The Japanese healthcare system is renowned for its modernity and efficiency: medical establishments are perfectly equipped and doctors highly specialized. However, as soon as you work, study or live in Japan, you are no longer covered by the French social security system. Expatriates and students must subscribe to Japanese health insurance or opt for expatriate health cover in Japan tailored to their needs. Before you leave, you need to prepare your medical coverage carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Japan’s healthcare system: efficient but complex for foreigners
Japan has a high-quality public and private healthcare system, renowned for its efficiency and modern infrastructure. The system is based on compulsory social insurance and coverage tailored to each population category.
Types of health coverage in Japan
- Shakai Hoken (社会保険): The Shakai Hoken corresponds to social security for employees in Japan. Companies employing more than five people are legally obliged to affiliate their employees to this scheme. Shakai Hoken provides coverage for medical expenses, including consultations and hospitalization, with reimbursement of up to 70%. It also covers disability and retirement benefits. Employer and employee share the cost of contributions.
- Kokumin Kenko Hoken (国民健康保険): Kokumin Kenko Hoken is intended for people under 75 who are not covered by employee social security. This includes the self-employed, students, job-seekers and expatriates. Employees of small companies with fewer than five employees must also subscribe. This insurance covers up to 70% of medical expenses, with contributions varying according to declared income.
- The Koki Koreisha Iryo Seido (後期高齢者医療制度): Koki Koreisha Iryo Seido is a coverage specially designed for people over the age of 75. It provides significant reimbursement for medical and hospital care, but policyholders must pay a specific contribution, calculated according to their income.
Limits for temporary travelers and expatriates
Although Japan’s healthcare system is efficient, it does not cover all foreigners. Tourists and temporary visitors have no access to local health plans. Similarly, Working Holiday Visa holders and students are not covered unless they have taken out local insurance.
Potentially high medical costs
Without health coverage, medical care can represent a considerable expense:
- General consultation: between €30 and €100.
- Hospitalization: several thousand euros, especially in the event of surgery or a serious accident.
For temporary travelers, expatriates just starting out or students, international health insurance is essential to guarantee comprehensive coverage, including medical care, hospitalization and repatriation.
| Type of care | Average cost |
| General medical consultation | Between €30 and €100 |
| Specialist consultation | From €100 |
| Medical imaging (X-rays, CT scans) | Between €100 and €500 |
| Simple hospitalization | Approximately €300 to €500/day |
| Surgical procedure | Several thousand euros |
| Emergency care | Up to €2,000 or more |
| Medical transport | 500 to €2,000 depending on distance |
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Why take out private health insurance in Japan?
Although the Japanese healthcare system is excellent, it remains insufficient or inaccessible for some foreigners. Taking out international health insurance is essential to guarantee optimum coverage, whatever the context: student visa, working vacation permit or expatriation.
One of the main advantages of international insurance is its ability to cover all healthcare costs, while complementing the reimbursements offered by local insurance. Indeed, certain medical specialties in Japan are very expensive and are not always covered at 100%. A supplementary insurance policy allows you to benefit from the best care without fear of uncovered expenses.
What’s more, international health insurance offers dual protection, providing cover both in Japan and on French territory. This makes it an ideal compromise for French expatriates, guaranteeing them appropriate care on their temporary return to France.
Last but not least, repatriation cover remains a crucial point. In the event of a serious accident or medical emergency requiring a return to your home country, repatriation costs can reach up to €50,000. International health insurance generally includes this coverage, a considerable advantage when traveling or living abroad with peace of mind.
How to choose the best health insurance for Japan?
Japan is an exceptional destination, but unforeseen events can lead to very high medical costs. Taking out international health insurance is therefore essential to ensure your financial security and peace of mind throughout your stay. The choice of insurance depends on several factors, including the length of your stay and your profile (student, expatriate, tourist). Here are the coverage options you should consider:
- Medical and hospital expenses covered at 100% to avoid out-of-pocket expenses.
- Repatriation assistance in case of medical emergency.
- Civil liability abroad, essential in the event of damage caused to third parties.
- 24/7 assistance in English or French.
- Coverage of routine care: general consultations, specialists and medication.
Comparing offers is essential to finding the best health insurance for Japan, tailored to your budget and needs.
How much does expatriate health cover for Japan cost?
The cost of health insurance in Japan depends on a number of key factors, such as the length of stay, theage of the insured and the cover selected. The longer the stay, as in the case of expatriation, or the more comprehensive the cover (dental, maternity or repatriation), the higher the rate. Age also plays a role, as premiums are generally higher for older people.
For example, for a short 3-month stay, the price of health insurance varies between €100 and €250, depending on the coverage included. For long-term expatriation, comprehensive coverage generally costs between €600 and €1,500 per year, depending on the scope of coverage chosen.
Insurers such as April International, ACS, Chapka Assurances and Allianz Care offer packages tailored to different profiles, whether for short stays, Working Holiday Visas or expatriations.
Although the investment may seem substantial, it is small compared to the potential medical costs in the event of illness or accident. Health insurance is your guarantee of peace of mind throughout your stay in Japan.
