payments

Insurance & Fees

Understanding costs and insurance in Japan.

National Health Insurance (NHI / 国民健康保険)

Japan's public insurance covers 70% of medical costs for eligible residents. You pay 30% (the "co-pay"). To be eligible, you must hold a valid residence status and have stayed (or plan to stay) in Japan for more than 3 months.

check_smallEnrollment: within 14 days of arrival or change of address

check_smallMonthly premium: ¥1,500–¥8,000+ depending on income

check_smallCo-pay: 30% of treatment cost

check_smallChildren under 3 and seniors 75+ pay less

Estimated Medical Costs

With NHI (30% co-pay)

Standard clinic visit¥1,000–¥3,000

ER (non-emergency surcharge)+¥5,000–¥10,000

Hospital admission (per day)¥5,000–¥20,000

Prescription medicine¥200–¥1,500

Without insurance (100%)

Standard clinic visit¥3,000–¥10,000

ER visit¥15,000–¥50,000+

Hospital admission (per day)¥30,000–¥100,000+

Surgery (major)¥500,000+

Tip: The High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit (高額療養費) caps your monthly out-of-pocket costs for NHI members — roughly ¥44,400–¥80,100 depending on income.