Medical

Japan has a top-of-the-range medical system and one of the longest lifespans in the world. Great news for expats relocating to the country. But how do you go about accessing this fine Japanese healthcare, and what does it cost? Like many countries, Japan operates a system of health insurance, where citizens and residents make regular contributions in return for free or subsidized healthcare. Here’s an overview of how it works.  The Japanese Healthcare System  Japan has a hybrid healthcare system consisting of both public and private provision. It’s funded by taxes and compulsory public health insurance contributions, topped up with private insurance and out-of-pocket payments. Each region has its own citizen health insurance fund, overseen by the national Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare (MHLW).  The public health insurance scheme covers a large proportion of costs, as well as paying for medical care for low earners and those unemployed. Many residents, including expats, take out private health insurance to cover additional costs as well as services not available through the public system.  Public Health Insurance in Japan  All permanent residents as well as those living in Japan for longer than three months need to enroll for public health insurance. Those…