Telehealth has been widely used in parts of the United States and Europe due to high medical costs and regional gaps in access to care. Japan’s healthcare system, however, is quite different from those countries. As a result, even if the same term “telehealth” is used, what you can actually do—and how it works in practice—can vary significantly.
For international visitors and foreign residents in Japan, common questions include: “Is telehealth available in Japan?” and “Can I see a doctor in English?” In this article, we compare telehealth in the US, Europe, and Japan, and explain what foreigners should know when using telehealth services in Japan.
In this article, “telehealth” is used in a broad sense and may include related terms such as “telemedicine,” “online doctor,” and “online consultation,” depending on the context.
Supervising Physician: Y.I., M.D.
honed his expertise in internal medicine through training at several hospitals across Tokyo. He subsequently served in an advanced emergency and critical care center, treating numerous severely ill patients, and continues to work at the forefront as an emergency physician. In addition, he serves as an occupational health physician for corporate clients, engaging in a wide range of health management activities. Drawing on his extensive clinical experience, Dr. Y.I. possesses comprehensive knowledge spanning general outpatient care to emergency medicine.
What Is Telehealth? Comparing the US, Europe, and Japan
Telehealth generally refers to systems that allow you to consult a doctor or receive medical advice online. Because healthcare systems, insurance structures, and medical licensing rules differ by country, the real-world adoption and availability of telehealth also differ. Here, we compare the US, Europe, and Japan to clarify what makes telehealth in Japan unique.
The United States
In the US, telehealth began spreading relatively early due to factors such as high medical costs and regional disparities in access to medical facilities. Since private health insurance plays a major role, telehealth has often been accepted as a way to reduce the cost and time burden of in-person visits.
At the same time, medical licenses and healthcare regulations are determined at the state level. This means cross-state telehealth can be subject to conditions and limitations, depending on the state, provider, and insurance rules.
Europe
Compared to the US, Europe has generally had a lower telehealth adoption rate—although adoption is rising in some countries and regions.
For example, the UK and Nordic countries have been developing telehealth systems as part of their public healthcare infrastructure, including remote consultations and online support for home-based care.
France and Germany have also expanded insurance coverage for telemedicine in stages, especially in areas with limited access to medical services. Across Europe, telehealth is often introduced in coordination with public healthcare systems in response to increasing needs.
Japan
Telehealth (telemedicine) is also available in Japan in certain situations, and there are cases where you can see a licensed physician online. Traditionally, Japanese healthcare has been centered on face-to-face consultations, and telemedicine has been positioned as a supplement. However, the use of online medical care has expanded over time, particularly following special measures during the COVID-19 period and the development and revision of relevant guidelines. Telemedicine services are generally operated in line with guidance from Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW).
Japan also has a universal health insurance system, and most people can visit medical institutions with relatively low out-of-pocket costs. There are many clinics, and access to in-person care is generally good. For that reason, telehealth for Japanese residents has historically been more limited compared to some other countries.
While telemedicine is becoming more common, rules and practical limitations can apply—especially for first-time consultations and prescriptions—depending on the provider, the patient’s condition, and the type of medication. For example, some clinics publicly state that first-time online consultations may limit prescription duration to a maximum of seven days, and that certain controlled or psychotropic medications cannot be prescribed during an initial online visit. Always check each provider’s official information in advance.
On the other hand, language barriers can make it difficult for foreign travelers to visit a local clinic or hospital in Japan with confidence. As a result, telehealth services designed specifically for foreign visitors have been gradually increasing in recent years.
Foreigners can use telehealth in Japan in some cases. However, what is available—and what to watch out for—can vary depending on whether you are enrolled in Japan’s public health insurance.
If You Are Enrolled in Japan’s Public Health Insurance
Foreigners staying in Japan for more than three months (such as international students and workers) are generally required to enroll in public health insurance (such as National Health Insurance).
In this case, you may be able to use telehealth services offered by regular clinics, similar to Japanese residents.
However, many clinic-based telehealth services in Japan assume Japanese-language communication, and interpretation support may not be available. If you do not speak Japanese, the consultation may not go smoothly.
If You Are NOT Enrolled in Japan’s Public Health Insurance
If you are a short-term visitor or tourist and are not enrolled in Japan’s public health insurance, using a telehealth service designed for foreign travelers is often the most practical option.
These services are typically provided as private medical care and often support English consultations.
Some traveler-focused telehealth services can also help you with documents needed for travel insurance claims—such as medical certificates and receipts. Depending on the service, interpretation support or translation devices may also be available, making it easier for foreigners to access care with less anxiety about language and system differences.
Benefits of Telehealth for Foreign Travelers in Japan
For travelers in Japan, telehealth can offer several practical benefits.
You Can Use It Regardless of Where You Are Staying
In Japan, some telehealth services can be used across regions, including while traveling between prefectures. This means you may be able to consult a doctor online not only in major cities, but also while visiting rural areas or tourist destinations (availability depends on each service).
Telehealth can reduce the burden of finding a clinic in an unfamiliar place or arranging transportation while feeling unwell. Being able to consult a doctor from your hotel or accommodation can be a convenient way to access care without additional physical stress.
You Can Receive Care in English
Telehealth services designed for foreign travelers often assume communication in English (and sometimes other languages). Depending on the service, an English-speaking doctor may consult you directly, or interpretation/translation support may be used.
When you are sick, it is important to communicate the severity and nuance of your symptoms clearly. Telehealth in English can make it easier to share information accurately and can provide peace of mind while traveling.
About Go Online Doctor Japan
If you want to see a doctor while staying in Japan and prefer English support, Go Online Doctor Japan is a strong option. It is designed to provide the key services foreign travelers typically need. Source
English-Speaking Doctors
At Go Online Doctor Japan, you can consult with an English-speaking doctor. This can help you avoid common problems such as “I can’t explain my symptoms properly,” which may happen when you rely only on translation tools. Source
Medication Refills for Chronic Conditions May Be Possible
If you lost your medication due to lost luggage or you are running out during your trip, you can consult Go Online Doctor Japan. If you know the medication name and dosage, the consultation may go more smoothly. Source
However, please note:
The exact same medication may not always be available in Japan.
Prescriptions are determined by the attending physician based on the consultation. You should not assume you will automatically receive the same medication based only on self-report.
Insurance-Related Documents
Go Online Doctor Japan can provide documents such as medical certificates and receipts that may be required for travel insurance claims. The service uses a flat-fee model that includes the consultation, prescription handling, and insurance-related paperwork (33,000 JPY, tax included).
If medication is prescribed, you can pick it up at a pharmacy near your location. In many cases, you may be able to receive medication in as little as about one hour. The prescription is sent directly from Go Online Doctor Japan to the pharmacy.
If You Want to Use Telehealth in Japan, Go Online Doctor Japan Can Be Convenient
Telehealth (telemedicine) is available in Japan, and related systems and guidelines have been developed over time. However, because Japan has a universal healthcare system and good access to in-person care, telehealth use has historically been more limited than in some other countries. In addition, some limitations may apply depending on the provider—especially for first-time consultations and prescriptions.
For foreign travelers and short-term visitors who face language barriers, English-supported telehealth services can help fill the gap in access to medical care. Go Online Doctor Japan is an online consultation service designed for travelers in Japan. You can consult an English-speaking doctor and pick up medication at a nearby pharmacy when prescribed.
If you feel unwell while traveling in Japan, consider reaching out to Go Online Doctor Japan.
A. In many cases, tourists can use private-pay services that are designed for foreign visitors (availability and suitability depend on symptoms and provider rules). Source: Go Online Doctor Japan Source
Q3. Can I see a doctor in English in Japan via telehealth?
Q4. Can I get a prescription from an online consultation in Japan?
A. It may be possible, but providers can impose limits—especially for first-time online consultations—and may recommend in-person care depending on symptoms. Source: Online medical consultation Source
Q5. Is there a limit for prescriptions on the first online visit?
A. Some clinics state that the prescription period may be limited (example: up to 7 days for initial consultation in their policy), and certain medications may be excluded depending on the clinic’s rules and medical judgment. Source: Online medical consultation Source
Q6. Why is telehealth used less in Japan than in the US/Europe?
A. Japan has universal health insurance and relatively dense in-person access in many areas, while policy and reimbursement conditions also shape adoption; COVID-19 accelerated change and broader digital-health initiatives continue. Source: The Current Outlook for Digital Healthcare in Japan Source
honed his expertise in internal medicine through training at several hospitals across Tokyo. He subsequently served in an advanced emergency and critical care center, treating numerous severely ill patients, and continues to work at the forefront as an emergency physician. In addition, he serves as an occupational health physician for corporate clients, engaging in a wide range of health management activities. Drawing on his extensive clinical experience, Dr. Y.I. possesses comprehensive knowledge spanning general outpatient care to emergency medicine.
