of your trip!