Japan’s public healthcare system is one of the best, offering universal healthcare that is affordable for all residents. Learn about Japan’s health insurance including what benefits are offered and how to claim.
Table of Contents
- Introducing Japan’s Healthcare System
- Types of Health Insurance in Japan
- Benefits Provided by Health Insurance in Japan
- Who Are Covered by Health Insurance in Japan
- How to Claim Health Insurance in Japan
Introducing Japan’s Healthcare System
.jpg)
Japan’s healthcare system is known for its efficiency, universal coverage, and affordability. The system is structured to provide comprehensive medical services to all residents, including both Japanese citizens and foreign nationals residing in the country for over three months.
One of the key features of the system is its Universal Health Coverage (UHC), introduced in 1961. Under this system, all residents are required to enrol in a public health insurance scheme, either through employment-based insurance or the national health insurance program. This ensures that everyone has access to necessary healthcare services without facing prohibitive costs.
.png)
Japan’s public healthcare system is widely regarded for balancing high-quality medical care with reasonable costs. The government tightly regulates fees, ensuring affordable healthcare services while maintaining high standards of medical care across the country.
Writer's Pick
Types of Health Insurance in Japan
.jpg)
Health insurance is a system that reduces the financial burden of medical costs incurred from injury or sickness. Health insurance is called 医療保険 (Iryou Hoken) in Japanese. There are two types of health insurance in Japan - public health insurance and private health insurance.
.png)
Public Health Insurance - 社会保険 (Shakai Hoken)
社会保険 (Shakai Hoken) is “social insurance”. There are altogether 5 types of social insurance in Japan that includes:
- Health Insurance
- Pension Insurance
- Employment Insurance
- Workers’ Accident Insurance
- Nursing Insurance
Social insurance is mandatory for all residents of Japan including Japanese citizens and long-term foreign national residents. As long as the insurance is applicable to your case you must participate in it. Read more about Social Insurance in Japan here.
The two main types of public health insurance in Japan are:
.png)
National Health Insurance - 国民健康保険 (Kokumin Kenkou Hoken)
This insurance is available for individuals who are not enrolled in employment-based insurance, such as freelancers, self-employed workers, part-timers, and students. Premiums are based on income and household size, and they are paid directly to the local municipal government.
Employees’ Health Insurance - 健康保険 (Kenkou Hoken)
This insurance is for salaried employees. It is also commonly called “Company Insurance”. Both the employee and the employer contribute to the premiums, which are automatically deducted from wages. Contributions are based on a percentage of the employee’s income, usually around 5% to 10%. Dependents, such as a spouse or children, are also covered under this plan.
Other types of health insurance offered by different institutions include:
-
Benefit Society (共済組合, Kyousaikumiai)
-
Seamen’s Insurance (船員保険, Senin Hoken)
Private Health Insurance - 民間保険 (Minkan Hoken)
In Japan, private health insurance is typically used to supplement the country’s national health insurance system. The most common benefit of Japan’s public health insurance is medical treatment benefit, where 70% to 90% of medical costs is covered by insurance, leaving individuals responsible for the remainder. With private health insurance, the remaining 10% to 30% can be covered by private health insurance.
In addition, private health insurance can cover some treatments and costs (e.g. advanced therapies, private hospital room, ceramic dental implants) that are not covered by public health insurance. Private health insurance is not mandatory, and the majority of basic medical costs are already well-covered by Japan's public system. However, it does offer peace of mind in case of long hospital stays or serious illnesses.
Even if you have private health insurance, it does not mean you can opt out of public health insurance. As such, you will have to pay both public and private health insurance premiums. Also, because private insurance companies work for profit, people with existing medical conditions may have to pay higher premiums. Additionally, if the insurance company determines that it is not profitable to cover you, your application may be rejected.
The remaining part of this article will be focused on public health insurance that covers all residents.
Benefits Provided by Health Insurance in Japan
.png)
Japan's public health insurance system provides comprehensive coverage for most healthcare needs.
Medical Costs and Treatment
The most common benefit from health insurance is “medical treatment payment”. 70% to 90% of medical treatment costs are covered by insurance, leaving the remaining 10% to 30% to be covered by the insured.
For preschool children, 80% of medical treatment costs is covered, so out-of-pocket expense is 20%. However, there are some local municipalities that cover the full expense of medical treatment for children.
Coverage of Medical Cost and Treatment Benefit
- Specialist Clinic Treatment
- Hospital Treatment
- Pharmacy Medication
- Dental Treatment
- Eye Check-ups
- Overseas Treatment (conditions apply)
High-Cost Medical Care System
This system helps reduce the burden of medical treatment costs that become high due to surgery, long-term hospitalisation, etc. Under this system, if out-of-pocket medical treatment costs in a month exceeds a certain amount, the exceeded amount will be covered by insurance. The expense limit is set by age, income status, etc.
Medical Checkups
Routine medical checkups for certain conditions (e.g. cancers, cardiovascular diseases) are covered for residents that reach a certain age, generally from 30 years old and above. A minimal out-of-pocket expense is usually required. For pregnant women, maternity checkups are also partially covered.
Expenses Not Covered by Health Insurance
There are some medical treatment costs that are not covered. In addition, work-related injuries and illnesses that are already covered by “Workers' Accident Compensation Insurance”.
Example of Expenses Not Covered:
- Hospital Meals
- Extra Bed Charge
- Private Hospital Room
- Advanced Medical Care Costs
- Spectacles and Contact Lenses
- Cosmetic Surgery
- Medical Checkups
- Vaccinations
- Osteopathic Treatment
- LASIK and ICL Eye Surgery
- Teeth Correction (e.g. braces)
- Conditions that doctor deem not necessary for treatment
Who Are Covered by Health Insurance in Japan
.jpg)
Health insurance in Japan is mandatory for all residents, including:
- Japanese Citizens
- Foreign National Residents living in Japan for more than 3 months. This includes students, workers, and expatriates. Dependents of foreign residents, such as spouses and children, are also covered.
The system ensures that even foreign nationals, as long as they meet residency requirements, have access to Japan’s comprehensive healthcare services. Exceptions exist for temporary visitors, who are encouraged to purchase private health insurance.
How to Claim Health Insurance in Japan
.jpg)
Claiming health insurance in Japan is a straightforward process. Upon enrolment, individuals receive a health insurance card. Present the card at any medical facility or pharmacy to receive the medical treatment benefit at once. Clinics and hospitals will automatically calculate the insured portion and the out-of-pocket cost. The patient will only need to pay their portion (usually 30%).
What if you do not have your insurance card on-hand? In these cases, you will have to pay full price. However, you can claim back the insured amount (70%~90%) by applying to the insurance company (company insurance) or your ward office (national health insurance). The refund process will take some time and will usually be transferred to your bank account.
.png)
Health Insurance Card to be Abolished
From October 2021, the My Number Card became usable as a health insurance card, and from December 2, 2024, the My Number Card will fully replace health insurance cards which will no longer be issued. Existing health insurance cards will remain valid for up to 1 year from December 2, 2024 as a provisional measure. To use your My Number Card as a health insurance card, make sure to complete the linking process.
As such, post December 2, 2024, present your My Number Card to receive insured medical treatment. If you do not have a My Number Card, apply for one as soon as possible. Find out how here.
To Close
.jpg)
Japan’s health insurance system offers comprehensive coverage and accessible healthcare to all residents, ensuring that medical costs remain manageable for individuals and families. Whether you're a salaried worker, self-employed, or a foreign resident, Japan’s system guarantees access to essential services such as medical consultations, hospital stays, and even preventive care.
.jpg)
