At a glance
An online consultation takes place by video; a clinic appointment takes place at the facility. Video cannot provide a hands-on examination or on-site tests. The doctor decides whether online care is appropriate. Compare the practical arrangements below, then check either an online appointment or a local facility.
In this guide
Compare the arrangements before you book
Use the same questions for both routes. Appointment availability, fees and language support depend on the provider.
Scroll across to compare both options.
| What to check | Online consultation | Clinic visit |
|---|---|---|
| Where you attend | Use a phone or computer in a private place with a reliable connection. Follow the provider’s joining instructions. | Go to the facility. Confirm its address, reception time and appointment requirements before travelling. |
| Booking and follow-up | Check the available appointment and whether the provider can accept your consultation. Ask how a clinic visit would be arranged if needed. | Contact the facility about its booking process, department and any referral requirements. |
| Fees to confirm | Ask for the consultation estimate and any prescription, document or interpreting charges. A later clinic visit may have separate fees. | Ask for the consultation estimate and any test, document or interpreting charges. Confirm payment methods. |
| If medicine is prescribed | Confirm which pharmacy will receive the prescription, its dispensing hours, medicine charges and collection arrangements. | Ask whether medicine is supplied at the facility or collected at a separate pharmacy, and what you will pay there. |
| Language support | Confirm the language of the video consultation and any interpreter arrangements before booking. | Confirm the clinician or interpreter available for your appointment. A directory language listing does not guarantee availability at every time. |
Choose your next step
Look for a local clinic
Start with your city, then check the facility’s published language arrangements and contact details.
Find care by city →Check an online appointment
See how booking, joining the video call and prescription collection work before using the provider’s form.
How online appointments work →What if the online doctor recommends a clinic visit?
Ask which facility to contact, whether you need a separate appointment and what information to take. Confirm any new consultation or test fees with that facility. An online appointment does not guarantee that all care can be completed by video.
A question to send before you book
“I am visiting Japan and would like to arrange an appointment. Can you confirm the consultation language, booking steps and estimated charges? If medicine is prescribed, how would I collect it? If I need an in-person examination, what would the next step be?” Send personal medical details only through the provider’s designated channel.
How does travel insurance affect either option?
Ask your insurer whether the appointment type is covered, whether prior approval is needed and which documents to keep. With reimbursement, you pay first and claim eligible costs later. Cashless care needs an arrangement between the insurer and provider; confirm it with both before booking. Choosing an insurance option on a form does not establish approval.
Sources & further information
- MHLW — online consultations (Japanese) ↗
- JNTO — Guide for when you are feeling ill ↗
- JNTO — Travel insurance in Japan ↗
JNTO practical guidance and MHLW’s explanation of online consultations reviewed October 27, 2026. Confirm the current arrangements with your provider; this comparison does not assess symptoms or recommend treatment.
How we prepare this guide →