Jane Dotson
Japan has universal healthcare coverage, which means that foreigners can access public health insurance if they are living in the country for an extended period. Expats and travellers staying in Japan for a short time can invest in a private health insurance policy. The Japanese healthcare system is considered one of the best in the world, with an emphasis on preventative care and strong medicines. However, not many Japanese healthcare providers speak English, so it is recommended to invest in a private international health insurance policy with language support. If you are over 20 years old and plan on living and working in Japan, it is essential that you get healthcare coverage, as some hospitals and clinics deny patients who cannot provide proof of insurance coverage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Universal healthcare | Yes, since 1961 |
| Government coverage | 70% of medical fees |
| Healthcare for foreigners | Available for long-term residents |
| Private insurance | Available instantly online |
| Public insurance | National Health Insurance (NHI) and Social/Employee Health Insurance (SHI) |
| Insurance for students | Personal Accident Insurance for Students Pursuing Education and Research ("Gakkensai") |
| Ambulance number | 119 |
| Language support | AMDA International Medical Information Center |
| Insurance card | Required for discounted payment |
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What You'll Learn
Understanding the Japanese healthcare system
Japan has had universal health coverage since 1961, and foreigners can access this system if they are living in the country for an extended period. The government pays for 70% of medical fees, with the remaining 30% covered by the individual. This is funded through two plans: the Social Health Insurance (SHI) and the National Health Insurance (NHI) programs. SHI is the program that all full-time employees of medium and large-sized companies are automatically enrolled in, while NHI is for those who are self-employed or working for small businesses. Even if eligible for these public systems, many immigrants opt for international health insurance. Within two weeks of moving to Japan, one must enrol in a health insurance plan.
Private health insurance can be purchased for additional coverage. This can be done through an employer-provided scheme or directly from a private provider. Private insurance is often used to supplement the costs not covered by public insurance. It can also be ideal for those with serious medical problems, as Japan's public system is required to cover pre-existing conditions. Private insurance can be purchased instantly online and may include additional benefits such as interpretation services.
Healthcare services are not free to foreigners in Japan, even if they are covered under a public health insurance policy. It is a legal requirement that everyone over 20 years of age be covered by public or private health insurance. Some hospitals and clinics in Japan have been known to deny patients who cannot provide proof of coverage, and most will not accept foreign healthcare coverage. Therefore, it is essential to have adequate healthcare coverage when living or travelling in Japan.
For those on short-term stays, travel insurance can cover medical emergencies and inpatient care. However, it is limited in its coverage, and separate from any health insurance held in one's home country. It is important to understand what your insurance covers and how they will pay for your medical costs.
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Enrolling in universal healthcare
Japan has provided universal healthcare coverage to its residents since 1961, and foreigners can also be a part of this system if they are living in the country for an extended period. Within two weeks of moving to Japan, you are required to enrol in a health insurance plan.
The universal healthcare system in Japan is funded through two plans: Social Health Insurance (SHI) and the National Health Insurance Program (NHI). SHI is the program that all full-time employees of medium and large-sized companies are automatically enrolled in. Those who are self-employed or work for small businesses contribute to the NHI. Even if they are eligible for SHI or NHI, many immigrants opt to purchase International Health Insurance.
To apply for the NHI, you’ll need to visit your local office with your supporting documentation, including your passport, visa, confirmation of employment, and proof of income from the previous year. Your municipality will calculate your NHI premium based on your annual income from the previous year (from January to December).
Under the current healthcare system, the government pays for 70% of medical fees, while the remaining 30% is the responsibility of the individual. Many Japanese citizens carry supplemental private insurance to help pay for this remaining 30% of medical fees that the universal program doesn’t cover. Private insurance can be purchased through international providers, either before or after entering Japan.
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Private international health insurance plans
Japan has had universal health coverage since 1961, and foreigners can be a part of the system. The government pays for 70% of medical fees, and the remaining 30% is paid by the patient, depending on their income level. The payments are funded through two plans, known as SHI and NHI. Social Health Insurance (SHI) is the program that all full-time employees of medium and large-sized companies are automatically enrolled in. Those who are self-employed or work for small businesses contribute to the National Health Insurance Program (NHI).
Even if they’re eligible to use the public system, many immigrants opt to purchase International Health Insurance. This is because enrolling in the public healthcare system can take time for foreigners moving to Japan, and they may be left without coverage during the waiting period. Private plans often provide translation services, which are helpful due to the lack of English-speaking medical staff in many areas. This combination of public and private healthcare helps ensure everyone can access the care they needs.
If you’re buying a private plan, the cost of health insurance in Japan will vary depending on many factors. Your age, the level of coverage you desire, and the plan you choose will all come into play. The cost for a 45-year-old single man with a Cigna Global plan ranges from $200 to $500 per month, depending on the benefits you choose and your country of nationality.
If you are a foreigner staying in Japan for more than three months, you can register with the NHI. If you are working for a larger company, you can apply for the SHI. Expats waiting for their paperwork to be processed often find themselves in limbo, so it’s advisable to buy private international health insurance to ensure coverage while waiting for access to the public system.
If you are travelling to Japan, you should buy a travel insurance plan to cover any medical expenses. It is important to know what your insurance covers and exactly how they will pay you. Some policies cover round-trip flights or transport to and from the airport, while others won't.
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Public health insurance plans
Japan has a universal healthcare system, which has been in place since 1961. The government pays for 70% of medical fees, with the remaining 30% covered by the patient, depending on their income level. This system is funded by two plans: Social Health Insurance (SHI) and the National Health Insurance Program (NHI).
Social Health Insurance (SHI)
SHI is an employment-based insurance plan, which covers full-time employees of medium and large-sized companies. Approximately 5% is deducted from employees' salaries to pay for SHI, and employers match this cost. SHI also covers employees' families.
National Health Insurance Program (NHI)
The NHI covers those who are self-employed or work for small businesses. It also covers unemployed people. The NHI requires individuals to pay contributions based on their income. Foreigners who are residents in Japan for three months or longer can join the NHI. To apply, you need to visit your local office with your passport, visa, confirmation of employment, and proof of income from the previous year.
Public Social Assistance Program
This program covers impoverished people, who make up around 1.7% of Japan's population.
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Language support and translation services
If you are a foreigner in Japan and do not speak Japanese, you may face challenges in navigating the country's healthcare system and obtaining medical insurance. While medical care in Japan is good, English-speaking physicians and medical facilities that meet U.S. standards are expensive and scarce. Additionally, Japan's national health insurance system is typically only available to foreigners with long-term visas.
To address these challenges, several companies offer language support and translation services to assist foreigners in understanding and accessing healthcare and insurance services in Japan. Here are some options to consider:
MedicTranslate
MedicTranslate is a service that bridges the gap between language and healthcare in Japan. They offer various services, including:
- Precise medical document translations, including vaccination records, historical notes, insurance forms, and travel documents.
- Connections to foreign-friendly clinics and support for various health needs.
- Currently, they support English to Japanese translations and plan to expand to other languages in the future.
Stepes
Stepes is a professional Japanese medical translation company with extensive experience. Their services include:
- Translation of medical documents, regulatory submissions, and pharmaceutical content between English and Japanese.
- English-Japanese medical device translation, including manuals, training guides, software applications, and marketing websites.
- Japanese linguistic validation services for new drug development involving multilingual patients.
GTS Translation
GTS Translation provides high-quality, professional English-to-Japanese translation services in various industries, including medical, legal, and technical fields. They offer:
- Accurate and reliable translations that meet your linguistic requirements and support your endeavours in Japan.
- Native, in-country Japanese language translators who combine linguistic proficiency with subject matter expertise.
- Translation of documents from Japanese to English and between Japanese and over 90 other languages.
LanguageLine
LanguageLine has nearly 40 years of experience providing translation services to health insurance plans, including commercial and government plans, such as Medicare and Medicaid. They work with 18 of North America's 20 largest health insurance plans. Their services include:
- Phone interpretation, video interpretation, onsite interpretation, and services for the visually impaired.
- Compliance with existing regulations and standards, such as ACA Section 1557 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Japan Visitor Hotline
Operated by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the Japan Visitor Hotline is a 24/7 multilingual call center service for foreign visitors to Japan. They provide support and assistance in emergencies, general tourism information, and introductions to medical institutions where consultations can be conducted in foreign languages.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two main options for medical insurance in Japan: public and private. The public system is known as the National Health Insurance (NHI) and Social/Employee Health Insurance (SHI). Private insurance can be purchased through international providers.
All residents of Japan are required to have health insurance coverage. This can be provided by their employer or purchased privately. Foreigners can be part of the public system if they are living in the country for an extended period of time.
To apply for the NHI, you will need to visit your local office with your supporting documentation, including your passport, visa, confirmation of employment, and proof of income from the previous year. If you are eligible for SHI, you will be automatically enrolled.
Private medical insurance can be useful for those who don't speak Japanese, as it can provide language support. It can also cover the 30% of medical costs that are not covered by the public system.
