Health Insurance in the japan: How It Works & Best Plans (2025)

Japan’s Health Insurance System Explained for Expats (2025 Guide)

Japan is known for its advanced healthcare system and long life expectancy. But if you’re an expat, student, or worker planning to live there, you must understand how the Japanese Health Insurance System works. Unlike some countries, health insurance is mandatory in Japan, and without it, medical costs can be extremely high.

How Japan’s Healthcare System Works

Japan operates a universal health insurance system, meaning everyone must join either:

1. Employee’s Health Insurance (Shakai Hoken, 社会保険)

   • For full-time employees.

   • Premiums are split between employer and employee.

   • Covers the employee, spouse, and children.

2. National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken, 国民健康保険)

   • For self-employed, students, part-time workers, and unemployed residents.

   • Administered by local city/ward offices.

   • Premiums based on income.

💡 Both systems offer similar coverage, but the way you enroll and pay differs.

What’s Covered Under Japanese Health Insurance

Health insurance in Japan is very comprehensive. Normally, patients only pay 30% of the total bill, and the insurance covers the remaining 70%.

✅ Covered services include:

• Doctor consultations and specialist visits

• Hospital stays and surgeries       

  
  
  

• Prescription medications

• Maternity care and childbirth

• Dental care (basic treatments)

• Mental health treatment

❌ Not fully covered:

• Cosmetic procedures

• Advanced or experimental treatments

• Private hospital rooms (extra charges apply)

Costs of Health Insurance in Japan (2025)

• Premiums vary depending on income and city.

• On average, individuals pay around ¥20,000–¥40,000 per month ($130–$270).

• For employees, the cost is shared with the employer.

• Low-income families can get subsidies.

Example: If you earn ¥4,000,000 annually (~$27,000), your monthly insurance premium may be around ¥25,000.

Health Insurance for Expats & Foreigners

Foreigners living in Japan must enroll in health insurance if staying longer than 3 months.

• Students: Must join National Health Insurance. Premiums are often low.

• Workers: Employer registers them for Employee’s Health Insurance.

• Short-term visitors (tourists): Must buy travel medical insurance.

👉 Without insurance, foreigners could be denied visas or face high hospital bills.

Additional Benefits of Japanese Health Insurance

• High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit: If your monthly medical costs exceed a certain amount, you can apply for a refund.

• Maternity Lump-Sum Grant: Expecting mothers receive financial support.

• Regular Check-ups: Preventive health checkups are encouraged and sometimes subsidized.

Pros & Cons of Japan’s Health Insurance

Pros:
✅ Affordable compared to the US or other countries
✅ Universal coverage for all residents
✅ High-quality healthcare system
✅ Partial coverage for dental care

Cons:
❌ Paperwork-heavy, especially for foreigners
❌ Premiums can feel high for low-income workers
❌ Some advanced treatments not covered

Quick FAQs

Q1: Is health insurance mandatory in Japan?
👉 Yes, all residents must join either National Health Insurance or Employee’s Health Insurance.

Q2: Can foreigners use Japan’s health insurance?
👉 Yes, if staying over 3 months. Students, workers, and expats must enroll.

Q3: How much do you pay at the hospital?
👉 Usually only 30% of the total cost. Insurance pays 70%.

Q4: Is dental care included?
👉 Basic dental care is covered, but cosmetic treatments are not.

Conclusion

Japan’s health insurance system is one of the most efficient in the world. By requiring everyone to join, the government ensures universal access while keeping costs relatively low. For expats, enrolling in health insurance is not just a legal requirement — it’s essential for peace of mind and financial protection.