Insurance in Japan

Japan covers its citizens with a National Health Insurance program that pays 70 percent of medical costs, and 90 percent after the age of 75. The premiums are determined locally and are required to be paid out of income, typically 8 percent. The program is also funded by means of employer and government contributions. Each premium covers dependent family members, who are all issued their own health insurance card. Cardholders must notify National Health Insurance if anything in their status or their address is changed.

Foreigners who have been in Japan for one year can also enrol with National Health Insurance, but once enrolled it is difficult to get off if they opt for private health insurance, and they may find themselves having to pay two insurance premiums. Until they have been in the country for a year all foreigners in Japan are required to have private health insurance, which also enables them to enjoy the option of private health care. Cosmetic and orthodontic work must also be arranged through private health insurance, as the National Health Insurance in Japan does not cover these procedures.

The quality of health care in Japan is excellent, but there can be long waits of up to two hours.