Health insurance in Japan is an essential part of life in this fast-paced Asian nation. Protect your medical future with comprehensive cover for your life in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Japan is an exhilarating, engaging experience. High salaries, good quality of life and one of the world’s longest life expectancies draw expats to this captivating nation.
Yet, new arrivals won’t qualify for the national healthcare system for their first year of residency, so it’s essential that you protect your health and wellbeing with international health insurance when you first arrive.
And, if you’ve been here awhile, private medical insurance in Japan can give you greater and deeper access to a range of treatments not offered through the publicly accessible health service.
Japan has a universal healthcare system covering all citizens. However, the level of access depends on a range of factors, like your citizenship status, age and more.
Japan also requires all residents, expats included, to have health insurance coverage. Not having cover is likely to see you pay full cost for any treatment required.
Many Japanese residents receive cover through their employer, though the government operates a national system for those not in or unable to work.
Expats can apply for the national system after they’ve been in the country for a year. Before that date, you’ll need international health insurance to protect your health while you stay in Japan.
Japan has a smaller pool of practitioners and specialists than some other leading economies and not all hospitals offer a full range of treatments. You may be expected to travel if you require specialist care.
Pros and cons of using Japan's healthcare system
| Public | Private |
|---|---|
| Works like a private healthcare system whereby your insurance is covered through your employer or the state. | A requirement for expats who’ve lived in Japan less than a year, or do not qualify for employer or state-run systems. |
| Does not cover some private healthcare offerings, like orthopaedics and cosmetic procedures. |
International health insurance in Japan can provide financial and medical security when you first arrive in the nation. And, once you qualify for national healthcare, private coverage can fill in the gaps and give you a wider pool of treatments to choose from.
There’s much to love about Japan: engaging cities, stunning natural scenery, low crime and high salaries.
The nation has a reputable medical service too. Though, unlike some other economically developed countries, Japan does not operate a family doctor system. You are more likely to see a specialist based upon your needs from the off.
Expat health insurance in Japan can fill in where the national system doesn’t cover – orthopaedics, cosmetics and more. Plus, comprehensive cover can help cover treatment costs and downtime if you’re left out of work because of illness.
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The core benefits on the Silver plan provide international inpatient and daypatient cover, including hospital stays and treatment.
Available additional modules:Comprehensive coverage, with higher overall annual limits and added benefits including inpatient maternity care.
Available additional modules:Our highest level of coverage offers an unlimited overall annual limit, with most benefits being paid in full.
Available additional modules:An essential health plan created for those who need coverage only in their country of residence, and their country of nationality.
Available additional modules:
The price of health insurance depends on your level of cover and provider. The national system can account for up to 90% of total medical costs. You may also have private health insurance or insurance through your employer.
You can be paid out in the currency of your choice, whether that’s Japanese Yen (JPY), US Dollars (USD) or another currency.
Japan has an internationally celebrated healthcare system offering some of the best medical treatments in the world. The nation’s system tends to be focused around using specialist medical practitioners for required treatment. So, you may be expected to travel for particular care.