• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

International Citizens Insurance

Medical and Travel Plans!

U.S. 877-758-4881 - Intl. +44 (20) 35450909

Request a Quote
  • Home
  • Individual Plans
    • International Health Insurance Plans
      • Best International Health Insurance Companies
      • Student Insurance
      • Overseas Health Insurance
    • Expatriate Insurance
      • Insurance for American Expats Abroad
      • Insurance for Canadian Expats
      • Expat Insurance for Japanese Abroad
      • Expat Insurance for Germans Living Abroad
      • Expat insurance for Brazilian Citizens Abroad
    • Travel Insurance
      • Travel Medical Insurance Plans
      • Visitors Coverage
      • Best Travel Insurance Companies
      • Trip Cancellation Insurance
      • Evacuation Insurance Plans
      • Student Insurance
    • International Life Insurance
  • Group Plans
    • Corporate and Employee Groups
    • Missionary Groups
    • Volunteer Programs and Non-Profits
    • School Groups
  • Insurance Companies
    • Aetna International
    • Cigna Global Insurance Company
    • GeoBlue
    • International Medical Group
    • Now Health
    • Seven Corners
    • Tokio Marine HCC
  • Compare
    • Compare Global Health Insurance Plans
    • Compare Travel Insurance Plans
  • Country Guides
    • Health Insurance Plans in North America
      • Health Insurance in the USA
      • Health Insurance in Mexico
      • Health Insurance in Canada
    • Understanding Health Insurance in South America
      • Health Insurance in Argentina
      • Health Insurance in Colombia for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Chile
    • European Health Insurance
      • UK Health Insurance Plans for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Germany
      • French Health Insurance
      • Italian Health Insurance
      • Health Insurance in Sweden for Foreigners
      • Portuguese Health Insurance
      • Health Insurance in Spain for Foreigners
    • Health Insurance Plans in Asia
      • Health Insurance in China
      • Health Insurance in Japan
      • Health Insurance in Dubai
      • Health Insurance in India
      • Thailand Health Insurance
      • Malaysian Health Insurance for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Singapore for Foreigners
    • Understanding Health Insurance in Oceania
      • Australian Health Insurance for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in New Zealand
    • Health Insurance Options in Africa
      • South Africa Health Insurance for Foreigners
    • Travel Insurance Plans by Country
      • USA Travel Insurance
      • Australia Travel Insurance
      • Mexico Travel Insurance
  • Resources
    • News, Global Health Advice, and Travel Tips
    • Insurance Articles
    • Travel Advice and Tips
    • Senior Travel Insurance
Home > International Plans > International Health Insurance > Countries with Best Healthcare Systems in the World > Healthcare in Japan

Understanding the Japanese Healthcare System

Hospital in Japan's healthcare system

Japan Healthcare System

The Japan healthcare system is one of the world’s finest. In fact, Japanese citizens have a longer life expectancy than anyone else. The system puts a high priority on preventative care. It also offers free screening tests for certain illnesses, as well as superb prenatal programs.

However, despite the high emphasis on preventative care, Japanese physicians and nurses aren’t required to go through license renewals. They don’t even have to participate in continuing education. As well, Japanese citizens don’t usually have one dedicated family physician as you might find in Canada or the United States. There are comparatively very few general practitioners. Most physicians have a sub-specialty. Patients in need simply go directly to the kind of specialist they require.

While many other countries have an urban-rural divide in which physicians flock to the cities, in Japan the situation is reversed. There is an uneven distribution of physicians benefiting rural areas. Physicians cite examples such as the higher quality of life outside of metropolitan areas as well as a lower stress work environment for their more rural choices.

The Japanese medical system is provided through universal healthcare. The first form of public healthcare in Japan began in 1927 with an employee health plan. By 1961, it had evolved into a system of universal coverage.

Related: Health Insurance in Japan

Costs and Fees in the Japanese Healthcare System

Japan’s public healthcare system is known as SHI or Social Health Insurance. SHI applies to everyone who is employed full time with a medium or large company. Approximately 5% of salaries are deducted to pay for SHI, a cost matched by employers. Everyone who doesn’t qualify under SHI is covered through the National Health Insurance (NHI) plan. This includes self-employed people such as expats and digital nomads. It also extends to those who work for small businesses and unemployed people. How much NHI you pay is based on your income.

In general, the government pays for 70% of healthcare costs associated with medical appointments, hospital visits, and even prescriptions. Patients pay for the remaining 30% of costs. However, based on income levels, this ratio may change in favor of the patient.

The cost of medical appointments and hospital visits is determined by a government committee which includes physicians among its membership. Every two years, fees are adjusted based on their recommendations. This allows the government to respond appropriately to changes in the economy so healthcare remains affordable. Japan’s 47 regions are responsible for implementing the rules, regulations, and fee schedule. They also have the flexibility to establish their own local budget to reflect regional health concerns.

The regional municipalities also administer “nursing care”. This is an additional 2% contribution required of citizens over 40. This cost covers the expenses associated with long term care and nursing homes.

Adjusting the schedule fee also prevents physician fraud and over-recommending certain services just to claim the associated fee. If the committee determines that particular tests are being over-recommended, it will drop the cost of that test to make it less lucrative to the prescribing physician.

Aetna Global Medical Plan in Japan

Aetna International

Aetna Global Expat Health Benefits

  • Fortune 100 company with more than 800,000 members
  • Access to Annual Health Exams & Medications
  • Coverage for Covid-19, Comprehensive Worldwide Cover
Plan Details | View Brochure
Plan Details
Get a Quote

 

Access: Eligibility and Administration for Health Care in Japan

Those who are employed full time by medium or large-sized business and are thus eligible for coverage through SHI will find the process relatively easy. Employers take care of the paperwork for you!

Those eligible for NHI – including expats who have just arrived and are waiting the mandated one year to enroll in SHI – may find the process takes longer. You have to visit your regional NHI office to take care of the paperwork. If you move, you’ll have to re-register with your new nearest regional office.

Healthcare Options for Expats and Foreigners in Japan

Non-Japanese citizens with residence cards who are staying in Japan for more than three months are eligible for enrollment in the healthcare system via the NHI – and, for some, eventually, the SHI if they work with a larger company

However, expats who are waiting for their NHI papers to be processed are in limbo. They have no coverage unless they carry their own international health insurance. Tourists and other short term travelers to Japan aren’t covered by Japan’s healthcare system. They should have their own Japan travel insurance coverage for medical emergencies.

Featured: Cigna Global Cover in Japan

Cigna Global Logo

Cigna Global Insurance Plan

  • The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
  • Access to Cigna Global’s network of trusted hospitals, clinics, and doctors
  • The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service
Plan Details | View Brochure
Plan Details
Get a Quote

 

Read More: Japan Medical Insurance for Expats

The Differences Between Private and Public Care

In Japan, for-profit organizations are not permitted to run hospitals and clinics. By law, Japanese hospitals are non-profit. Governing and administrative decisions are made by physicians. Clinics must be owned and operated by physicians. The for-profit healthcare industry is thus primarily focused on elective and cosmetic procedures.

Approximately 90% of eligible citizens and residents are enrolled in the public healthcare system. The majority of people also have secondary private coverage. In general, it plays a supplementary role, offering life and critical illness benefits. It also offsets the cost of extra procedures such as orthodontics. The 30% cost which the patients have to pay at medical visits can also be covered by private carriers.

Pros and Cons of the Japanese Healthcare System

While physical healthcare standards are superb, Japan is not as progressive in terms of mental healthcare. Practices like isolation or restraints, long discounted as primary treatment tools in other countries, are relatively common in Japan. Accessing mental health treatment remains stigmatized, particularly among women.

Japan also struggles with hospital wait times. The majority of the population does not have a family physician. Instead, they visit specialists directly. But patients are unsure where to turn when they suffer from multiple symptoms. Even if their discomfort is minor, they turn to hospitals, where multiple specialists work. As such, non-urgent cases are often seen through hospital emergency rooms. The issue of wait times and capacity is a serious one. There have been tragic cases of patients who needed urgent care but were turned away from multiple hospitals before they finally succumbed to their ailments.

The issue of wait times and hospital capacity won’t change any time soon. Japanese citizens have the longest life expectancy in the world – and the country’s healthcare system is constantly looking at ways to better serve it’s large and aging population. By 2050, 40% of the Japanese population will be over 65 years old.

Language barriers are a significant problem for patients who are not native Japanese speakers. While many major hospitals often have English language staff, this isn’t always the case. Many expats who have lived in other countries assume they will face language barriers in rural areas but are unprepared for unilingual urban staff. Embassies, consulates, and other expats can recommend multilingual facilities. Your employer or travel agent can also recommend local services in English. As well, university-based hospitals and clinics usually have English speaking staff. However, hiring an interpreter is a smart move for serious appointments.

Cigna Global Logo

Cigna Global Insurance Plan

  • The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
  • Access to Cigna Global’s network of trusted hospitals, clinics, and doctors
  • The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service
Plan Details | View Brochure
Plan Details
Get a Quote

 

Read More: Health Insurance in Japan

Extra Reading and Resources

  • Asia Medical Insurance Plans
  • Travel Health Insurance in Japan
  • Japanese Healthcare Info (JHI) (social entrepreneur nonprofit organization)
  • Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare
  • World Health Organization – Japan
  • How To Navigate the Japanese Health System (Gaijinass)
Share this

Primary Sidebar

Related Pages

  • Colombia Healthcare System
  • France Healthcare System
  • German Healthcare System – GKV
  • Health Care System in China
  • Healthcare in Australia
  • Healthcare in the Philippines
  • Healthcare System in Spain
  • Healthcare Systems in Brazil – Sistema Único de Saúde
  • Healthcare Systems in Mexico
  • Hungary’s Healthcare System
  • Irish Healthcare System
  • Italian Healthcare System
  • New Zealand Healthcare System
  • Sweden’s Healthcare System
  • Understanding Dubai’s Healthcare System
  • Understanding Healthcare System in Thailand
  • Understanding Switzerland’s Healthcare System
  • Understanding The Canadian Health Care System
  • Understanding the Costa Rican Healthcare System
  • Understanding the Healthcare System in Portugal
  • Understanding the Healthcare System in the UK
  • USA Health Care System

Customer Service

USA & Canada: (877) 758-4881
Worldwide: +1 (617) 500-6738
Contact Us

We'll Contact You

One of our expert international insurance brokers will respond to you promptly.

Request a Quote Today

Search Website

Our Customer Reviews

International Citizens Insurance
International Citizens Insurance
4.9
Based on 129 reviews
powered by Google

Get a fast, free, expat insurance quote.

Request a Quote

Footer

Global Medical Plans

International Health Insurance
Cigna Global Health
GeoBlue Xplorer Premier
IMG Global Medical
Integra Health Plans
Aetna International

Specialty Coverage

Overseas Health Insurance
US Citizens Abroad
US Health Insurance
Senior Travel Insurance
Visitors Coverage
Schengen Visa Insurance
Annual Multi Trip

Company Info

About Us
The Team
International Brokers
Testimonials
Agents / Affiliates

Customer Service

United States 877-758-4881
US Direct 617-500-6738
International +44 (20) 35450909

International Citizens Insurance
International Citizens Insurance
4.9
Based on 129 reviews
powered by Google
US Travel Insurance Association Member International Citizens Insurance Business Review

18 Shipyard Drive, Hingham, MA 02043 USA | info@internationalinsurance.com

Contact US | Privacy Policy | Licensing | Sitemap

Copyright © 2021, International Citizens Insurance, an International Citizens Group, Inc. company


Note: Covid-19, or Coronavirus, coverage is not included in all plans offered on this website. Please indicate your desire for this coverage when working with your agent. International Citizens Insurance is a licensed agency providing guidance on international insurance plans. Select products and services listed on this site may not be available to citizens or residents of certain countries. This site provides consolidated and summary descriptions of insurance plans, benefits, conditions, limitations, and exclusions. A certificate containing the complete certificate wording with all terms, conditions, and exclusions will be provided at the time of purchase or upon request. For additional advice and guidance, contact us for assistance.

By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
International Citizens Insurance
  • Home
  • Individual Plans
    ▼
    • International Health Insurance Plans
      ▼
      • Best International Health Insurance Companies
      • Student Insurance
      • Overseas Health Insurance
    • Expatriate Insurance
      ▼
      • Insurance for American Expats Abroad
      • Insurance for Canadian Expats
      • Expat Insurance for Japanese Abroad
      • Expat Insurance for Germans Living Abroad
      • Expat insurance for Brazilian Citizens Abroad
    • Travel Insurance
      ▼
      • Travel Medical Insurance Plans
      • Visitors Coverage
      • Best Travel Insurance Companies
      • Trip Cancellation Insurance
      • Evacuation Insurance Plans
      • Student Insurance
    • International Life Insurance
  • Group Plans
    ▼
    • Corporate and Employee Groups
    • Missionary Groups
    • Volunteer Programs and Non-Profits
    • School Groups
  • Insurance Companies
    ▼
    • Aetna International
    • Cigna Global Insurance Company
    • GeoBlue
    • International Medical Group
    • Now Health
    • Seven Corners
    • Tokio Marine HCC
  • Compare
    ▼
    • Compare Global Health Insurance Plans
    • Compare Travel Insurance Plans
  • Country Guides
    ▼
    • Health Insurance Plans in North America
      ▼
      • Health Insurance in the USA
      • Health Insurance in Mexico
      • Health Insurance in Canada
    • Understanding Health Insurance in South America
      ▼
      • Health Insurance in Argentina
      • Health Insurance in Colombia for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Chile
    • European Health Insurance
      ▼
      • UK Health Insurance Plans for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Germany
      • French Health Insurance
      • Italian Health Insurance
      • Health Insurance in Sweden for Foreigners
      • Portuguese Health Insurance
      • Health Insurance in Spain for Foreigners
    • Health Insurance Plans in Asia
      ▼
      • Health Insurance in China
      • Health Insurance in Japan
      • Health Insurance in Dubai
      • Health Insurance in India
      • Thailand Health Insurance
      • Malaysian Health Insurance for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Singapore for Foreigners
    • Understanding Health Insurance in Oceania
      ▼
      • Australian Health Insurance for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in New Zealand
    • Health Insurance Options in Africa
      ▼
      • South Africa Health Insurance for Foreigners
    • Travel Insurance Plans by Country
      ▼
      • USA Travel Insurance
      • Australia Travel Insurance
      • Mexico Travel Insurance
  • Resources
    ▼
    • News, Global Health Advice, and Travel Tips
    • Insurance Articles
    • Travel Advice and Tips
    • Senior Travel Insurance

877-758-4881 or
+44 (20) 35450909

Call 24 hours a day; 7 days a week.