{"id":50893,"date":"2025-12-22T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-22T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/?p=50893"},"modified":"2025-12-25T18:07:51","modified_gmt":"2025-12-25T09:07:51","slug":"what-to-do-when-you-get-sick-while-living-alone-in-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/en\/japanese-apartment-life\/what-to-do-when-you-get-sick-while-living-alone-in-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do When You Get Sick While Living Alone in Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When living on your own, many people feel anxious when they suddenly fall ill since there\u2019s no family member nearby to rely on. It’s also not uncommon for people to prioritize work or studies, thinking, “It’s only a slight fever, so it’s fine,” or “I’ll get better if I just get some sleep,” and end up worsening their symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we\u2019ll explain what to do when you get sick while living alone, including how to find a hospital, how to prepare for a medical visit, and which essential items you should keep at home when early symptoms appear. Please use this as a reference to help you stay safe when living on your own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Village House<\/a>, we offer a wide range of rental apartments all across Japan, starting from just \u00a520,000! Plus, there are no security deposits*, key money, or handling fees required. If you\u2019re looking to save on rent and initial move-in costs, be sure to check out our website! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

*Depending on the contract details and screening results, a security deposit may be required. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding the basics of healthcare in Japan <\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

In Japan, medical institutions are generally classified into \u201chospitals\u201d and \u201cclinics\u201d. According to the standards set by the Medical Care Act, facilities with 20 or more beds are classified as hospitals, while those with 19 beds or fewer, or facilities with no inpatient beds, are defined as clinics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally, hospitals are used when you need specialized tests, advanced treatment, surgery, or need to be hospitalized. On the other hand, clinics are typically used for outpatient care, minor injuries, mild illnesses, and general checkups. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, in Japan, being enrolled in health insurance covers you under the public health insurance system. As a general rule, you will only be responsible for paying 30% of the total medical cost (this can vary from 10% to 30% depending on your age and income). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sources:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare | Classification of Medical Facilities<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare | Self-Payment of Medical Expenses<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medical consultation procedure in Japan<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Check in at the medical facility and present your My Number Card (My Number Health Insurance Card) or other insurance eligibility certificate. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    1. If visiting for the first time, fill out the patient registration form. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      1. Wait in the waiting room until your name is called. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        1. Receive an examination from the doctor, undergo any tests if necessary, and receive a diagnosis and explanation of the treatment options. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
            \n
          1. If medication is necessary, the doctor will prescribe you some medicine. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
              \n
            1. You will then receive your medication either directly at the clinic or hospital (in-hospital prescription) or by presenting your prescription to an outside pharmacy (out-of-hospital prescription).  <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              Early symptoms to watch out for and when to rest <\/h2>\n\n\n
              \n
              \"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

              Early symptoms of illness may be relatively mild, such as fever, fatigue, or a sore throat. If you feel like your body feels a little off, it\u2019s important to take action as soon as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              When living alone, it\u2019s easy to push yourself, thinking \u201cI\u2019ll be fine\u201d, even when you\u2019re not feeling well. However, pushing yourself during the early stages of an illness can worsen your condition, prolong your recovery, and in some cases, even increase the risk of your condition becoming more serious, so caution is necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              If you start to feel unwell, don\u2019t force yourself. Rest early, keep your body warm, and make sure you get plenty of sleep. Fever can also cause dehydration, so it\u2019s a good idea to keep water or drinks within easy reach to stay hydrated at all times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              If your symptoms persist, your fever remains high, or you experience difficulty breathing, do not hesitate to visit a medical facility immediately. <\/p>\n\n\n

              \n
              \"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

              Essential items to keep at home for sick days <\/h2>\n\n\n
              \n
              \"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

              When you\u2019re living by yourself, it’s a good idea to prepare the necessary items in advance so you won\u2019t panic when you suddenly fall ill. The first thing you should prepare is the following over-the-counter medicines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Medicine type <\/td>Symptoms it helps with <\/td><\/tr>
              Cold medicine <\/td>Fever, sore throat, runny nose, and other common cold symptoms <\/td><\/tr>
              Fever and pain relievers <\/td>Pain or high fever <\/td><\/tr>
              Stomach medicine <\/td>Overeating, indigestion, stomach pain, or bloating <\/td><\/tr>
              Anti-diarrheal medicine <\/td>Diarrhea <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              Other items that are recommended to keep on hand include oral rehydration solution (ORS), which helps replenish fluids and electrolytes lost through diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and excessive sweating, as well as a thermometer and disposable masks. In addition, stocking up on ready-to-eat foods, such as instant rice porridge, soups, and jelly drinks, can help a lot when you\u2019re feeling unwell. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              To make things easier when you\u2019re sick, store all these essential items together in a place where you can quickly reach them without any effort. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              How to choose the right medical facility <\/h2>\n\n\n
              \n
              \"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n