Japan is counted among those countries of the world where the level of health services is found to be very high. The health insurance system here is mandatory not only for Japanese citizens but also for foreign residents living there. The government of Japan has implemented the “Universal Health Insurance System”, under which every person in Japan has to join some type of health insurance.
There are two main types of health insurance companies in Japan
1 National Health Insurance (NHI) – for common citizens, students, self-employed and unemployed people.
2 Employee Health Insurance (EHI) – for employees working in a company or organization.
Apart from this, in Japan, some private insurance companies also provide supplementary health insurance plans so that people can get additional protection along with government health insurance.
In this article, we will tell you in detail about the top 5 health insurance plans in Japan.
1 National Health Insurance (NHI)
National Health Insurance is the most widely used health insurance in Japan. It is run by local municipalities and is for people who are not employed in a company.
Key Features
Coverage Almost all basic health services such as doctor consultation, hospitalization, operations, maternity care and medicines.
1 Premium The premium depends on your income and assets. On an average, it can range from 1,50,000 to 4,00,000 yen annually.
2 Sharing the cost The patient has to pay only 30% of the total expense, the remaining 70% is covered by the insurance. 3 Exemption for children and the elderly: Co-payment is reduced for children up to 6 years of age and the elderly above 70 years of age.
Suitable for
Self-employed
Students
Part-time workers
Unemployed people
2 Employee Health Insurance (EHI)
Employee health insurance is provided to employees working in companies and organizations in the country of Japan. It is also called “Social Insurance” (Shakai Hoken).
Key Features
Coverage Medical services, hospitalization, surgery, maternity benefits, and even partial pay for long-term sick leave.
1 Premium The employee and the employer pay the premium together. Typically, the premium is 10% of your salary (both the company and the employee contribute 5% each).
2 Family coverage It also covers the employee’s dependent family (spouse, children).
Additional benefits Up to 60% of the salary paid in case of long-term illness or accident.
Suitable for
Full-time employees of a company or organization in Japan.
Foreign workers who work in Japan
3 Kyosai Health Insurance
Kyosai insurance is primarily designed for government employees, teachers, and people employed in certain public institutions. It is a form of employee insurance but with even better benefits.
Key features
1 Low premium and better coverage The premium is lower than EHI and there are additional benefits.
2 Family coverage Family members are also covered.
3 Better facilities Priority is given at special hospitals and medical facilities.
4 Financial support in times of illness and injury: Additional allowances in case of prolonged illness.
Suitable for
Government employees, teachers, people working in public institutions
4 Japan Health Insurance Association (Kyokai Kenpo)
This insurance is mainly available to employees working in small and medium-sized companies. It is also called Kyokai Kenpo (協会けんぽ).
Key features
1 Coverage ranges from general medical services to maternity and emergency services.
2 Premium is determined based on the employee’s income and is paid jointly by both the employee and the employer.
3 Additional benefits Daily cash allowance during hospitalization.
Special support Priority treatment in large hospitals and clinics.
Suitable for
Employees working in small and medium businesses
Dependent family members in companies
5 Private Health Insurance
Government health insurance is compulsory in Japan, but many people also take private health insurance for additional protection and coverage. It specifically covers services that are not fully covered by government insurance.
Main features
1 Additional coverage Cancer treatment, treatment of critical illnesses, private room expenses, and long-term care.
2 Flexible plans Insurance companies offer different plans that a person can choose according to his needs.
3 Cash benefit Some insurance plans also give cash amount directly to the patient.
4 Customization A person can customize the insurance according to his needs.
Suitable for
People who want additional protection.
Families who want financial strength in case of critical illness.
Foreigners who are staying in Japan for a long time and want better coverage.
in Japan