Falling ill in a foreign country is never a pleasant experience. You may find it useful to have some common medical vocabulary on hand in case you do:
- I feel sick - Mune ga muka-muka suru
- I have chest pains - Mune ga kurushii
- I have a headache - Zutsu ga suru.
- I feel tired - Karada ga darui
- I have a fever - Netsu ga aru
- My stomach hurts - Onaka ga itai
- I feel nauseated - Hakike ga suru
- I have diarrhea - Geri wo shiteiru
- I have a sore throat - Nodo ga itai
- I have asthma - Zensoku desu
- I have an earache - Mimi ga itai
If you do fall ill and need advice you can call the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Information Center on 5285-8181. The centre is open every day from 9am till 8pm and can provide information in English and Spanish. There is also an emergency translation service for foreigners needing medical attention while in Japan: 03-5285-8185 (open daily).
Using the following website you can find hospitals and clinics near your location in Tokyo:
Or use this webpage to locate one near the train or subway station of your choice:
Update 20/03/2008
Expatriate health insurance in Japan
With so much to deal with before leaving your home country, (taxes, moving house, paperwork etc.) the careful planning of your expatriation to Tokyo is an essential step. As far as healthcare is concerned, your local social security scheme won’t be accompanying you to your host country and, once abroad, you might be surprised by the care system you find in Japan So, before leaving, make sure you have appropriate cover!
Cigna is one of the world's biggest international insurers with more than 30 years' experience in providing global health insurance across 200 countries and territories. They have access to more than 1.65 million hospitals, physicians, clinics and specialists worldwide.
Cigna Global's flexible plans are specifically designed for expats and globally mobile individuals who move to Japan. All their plans can be tailored to your individual requirements in Japan, always finding the right healthcare solution, whatever the situation and budget.
Getting a health insurance quote
Create your perfect plan with Cigna and combine the reassurance of comprehensive inpatient cover with the flexibility of optional extra benefits.
Click on the button to access the online tool and get a quote in 2 minutes.