20 itemsLatest information on health insurance, medical systems, and drug pricing
Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare opened a public comment period on 7 September 2026 for a draft cabinet order arranging related orders for the partial enforcement of the Act amending the Social Welfare Act and others. Comments are accepted via e-Gov from 20:00 on 7 September until 20:00 on 7 October 2026, and anyone may submit regardless of nationality.
Japan's MHLW opened public comment on Sept 5, 2026 for a draft ordinance amending the National Health Insurance enforcement rules and related rules covering elderly medical care and nursing care insurance. Comments close Oct 4, 2026 at 23:59. Here is what is confirmed so far.
Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has reopened public comments on revising the diagnostic criteria and severity classifications for designated intractable diseases. Submissions close at 23:59 on September 30, 2026 (case no. 495260174).
Japan's MHLW is inviting public comments on a draft ministerial ordinance partially amending the Immunization Act Enforcement Regulations. Published Aug 27, 2026; comments close Sep 27, 2026 at 0:00, so submit during Sep 26. Case number 495260162.
Japan's MHLW is seeking public comments on a draft Cabinet Order implementing part of the amended Health Insurance Act. It cites National Health Insurance Act and NHI tax provisions. Comments close at 23:59 on September 26, 2026 — relevant to foreign residents enrolled in NHI.
Japan's health ministry opened public comment on Aug 25, 2026 on revising the risk classes of over-the-counter medicines. The class decides who may sell a drug, where it sits in the store, and what explanation you get. Comments close at 0:00 on Sep 24, 2026.
Japan's MHLW opened public comment on draft ministerial ordinances tied to the partial entry into force of the amended Health Insurance Act. Comments close at 23:59 on September 12, 2026 (case 495260132).
The Japan Health Insurance Association says September 2026 premiums for voluntary continuation coverage are due Thursday, Sept 10; payment slips were mailed Aug 27. Missing the deadline ends your coverage the next day.
Kagoshima flood victims enrolled in Kyokai Kenpo can see a doctor without an insurance card: state your name, birth date, contact number and employer at the clinic window.
Japan's MHLW opened public comment on Aug 7, 2026 for a Cabinet Order draft tied to partial enforcement of the amended Health Insurance Act. It spans employee, seamen's, national and elderly insurance. Deadline: Sept 6.
Affected by the heavy rain from Aug 27, 2026 in Toyama or Ishikawa? Kyokai Kenpo members can receive insured care without a My Number health card or eligibility certificate by stating name, date of birth, contact details and employer at the counter.
Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency confirmed 41,174 heatstroke ambulance transports in July 2026 — the third-highest July on record. 60.2% were aged 65+, 41.4% needed hospital admission, and 41.7% occurred inside homes. Key prevention and emergency-call points for foreign residents and visitors.
Hit by the July 17–18, 2026 heavy rain? You can still get medical care without your My Number insurance card. Just tell the hospital desk your name, date of birth, contact number and employer. Announced by JHIA on Aug 21, 2026.
If you were hit by the heavy rain from Aug 13, 2026 and lost your My Number insurance card or eligibility certificate, you can still see a doctor by giving your name, date of birth, contact number and employer at the reception desk. Details of Kyokai Kenpo's Aug 14 notice.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.