Japan has universal healthcare coverage that foreigners can access if they are living long-term in the country. Travelers and expats looking to stay only short-term or to supplement their coverage can invest in a private health insurance policy.
Are you a foreigner looking to visit or live in Japan? Do you want to know more about the options available for health insurance coverage in the country? This guide from Pacific Prime will share all the information necessary to make your health insurance decision an easy one. We will discuss local Japanese health insurance, international health insurance, and the Japanese healthcare system, as well as the pros and cons of using the national health insurance plan. Keep reading to learn all there is to know about Japanese health insurance.
Medical insurance options include public health insurance and private health insurance plans. The two main public health insurance plans are National Health Insurance (NHI), and Social/Employee Health Insurance (SHI). Private insurance can be bought through international providers.
How to Get Hospital Care in Japan
It might feel strange to go to the hospital when you’re feeling just a little unwell. After all, a sore throat or upset stomach isn’t an emergency. However, unless you have a family doctor or know which specialist you need to see, going to the hospital is the first step.
Hospitals in Japan are used far more often for non-emergencies than in other countries. The staff can arrange for you to have your follow-up appointments at a clinic that specializes in your needs. Before you leave home, make sure you have your Japanese health insurance card with you!
If you need to access emergency services, call 119 for an ambulance or 110 for police.
National Health Insurance (NHI)
Japan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) plans were created for residents who are unemployed, self-employed, work less than 30 hours a week, or students. NHI premiums will vary from person and household and are judged based on income.
Benefits included in the NHI plan are:
- Hospital Care
- Outpatient Care
- Mental Health Care
- Prescription Drugs
- Home Health Care
- Dental Care
Social Health Insurance (SHI)
The Social/Employee Health Insurance (SHI) plan is available to those working for Japanese employers, including foreign workers. SHI is paid for by contributions from Japanese employers and their employees.
The SHI plan benefits are similar to NHI benefits and offer the coverage below:
- Hospital Care
- Outpatient Care
- Mental Health Care
- Prescription Drugs
- Home Health Care
- Dental Care
Private Health Insurance in Japan
Private health insurance can be purchased in Japan to supplement the coverage already provided by the national plans. A popular choice for foreigners in Japan is international health insurance policies, which offer comprehensive and portable benefits that can be taken globally.
Some common benefits included in international health insurance plans are:
- Inpatient & Outpatient Care
- Cancer Care
- Preventative Health & Wellness Benefits
- Dental Care
- Vision Care
- Optional Maternity Benefits
- Mental Health Care
- Prescription Drugs
- Medical evacuation and repatriation coverage
- Direct billing
- Worldwide coverage (can include your home country)
- 24-hour emergency assistance
- Renewable policies
- Flexibility in choosing providers
- Additional Expat Concierge Services
The Cost of Health Insurance in Japan for Foreigners
Overall, SHI is more economical than NHI. The cost of SHI is split between the employee and the employer. Furthermore, SHI includes coverage for family members while NHI does not. Unemployed people are also required to register with the NHI. 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 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.
Japanese International Health Insurance for Foreigners
International health insurance is a great choice for foreigners in Japan due to its comprehensive and customizable benefits, as well as its wide global network. If you are someone who travels often, an international health insurance policy can be invaluable as it guarantees coverage worldwide. Many international health insurance providers can provide comprehensive coverage to foreigners during their time in Japan and ensure they are taken care of. Here is a list of five of the top international health insurance providers with coverage in Japan:
Visit our website and use our free quote tool to begin comparing plans from these providers today.
What To Know When Considering Health Insurance in Japan
Whether you’re staying in Japan for one year or longer, language barriers are a significant problem. Not all physicians and nurses speak English. Even expats who can speak conversational Japanese may find medical terminology a challenge. Choosing a supplemental insurance plan that includes an excellent support program is key. The staff can help you connect with English-speaking medical staff. They can arrange for hospital stays at familiar facilities. Certain plans also include interpreters and home-care assistance.
Who Does International Health Insurance Cover?
International health insurance covers individuals, families, and groups. Whether you are traveling on your own, with your entire family, or with a group, you can secure coverage for your time in Japan.
Different Types of International Health Insurance
Foreigners and expats can choose international health insurance for their long-term travel needs, or they can purchase an international travel medical insurance plan. Travel medical insurance can cover foreigners for shorter periods of time, like under a year. International health insurance offers a more comprehensive, extensive, and long-term solution to health insurance than travel medical insurance. Travel medical insurance can cover medical emergencies and other inpatient care, but they are generally limited in their coverage.
Health Insurance Costs in Japan for Foreigners
Health insurance costs in Japan vary across plans and policies, but generally, 70% of the costs associated with healthcare services are covered, and the remaining 30% is the financial responsibility of the patients. It is possible to pay less than 30%, depending on your financial circumstances.
For private health insurance plans, the cost will vary depending on factors like the level of coverage, the plan chosen, and your age. Japan is among the top 20 countries with the highest health insurance costs, with a premium average of USD $ 5,079 a year.
To learn more about the costs of insurance as well as the factors that affect it, check out Pacific Prime’s free Cost of Health Insurance Report.
How To Qualify for Local Japanese Health Insurance
You can apply for the NHI by visiting your local ward or city office. You will need the correct documentation, such as a passport, visa, confirmation of employment, and proof of income from the last year. Once the application has been processed, you will be issued a health insurance card.
Enrolling in the Social/Employee Health Insurance plan will be done through your employer.
Public Japanese Health Insurance Pros and Cons
Some of the pros of Japanese health insurance are the high standards of care and lowered medical fees, while the cons can be fewer second medical opinions and stigmatized mental health care. While universal healthcare has some significant advantages, there are drawbacks as well.
Pros:
- High Standards of Care: Japan is well known for its quality healthcare system and standards of medical services. There is an emphasis placed on preventative care, and they value things like vaccinations, regular check-ups, and critical illness prevention.
- Lowered Medical Fees: Because 70% of medical service costs are paid for by universal healthcare plans, foreigners will only have to worry about paying 30% of their medical fees. However, these fees can add up, which makes adding supplemental private insurance coverage smart.
Cons:
- Less Second Opinions: Doctors have much more authority in Japan than in other countries, which means that they generally believe what they say goes without question. Asking for further explanation or a second opinion can warrant some reactions from Japanese healthcare providers.
- Stigmatized Mental Health Care: Japan has a significant issue with stigmatized mental health care, making it difficult for many people to reach out and get treatment without feeling ostracized.
Japan Health Insurance Considerations for Foreigners
The language barrier is an important consideration for foreigners looking into Japanese health insurance. Not many Japanese healthcare providers speak English, so investing in a private international health insurance policy with language support benefits can help you get the care you need.
With multilingual employees available 24/7 through customer support hotlines, international health insurance companies can help guide you through the process of accessing the care you need. This can be an invaluable tool for those who aren’t fluent in Japanese yet.
Japanese Healthcare Overview
The Japanese healthcare system offers excellent standards of care, with an important emphasis placed on preventative health. Public healthcare facilities are generally clean and accessible, though rural locations can have shorter wait times than urban hospitals.
Many Japanese citizens carry private health insurance to help pay the 30% of medical costs left over by their national plans. These savings can add up quickly, and with the additional benefits available through a private plan, it can add great value to Japanese resident’s lives.
Accessing the Japanese Healthcare System
Foreigners can access the japanese healthcare system through their public clinics and hospitals. Japanese hospitals are legally required to be not-for-profit, and the private health sector is generally dedicated to elective and cosmetic procedures.
How Routine Doctor Visits Work in Japan
Going to the hospital is the first step for a doctor’s visit in Japan, as they are used regularly for non-emergencies. Make sure to have your health insurance card with you. After you’ve seen a doctor, you can speak with a staff member about having your routine follow-up appointments at a clinic.
Emergency and Health Services in Japan
Foreigners can access emergency services by calling the emergency phone lines. These calls can be made across any phone in Japan free of charge, including public pay phones.
The emergency numbers are:
- 119 for fire and ambulance
- 110 for police
Japanese Travel Safety Tips for Foreigners
Foreigners can stay safe during their time in Japan by staying aware of public transport and nightlife districts in big cities. While crime in Japan is low, pickpocketing can happen on public transport as well as in the nightlife districts.
Foreigners should also make sure all of their vaccines are up to date, such as their measles, hepatitis A and B, rabies, and Japanese Encephalitis vaccines. Japanese Encephalitis is a disease spread through mosquitos, and being vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can foreigners apply for national health insurance in Japan?
Foreigners can apply for Japanese national health insurance if they are staying longer than three months in the country. Those working for Japanese employers will be enrolled in the national Employee Insurance plan, and unemployed or self-employed expats can apply for National Health Insurance.
What could happen if you don’t get health insurance in Japan?
It is required to enroll in health insurance in Japan, and if you don’t, you may not be able to renew your visa or change your residency. Additionally, not having adequate health insurance coverage means you will be stuck paying any medical fees they accrue.
Are healthcare services free to foreigners in Japan?
Healthcare services are not free to foreigners in Japan, even if they are covered under one of the country’s public health insurance policies. Covered indivduals will be required to pay 30% of medical costs accrued from the medical services.
Conclusion
Foreigners can secure health insurance in Japan by enrolling in the universal healthcare plan or by securing a private international health insurance plan. Understanding the benefits of securing adequate coverage for your adventures in Japan can help you be better prepared for your time abroad.