Healthcare Costs in Japan 2026
Comprehensive guide to healthcare costs and the health system in Japan (Asia).
Health System
Universal Health Insurance (NHI + Shakai Hoken)
Currency
¥ (JPY)
Continent
Asia
Healthcare Topics in Japan
Universal Health Insurance System
Japan's universal health insurance system covers all residents through two main programmes: Shakai Hoken (employee health insurance) for company employees and their dependents, and Kokumin Kenko Hoken...
Standard Copayment Rate
30%
Children (Under 6) Copay
20%
Elderly (70-74) Copay
20%
Dental Care Costs
Dental care in Japan is covered under the universal health insurance system, making basic dental services relatively affordable compared to many other developed countries. The standard 30% copayment a...
Checkup + Cleaning (Patient Pays)
¥900–¥3,000
Insured Crown (Patient Pays)
¥3,000–¥5,000
Ceramic Crown (Uninsured)
¥80,000–¥150,000
Hospital Costs
Hospital care in Japan is covered by the universal insurance system with the standard 30% copayment, subject to the monthly high-cost medical care cap. The average hospital stay in Japan is notably lo...
Patient Copayment
30% (subject to cap)
Avg Hospital Stay
16 days
Hospital Beds per 1,000
~13
Prescription Drug Costs
Prescription drugs in Japan are covered under the universal health insurance system with the standard 30% copayment, subject to the monthly high-cost medical care cap. Drug prices in Japan are set by ...
Copayment Rate
30%
Monthly Drug Cost (Patient Share)
¥1,000–¥5,000
Generic Prescription Rate
~80%
Mental Health Care
Mental healthcare in Japan is covered under the universal insurance system with the standard 30% copayment for most services. However, a special public subsidy programme (jiritsu shien iryo, or the Se...
Standard Copayment
30%
Reduced Copay (Article 5)
10%
Psychiatric Consultation (10% Copay)
¥1,500–¥4,000
Elderly Care (Kaigo Hoken)
Japan's Long-Term Care Insurance system (Kaigo Hoken), introduced in 2000, provides comprehensive care for elderly residents. All residents aged 40 and above pay mandatory premiums, and those aged 65+...
Standard Copayment
10–30% (income-based)
Premium Start Age
40 years old
Eligibility Age
65+ (or 40+ with conditions)
Compare with Other Countries
Australia
Oceania
Medicare (Universal) + Private Health Insurance
Canada
North America
Medicare - Universal Single-Payer (Provincial)
Denmark
Europe
Tax-Funded Universal Healthcare
France
Europe
Assurance Maladie + Mutuelle (Complementary)
Germany
Europe
Statutory Health Insurance (GKV) + Private (PKV)
India
Asia
Ayushman Bharat + Private
Data sourced from Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), National Institute of Population and Social Security Research, Japan Health Policy NOW, OECD Health Statistics. Last updated: 2026-03-01. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.