• Japan Health Insurance Information

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When it comes to population health, Japan ranks up there among the top three nations (if not right on top). 

It has consistently scored high marks with respect to life expectancy as well as quality care. 

It is believed that Japan is able to achieve such standing due to a combination of factors; among them are cultural habits, isolation, and an effective/efficient universal healthcare system.

Japan's healthcare system is dominated by public and private healthcare sectors. 

Total expenditure in the country's health care industry amounts to 8.2% of GDP in 2005, that is equivalent to US$2,908 per capita.  Private sector accounts for about 17% of this expenditure. 

Residents are able to seek medical assistance from the various national/regional government hospitals or the many private hospitals/clinics. 

No Japanese were to be denied of any medical help, however, hospitals in Japan tend to charge higher for new patients without referral letters.  Statistics wise, average Japanese will likely make as many as four times the number of trips to his physician, in comparison with an American. 

This is obviously helped by the fact that Japan has three times more the number of hospitals for every 1000 residents, comparatively speaking.  Bankruptcy related to exorbitant medical expenditure is unheard of here.

 Public health insurance is popular among local residents and it helps to defray at least 70% of treatment and prescription.  The balance is usually paid out-of-pocket even though there is upper limit on individual coverage. 

Payable insurance premium every month varies from 0 to 50,000 JPY for individual household, subject to yearly income. 

Additionally, there is private health insurance for co-payments as well as expense items not covered by the public program. 

The payout is computed on daily basis (for patients who need to be warded) or a portion of surgery cost.  This contrasts to the usual payout system that is derived from actual medical expenses.

 If you are planning to visit Japan, it makes sense to invest in an appropriate insurance policy to cover for any accidental cost related to health situations and/or injuries.

If you wish to have further information about international medical insurance  or a  free quote, please do not hesitate to contact one of our highly trained advisors.