Online Consultation
Online consultations
See a doctor on your smartphone from home or the office. A Japanese medical interpreter joins you, and medication can be delivered or picked up at a nearby pharmacy.
Consultations in Japanese
In Japanese, with a medical interpreter
24-hour consultations on LINE
Medication delivered or picked up at a pharmacy
OK for family members to consult together
Eligibility
What online consultations can do
There are limits to what can be done through a screen. Rather than forcing it, Cotovia's approach is to guide you to the most suitable way to be seen.
What we can do
- Fever, cold symptoms, sore throat, cough
- Stomach problems, diarrhea, nausea
- Itchy skin and rashes
- Allergy symptoms, hay fever
- Mental health concerns, sleep problems
- Continuing medication for a chronic condition
- Advice when you're not sure whether to see a doctor
What needs an in-person visit
- Assessing conditions that need tests such as blood tests or X-rays
- Procedures such as stitches, IV drips and injections
- Vaccinations and health check-ups
- Urgent symptoms such as severe chest pain, difficulty breathing or changes in consciousness
- New symptoms that need a physical examination
If the doctor decides online care isn't enough, we'll guide you to in-person care or Cotovia Counter. You can start with an online consultation and move to in-person care if needed.
See in-person careSymptoms
Symptoms treated online
Choose the symptom that concerns you. If tests or treatment are needed, we'll guide you to in-person care or Cotovia Counter.
You can also consult us about symptoms not listed above. If you're not sure, ask us on LINE first.
Flow
How it works
Here's what happens at each step and what to prepare.
- 01
Ask us on LINE
Add us as a friend and send us your symptoms and how long they've lasted. Your message doesn't need to be well organized.
- 02
We recommend how to get care
Our staff review your message and tell you whether an online consultation will work or in-person care is better. If it seems urgent, we'll tell you right away to use emergency services.
- 03
Booking
We arrange a date and time that suits you and ask for your name, date of birth, country of residence and contact details.
- 04
Video consultation
The doctor asks about your symptoms and how they've developed, with a Japanese medical interpreter present. You may be asked to show the affected area on camera.
- 05
Getting your medication
If medication is prescribed, we arrange delivery or collection at a nearby pharmacy. Whether and what to prescribe is up to the doctor.
- 06
Follow-up
If your symptoms don't improve or the medication doesn't seem right, contact us again on LINE.
Preparation
What to prepare
- Passport or residence card
- Your insurance details (policy number, insurer's name)
- Your medication record, or the medication you currently take (the actual items or photos)
- A record of your temperature (when and how high)
- A quiet place with a stable connection
- A charged smartphone or computer
Difference
Differences from Japan
Systems and customs differ from Japan. Here are some points that often cause confusion.
Medication names are different
The exact product you used in Japan may not be available locally. You can ask about medication with equivalent ingredients or in the same class. Your medication record or photos of your medication will help.
The number of days that can be prescribed is different
How many days' supply can be prescribed at once depends on each country's rules. If you plan a long stay, please consult us in advance.
The insurance system is different
Japanese health insurance can't be used. You'll use overseas travel insurance, expatriate insurance or local insurance.
The order of seeing doctors is different
In some countries, you need a referral from a general practitioner before seeing a specialist. Cotovia Counter can help arrange this.
Cost
About fees
Fees vary by country, location and your contract, so here we explain what they depend on.
- Consultation fees vary by country and location.
- In addition to the consultation fee, there may be a system fee, medical interpreting fee, medication costs and a delivery fee.
- Whether your insurance covers the costs depends on your insurer and policy.
- Whether cashless service is available depends on the country, location and your policy.
- We explain the breakdown of costs before you book.
Support
If this happens
If something doesn't go smoothly, don't leave it; please contact us.
The connection dropped
We'll pick up where we left off as soon as you reconnect. If connecting is difficult, we'll suggest another option.
The prescribed medication doesn't seem to suit me
Don't stop taking it on your own. Contact us on LINE, and we'll decide what to do after hearing how you're doing.
My medication hasn't arrived or I can't collect it
We'll check the delivery status. If you're changing where you're staying, please let us know in advance.
My symptoms got worse after the consultation
Please don't hesitate to contact us. If it's urgent, we'll direct you to local emergency services.
I want to consult for my family as well
Each family member needs their own consultation, but you can book them together on the same day.
FAQ
FAQ
QCan I use the service for the first time?
Yes. Just ask us on LINE and we'll guide you on how to get care. If you're not sure how to use the service, just tell us.
QCan a family member consult on my behalf?
Family members are welcome to contact us. However, the patient must attend the consultation in person. For children, a parent or guardian must be present.
QCan I use the service while I'm in Japan?
Online consultations are for people staying in the countries Cotovia serves. If you're temporarily back in Japan, please ask us individually.
QI don't want my company to know
Your medical information is confidential. We never share it with third parties without your consent.
QCan a family member who only speaks English be seen with me?
The languages available vary by location. Please let us know when you contact us.
Feel free to ask us on LINE first
We're available in Japanese 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Ask us on LINE