Life in Japan is full of fun, but it can be unsettling when you feel unwell. Especially if you suddenly develop a fever in the middle of the night, you might not know what to do and feel even more uneasy. For such times, here is some information that will give you peace of mind if you know it in advance.

1. First, Calmly Assess the Situation

  • Take Your Temperature: Use a thermometer to take your temperature accurately.
  • Record Your Symptoms: Make a note of any symptoms other than fever, and when they started.Examples: headache, nausea, cough, sore throat, body aches, etc.
  • Prepare Necessary Items: Insurance card, residence card, cash (or credit card), regular medications, change of clothes, etc.

2. Find a Hospital

  • Find an Emergency Hospital: Look for an emergency hospital that is open at night and on holidays.You can search online using “[Your Area] Emergency Hospital.”You can get information on medical institutions that can handle foreign languages from the AMDA International Medical Information Center and each prefecture’s medical information center.
  • Confirm by Phone: Before going to the hospital, be sure to call and explain your symptoms and confirm whether they can accept you.If you are not comfortable with Japanese, check if they can provide a translation service.

3. Go to the Hospital

  • Transportation: Check available transportation options such as taxi, train, or bus.If your symptoms are severe, consider calling an ambulance (119).
  • How to Explain at the Hospital: Explain the symptoms you noted down in advance.If you are not comfortable with Japanese, use a translation app or translation service.Be sure to tell the doctor about any allergies or medical history.

4. Medical Expenses and Insurance

  • Medical Expenses: Medical expenses in Japan can be high.Be sure to bring your insurance card.
  • Overseas Travel Insurance: If you have overseas travel insurance, contact your insurance company to check how to pay medical expenses.

5. Consultation Services

  • AMDA International Medical Information Center: Provides multilingual medical consultations and introductions to medical institutions.
  • Prefectural Medical Information Centers: Provides medical institution information and medical consultations.
  • Consultation Services for Foreigners: Each local government and international exchange association provides consultation services for foreigners.

6. Other Information

  • Japanese Emergency Medical Care: Japanese emergency medical care prioritizes patients with high urgency.Depending on your symptoms, you may have to wait for a long time or may not be able to receive treatment.
  • Night and Holiday Medical Care: Medical expenses may be higher at night and on holidays because they are outside of regular hours.

Summary

Anyone feels uneasy when they have a fever in the middle of the night. However, you can respond calmly by gathering information in advance. We hope this information gives you peace of mind.

Reference Information

  • AMDA International Medical Information Center
  • Prefectural Medical Information Centers
  • Your Local Government Website

Please use this information to prepare for emergencies.