Japan’s Public Health Insurance System: A Study on Foreign Residents
Introduction
The Japanese government has recently initiated a survey to examine the usage of public health insurance by foreign residents, amid concerns from some lawmakers that individuals may come to the country to take advantage of the system’s support for expensive medical treatment.
Background
In Japan, all residents are required to enroll in a public health insurance program and pay premiums. Foreigners registered as residents and staying in the country for over three months are basically required to enroll in the National Health Insurance program, a system for the self-employed and unemployed, if they have not signed up for any other public health insurance.
The National Health Insurance Program
The National Health Insurance program provides various benefits, including the refunding of medical expenses that exceed an individual’s limit in a single month. The ceiling varies depending on age and income. In the fiscal year through March 2024, around 970,000 foreign nationals were enrolled in the National Health Insurance program, representing 4 percent of the total.
Recent Developments
From March 2023 to February 2024, 980.3 billion yen (US$7 billion) was reimbursed to those who exceeded their monthly cap of medical costs, of which 11.8 billion yen went to foreigners, or 1.21 percent of the total. A health ministry official stated that the amounts "cannot be said to be high when compared to the proportion of foreigners enrolled."
Concerns and Controversies
However, politicians have expressed concerns that the system could be misused as foreigners may try to come to Japan to receive expensive medical treatment at lower out-of-pocket money. Yuichiro Tamaki, head of the minor opposition Democratic Party for the People, has written on social media that "people staying for just 90 days can get high-cost medical benefits worth tens of millions of yen. It should be reviewed to make its application stricter."
Future Plans
The ministry may also consider whether there is a need to review the system itself based on the outcome of the survey, according to officials. The findings of the survey are expected to be released by the summer.
Conclusion
The Japanese government’s survey on public health insurance usage by foreign residents is a significant step towards addressing concerns about the potential misuse of the system. As the ministry continues to monitor and review the system, it is essential to strike a balance between providing access to healthcare for all residents and preventing abuse of the system.
FAQs
- What is the National Health Insurance program in Japan?
- The National Health Insurance program is a system for the self-employed and unemployed that provides various benefits, including the refunding of medical expenses that exceed an individual’s limit in a single month.
- How many foreign nationals are enrolled in the National Health Insurance program?
- In the fiscal year through March 2024, around 970,000 foreign nationals were enrolled in the National Health Insurance program, representing 4 percent of the total.
- What is the total amount reimbursed to individuals who exceeded their monthly cap of medical costs?
- From March 2023 to February 2024, 980.3 billion yen (US$7 billion) was reimbursed to those who exceeded their monthly cap of medical costs.