Healthcare in Japan
Japan has one of the world's best healthcare systems, with high life expectancy and accessible, affordable care. All residents must enroll in health insurance - it's not optional.
Two Main Insurance Types
1. Employee's Health Insurance (Kenko Hoken)
- For company employees
- Employer pays half of premium
- Premium based on salary (~10% split with employer)
- Covers dependents
2. National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken)
- For self-employed, freelancers, students, unemployed
- Register at city/ward office
- Premium based on previous year's income
- Covers only the individual (family members pay separately)
Coverage Details
| Aspect | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Outpatient care | 70% covered |
| Hospitalization | 70% covered |
| Prescription drugs | 70% covered |
| Dental (basic) | 70% covered |
| Mental health | 70% covered |
| High-cost medical care | Expense ceiling system |
High-Cost Medical Care System: If monthly medical expenses exceed a threshold (based on income), you only pay the threshold amount. This protects against catastrophic costs.
For New Residents
- Register at city/ward office within 14 days of moving
- Enroll in NHI if not covered by employer
- Receive insurance card - bring to all medical visits
- Pay monthly premiums (first-year residents often pay minimum rate)
Digital Nomad Visa Holders
Digital nomad visa holders are not eligible for NHI and must maintain private health insurance with at least ¥10 million coverage for medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation.
Finding English-Speaking Healthcare
- Tokyo: Many options - AMDA International Medical Information Center, St. Luke's, Tokyo Midtown
- Osaka: AMDA Kansai, Sumishin hospitals with English support
- Other areas: Limited - consider telemedicine or travel to larger cities
Mental Health
Mental healthcare is covered but carries some stigma in Japan. English-speaking therapists are limited but increasing, particularly in Tokyo. Online therapy services are growing.
Pharmacy System
- Prescriptions filled at separate pharmacies (not in hospitals)
- Many common medications require prescriptions that are OTC elsewhere
- Some medications are banned or restricted in Japan (certain ADHD medications, etc.)
Pro Tips
- •Enroll in health insurance immediately - it's mandatory for all residents
- •Bring your insurance card (hokensho) to every medical visit
- •High-cost medical care system protects against expensive treatments
- •English-speaking doctors are concentrated in Tokyo - check AMDA for referrals
- •Some medications legal abroad are restricted in Japan - check before bringing
Have questions about healthcare in Japan?