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2026-08-01
High-Cost Medical Expenses Cap Raised
Effective August 1, 2026 (Phase 1). Monthly out-of-pocket cap raised 4–38% by income bracket. New annual cap of ¥530,000 for those earning ¥2–7.7M/year. Multiple-occurrence reduction kept as-is.
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Healthcare
6 itemsLatest information on health insurance, medical systems, and drug pricing
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2026-06-01
2026 Medical Fee Revision — Consultation Fees Effectively Raised
From June 2026, new price-adjustment surcharges effectively raise initial consultation by ~¥20 and follow-up by ~¥30. Affects out-of-pocket costs for foreign residents at 30% copay.
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2026-04-01
Brand-Name Drug Extra Charge Expanded (775 Items)
From April 2026, 34 more brand-name drugs added to the "selected medical treatment" list (total 775). Patients choosing brand-name over generic pay 1/4 of the price difference out of pocket. Affects foreign residents with chronic conditions.
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2026-04-01
2026 Drug Price Revision — Prescription Drugs Generally Cheaper
From April 2026, drug prices cut by 0.86% (medical cost basis). Some items reduced by over 40% under market expansion reassessment. Lower out-of-pocket costs for foreign patients using prescription drugs.
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2026-03-31
Paper Health Insurance Cards Abolished!
Paper health insurance cards fully abolished on March 31, 2026. Transition to My Number Insurance Card. Qualification certificates available for those without My Number Card.
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2025-04-01
Shingles Vaccine Is Now Routine (Age 65+)
From April 2025, the shingles vaccine became a routine Category-B immunization: mainly people turning 65, plus ages 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, and 100 through FY2029, with municipal subsidies. Choose one live dose or two recombinant doses.