Ends March 31, 2026 — Transition to My Number Insurance Card
As of March 31, 2026, traditional paper health insurance cards will be completely abolished. The "My Number Insurance Card" (using your My Number Card for health insurance) becomes the standard.
Those without a My Number Card will receive a "Qualification Confirmation Certificate" from their insurer. Valid for up to 5 years, usable at medical facilities just like the old card. However, the My Number Insurance Card offers more benefits.
Those without a My Number Card or unregistered for My Number Insurance will automatically receive a "Qualification Confirmation Certificate" from their insurer. No application needed.
Japan begins pre-entry tuberculosis screening (JPETS) in Indonesia on Nov 2, 2026. From Jan 4, 2027, a TB-free certificate must be submitted with a Certificate of Eligibility or visa application.
Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is revising which diseases qualify as designated intractable diseases and the severity criteria for medical fee subsidies. Public comment runs to 29 October 2026 and applies to insured foreign residents too.
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.