Health and Safety in Japan

Japan’s health care systems are developed and modern. A high level of medical care is available in major cities. Public health services, including free screening examinations for particular diseases, prenatal care, and infectious disease control, are provided by national and local governments. Payment for personal medical services is offered through a universal medical insurance system that provides relative equality of access, with fees set by a government committee. People without insurance through employers can participate in a national health insurance program administered by local governments.

Health risks include Japanese encephalitis transmitted by mosquitoes and tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease. Take protective measures if you are exposed to insects. Typhoid is also a risk so exercise caution in terms of food and drink.

Japan has relatively low crime against foreigners but pick-pocketing and petty theft is common in the urban centers.