Health Insurance in Japan, Asia

Information expatriation

Capital City: Tokyo
Total area: 377,873 km2
Population: 126,317,000 (2019)
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time Zones by Country
Calling Code: +81 XXX

Practical Information: 

Wikipedia Japan

Health insurance plans: Travel Insurance and Health insurance
Health Insurance information and Sanitary Risk:World Health Map
BLOG: Expat Health insurance Information

Here is a brief description of the healthcare system in the country:

·      Japan has a universal healthcare system that provides coverage to all residents. It is financed through a mix of public and private sources.

·      Around 80% of the population receives healthcare insurance through large-scale employer-sponsored plans. The remaining receive government-run plans.

·      Premiums and co-pays are borne by a combination of employers, employees and government subsidies. Co-pays are capped at a percentage of medical expenses.

·      Care is delivered through private practitioners and hospitals alongside regional public hospitals and clinics. Patients have a choice.

·      Over 7% of GDP is spent on healthcare, less than the U.S. but among the highest for developed countries.

·      The system focuses on universal access to high-quality primary, preventative and chronic care services.

·      Results in high life expectancy and health outcomes, though affordability is an ongoing challenge for certain groups.

Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:

·      Purchase mandatory national health insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken) through your local municipality as a resident. May cost up to 15,000 yen/month.

·      Consider additional overseas travel insurance for first few months until you enrol in the national system.

·      Select an affiliated clinic or hospital as your primary care provider under the plan. Referrals needed for specialists.

·      Learn basic medical Japanese phrases to aid at clinics where English may be limited. Reading prescriptions especially.

·      Supplement any prescription drugs not covered by the formulary guidelines. Bring 3-6 months supply from home initially.

·      Address pre-existing conditions through provider checkups upon arriving to understand the coverage limitations.

·      Note maximums on expenses like dental treatment that have out of pocket co-payments.

·      Plan around the medical facilities' operating hours which are typically evenings and weekends only.