Low medical costs! Learn more about health insurance services in Japan

Do you know how you would use a hospital if you were actually living in Japan and not as a tourist during your stay?

When you go to a hospital, you are worried about how long you will actually have to wait, whether you will be seen on the same day, and how much you will have to pay.

In this article, we will introduce you to Japanese health insurance services.

What if I don’t have overseas travel insurance?

If you actually want to use a hospital, if you are a traveler, you would buy an overseas travel insurance policy to enter Japan.

However, if you are going to live in Japan for a long period of time, you are no longer a traveler.
If you are not a traveler, you will not be able to use overseas travel insurance.

If you use a hospital, you will be uninsured and your medical expenses will be very high.
In Japan, there is a health insurance service that is used by residents of Japan.

You will be covered by health insurance.

In Japan, you can receive a medical examination at a hospital even if you are uninsured.
You will be asked about your insurance status first, and the approximate amount and payment method will be carefully explained to you.

However, it is always a concern in terms of both health and daily life to be in such a situation.
Furthermore, if you are going to live in Japan for a long period of time, you will all be required to join the public health care system.

You pay a monthly premium to the government and receive a document called an insurance card.
If you have to go to a hospital, you will use the hospital with your insurance card.

There are other requirements to join the health insurance service besides living in Japan, so please inquire at the ward office where you plan to live.

Go to the city office or ask your company to grant it to you.

This is the way to actually join the health insurance service.
The enrollment process is handled at the city hall where you registered as a resident.

If you are granted by your company, certain conditions are required.
If you meet the conditions, you can receive the same health insurance services as Japanese nationals.
Once you are able to use the health insurance service, you can pay 30% of medical expenses at hospitals.

How much is the monthly health insurance premium?

You may be wondering how much the health insurance service will cost you in terms of fees.
The calculation is based on the amount you worked the previous year.

Be sure to report your income to the city office, as the calculation cannot be done without telling them your income.
(This is required even if you had no or little income.)

How much are the actual medical expenses?

Medical services abroad may be free of charge in some countries, provided you pay a monthly premium for hospital services.

First, however, you must go to a designated hospital to discuss your health condition.
It would be better if you could be treated immediately there, but it may take several months before you can make an appointment at the next hospital if you need tests or additional treatment.

If you want to use the service on the same day instead of making an appointment, you may have to wait in a long queue to receive treatment or talk with a doctor, and you may not be able to receive medical services smoothly.

In Japan, you pay for medical services.
It is not free.

However, there are no long waits at hospitals, and it is generally possible to see a doctor on the same day at the hospital of your choice.
The amount you pay is generally 30% of the total amount actually spent at the hospital.

Does it seem expensive to have to pay as little as possible yourself?
However, by paying 30%, you will be able to receive high quality services in Japan.

You will receive high quality services.

Generally, in a large general hospital, tests and treatments are available in the same hospital without having to move around.
If a clinic does not have laboratory facilities, a letter of introduction can be written to facilitate access to other hospitals.

There is no need to discuss or negotiate with the insurance company for the amount of payment.
As a result, smooth access to specialized care means high quality care at a lower cost.

In addition, insurance services include the long-term care insurance system, which is a safe and reliable service for the elderly.
Every municipality has facilities for the elderly and also provides nursing care services.

Conclusion

The above has explained the health insurance services in Japan.
In Japan, when you go to a hospital, you will use the health insurance service.

Although it is not free, you can receive high quality medical services without having to wait for a long time for only 30% of the cost.
If you are going to live in Japan for a long period of time, you will need health insurance services, so please refer to this page.