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Japan Expat Health Insurance / Healthcare System news |
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The Healthcare system in Japan is a very stringent one. If one is a resident of Japan it is then compulsory to be enrolled in one of the two types of insurance categories; Kokumin-Kenko-Hoken (National Health Insurance) and Kenko-Hoken (Social insurance). Of these two types, the latter is typically provided for corporate workers while the former is reserved for students and the self employed. Foreigners residing in Japan tend to pick National over Social Insurance. Individual taxable incomes filed yearly are connected to insurance premiums. In Japan, most medical services are provided through public and private clinics. After completion of medical services insurance typically covers approximately 70% of medical expenses incurred. The monthly premium on insurance is 0-50,000 yen per household annually.
While not exposed to the major illnesses found in other underdeveloped countries, the Japanese healthcare system is confronted with other serious issues. One of the largest health risks that plague Japan is the usage of tobacco, which accounts for about one in ten deaths a year in the Japanese populace. The healthcare system, unfortunately, has done little to address its widespread usage, and tobacco continues to be well rooted in the special interests of politicians and Japan’s largest tobacco companies. Other health risks that plague Japan deal with depression and suicide. Japan has a high suicide rate in comparison to the United States, with 30,000 people taking their lives every year for the past decade. The system has combated this with a greater emphasis on mental health and greater funding for these treatments.
As a foreigner visiting Japan it is important to take into account the following issues related to staying in Japan. Firstly, residing in Japan for longer than one year requires mandatory health insurance. Before this time, however, foreigners are not applicable to be covered by most of these programs. Another important point to keep in mind is that most health clinics and doctors will charge higher without a referral, so foreigners will typically have to pay more as they are unaware of this. For foreigners with National insurance the first year's premium will be low as it is based on the previous year's income. The premium will rise steeply, however, once you have been employed in Japan for a year. As such, most expatriates in Japan decide to invest in policies provided by international insurance companies and companies from their country of origin.
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Japan Expat Health Insurance |
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Whether you are an expatriate working there or traveling through Japan, expat health insurance can help provide some of the most comprehensive insurance coverage available.
For more information about travel within Japan, expat health insurance plans and programs that we can provide, or to receive a free expat health insurance quote, please contact contact our friendly experts for advice today.
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