1. For foreign visitors to Japan
If a foreign traveler gets injured or falls ill while in Japan, medical expenses can become extremely high.
To travel safely, it is essential to have sufficient coverage through private health insurance.
Please note that foreign visitors with a history of unpaid medical bills in Japan may be denied entry into Japan in the future.
[Case example: Collision with a bicycle, resulting in traumatic pneumothorax or rib fracture]
Surgery + hospitalization + transportation costs:
7.5 million yen
Includes surgery, 19 days of hospitalization, arrangement of an accompanying doctor, and repatriation to the U.S. via commercial airline (business class).
[Case example: Acute myocardial infarction]
Surgery + hospitalization + transportation costs:
10 million yen
Includes surgery, 45 days of hospitalization, arrangement of an accompanying doctor, and repatriation to Singapore via commercial airline (business class).
Source ：Tokio Marine International Assistance Co., Ltd.
Private health insurance recommendation flyer
For Foreign Tourists Visiting Japan – Are You Prepared for Medical Expenses? – (Prepared by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)
Source：Guide for when you are feeling ill (Japan National Tourism Organization)
Japan Tourism Agency website
2. For foreign residents in Japan
[Health insurance]
Health insurance is a system designed to cover medical expenses in case of illness or injury.
By paying a monthly "insurance premium," you can reduce the amount you need to pay when visiting a hospital or purchasing medication.
All residents in Japan are required to enroll in a health insurance plan through their employer or local municipality.
Foreigners who stay in Japan for more than three months must also enroll in health insurance.
However, nationals of countries that have a "social security agreement" with Japan may be exempt from this requirement.
What Is a Social Security Agreement?（Japan Pension Service）
[Types of health insurance]
There are two types of health insurance in Japan: "Employees' Health Insurance" and "National Health Insurance."
[Employees' Health Insurance]
Employees' Health Insurance is for people who work at a company or similar workplace.
The conditions include working 20 hours or more per week and earning a monthly salary of at least 88,000 yen.
Family members who live in Japan and depend on you financially can also be covered under this insurance. The company handles the enrollment process.
The insurance premium is shared equally between you and your employer. The amount you pay is determined by your salary, and the company deducts the premium directly from your paycheck.
[National Health Insurance]
National Health Insurance is for those who are not covered by Employees' Health Insurance. If you have family members living with you who are not covered by Employees' Health Insurance, they can be included under the National Health Insurance plan. Enrollment is handled at your local municipal office. The insurance premium is based on your income (earnings from work, etc.) and the number of family members covered under the plan.
The insurance premium can be paid using the following methods:
- Bank transfer (Automatic withdrawal from your bank account)
- "Payment slip" sent by the municipal office, which can be paid at the municipal office, banks, post offices, or convenience stores
If you suffer a disaster, lose your job, or face financial difficulties, consult your municipal office.
There are programs that may reduce or waive your insurance premiums.
[How to use health insurance]
When you enroll in health insurance, you will receive a "health insurance card."
If you present your health insurance card at a hospital or pharmacy, you will only need to pay 30% of the medical or prescription costs.
(The percentage may vary for young children and the elderly.)
If you visit a hospital or pharmacy without your health insurance card, you must pay 100% of the cost.
However, if you complete the necessary procedures later, you can be reimbursed for the excess amount.
Your health insurance card is an important document that proves your enrollment in health insurance. Only you can use your health insurance card.
You may not lend it to others.
[Situations where health insurance cannot be used]
Please note that health insurance does not cover the following situations:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Health checkups
- Vaccinations (preventive injections)
- Cosmetic dental treatments (e.g., orthodontics)
- Using a private hospital room (single-occupancy room) during hospitalization
- Injuries caused by traffic accidents
In this case, the person responsible for the accident must pay for the medical costs. - Injuries caused by work-related accidents
These cases are covered by a separate system called Workers' Accident Compensation Insurance.
[If you pay a large medical bill at a hospital or pharmacy]
"High-cost medical expense reimbursement"
If your total medical expenses exceed a set amount within one month, you may apply for reimbursement of the excess amount.
The reimbursement threshold depends on your age and income level (earnings from work, etc.).
Source：Tokyo Intercultural Portal Site (Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation “TSUNAGARI”)
Guide for when you are feeling ill (Japan National Tourism Organization)
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