Health Insurance for Canadian Expats in Japan

Canadian expats in Japan can choose either public health insurance or private health insurance to cover their medical needs. International insurance plans such as those offered by AXA, Cigna Global, and more are the most popular with expats for their customizable, portable coverage.

Are you a Canadian expat looking for better insurance coverage in Japan? Or are you thinking about moving from Canada to Japan? In this article, we will cover the healthcare system in Japan and what health insurance options are available for Canadian expats in Japan.

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Understanding the Japanese Healthcare System

Japan’s universal healthcare system ensures everyone, including foreigners, gets the medical care they need, with everyone joining either the public National Health Insurance (NHI) or a social health insurance plan through their employer.

Overview of Health Insurance for Canadian Expats in Japan

Understanding Japan’s health insurance requirements helps expats avoid legal and financial issues. Japan’s public system covers citizens and foreigners to ensure accessible quality medical care, and those working for Japanese companies may qualify for Shakai Hoken. Private plans are also available.

Legal Health Insurance Requirements for Expats in Japan

Expats in Japan must sign up for health insurance. Depending on your employment status, you either enroll in Japan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) (国民健康保険) or Shakai Hoken (社会保険). This law makes sure everyone, including foreigners, can get healthcare.

For self-employed expats, those working part-time, or those who are unemployed, register for NHI at your local city or ward office. Any resident of Japan with a visa longer than three months who is registered as a resident can enroll in NHI.

Full-time workers are automatically enrolled in Shakai Hoken when they start working at an incorporated company in Japan. Employers will handle the paperwork.

Japan’s National Health Insurance System

The NHI offers full coverage to everyone who has lived in Japan for at least three months, including foreigners under 75 who have valid visas. Enrollment in the NHI is mandatory if you are not covered by any other forms of health insurance.

The NHI is co-administered by each prefecture and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW). As such, premiums will vary depending on the prefecture you’re staying in. Premiums are based on enrollees’ household income and size. 

Coverage Details and Benefits

The NHI provides a wide range of medical services. This includes hospital stays, outpatient care, and prescriptions. For the insured services, the NHI will cover 70% of the costs, and you will be required to pay the remaining 30% out of pocket. 

Employee Health Insurance in Japan

The Shakai Hoken is a key part of Japan’s healthcare system. It’s a social insurance that covers people who work. It is funded by both the employer and the employee, with premiums deducted from monthly salaries and matched by the employer.

Shakai Hoken helps employees, and sometimes their families, get the medical care they need, depending on the employer’s plan. Under the scheme, employees have the same 70% coverage of medical costs as NHI as well as the following benefits:

• A lump-sum childbirth allowance and income support during maternity leave to help families manage their expenses during this period.
• If you cannot work due to illness or injury, Shakai Hoken pays about two-thirds of your salary for up to 18 months, ensuring income stability.
• Employees earn pension rights that provide monthly payments in retirement, offering long-term financial security after leaving the workforce.
• If you become disabled, Shakai Hoken provides financial support to help cover living costs and maintain independence.
• When an insured person passes away, family members may receive survivor’s pension payments to support their livelihood.
• Funeral allowance is available to help families cover costs when an insured person dies, easing financial stress during difficult times.

Eligibility and Requirements

Enrolling in Shakai Hoken is mandatory for all incorporated Japanese companies or sole proprietorships and unincorporated businesses with five or more regular employees. Canadian expats in Japan usually have to join if their company is part of the program.

Private Health Insurance Options

Canadian expats in Japan can get fully comprehensive coverage through private health insurance. Japan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) covers a lot, but private insurance can fill in the gaps. It can also give access to private hospitals and treatments not covered by NHI.

International Health Insurance Plans

International health insurance plans are a top pick for expats. They offer flexibility and coverage worldwide. These plans let you access top medical facilities globally and may include medical evacuation. 

Some top providers in Japan for Canadian expats include:

• Allianz Care
• Cigna Global
• AXA Global
• IMG
• April International

Allianz Care

Allianz Care is a trusted name among expats for its international health insurance plans. Their offerings in Japan include coverage for routine medical care, specialist consultations, and emergency evacuation services. Allianz’s flexible policies cater to both individuals and families.

Expats in Japan can choose between three different tiers for Allianz Care’s international health insurance plans: Care Base, Care Enhanced, and Care Signature. Expats looking for comprehensive medical coverage with preventative and vision coverage can opt for the Care Pro plan.

AXA Global

AXA Global is a wonderful choice for expats in Japan with its range of differing coverage and customizable additional benefits. They offer short-term and long-term plans, with comprehensive coverage for any medical needs.

Here is an overview of the benefits included in each of AXA’s tiered offerings. Note that each tier includes optional add-ons for wellness programs and preventive screenings. 

• Foundation Plan: Offers basic inpatient and day-care, emergency evacuation, and multilingual support.
• Standard Plan: Adds outpatient, dental, and repatriation benefits to the Foundation plan benefits.
• Comprehensive Plan: Includes maternity, chronic condition support, and vision care plus all Standard plan benefits.
• Prestige Plan: Includes Comprehensive plan benefits with annual health reviews and higher limits on routine pregnancy care.
• Prestige Plus Plan: Features all previous benefits but with top-tier limits and enhanced services.

April International

April International has over 30 years of experience in the international health insurance market. They provide both comprehensive and flexible plans to expats while in Japan. They provide varying levels of coverage, fully customizable policies, and a wide direct billing network.

Overview of April International expat health insurance plans:

• Emergency Plan: Offers entry-level coverage with CAD $341,500 (¥39,925,000) annual benefits, including hospitalization for emergencies, cancer care in emergencies, and medical repatriation.
• Formule Basic Plan: Provides CAD $683,000 (¥79,850,000) in annual coverage, including hospitalization, comprehensive cancer treatment, limited outpatient care, basic dental (CAD $683 (¥79,850)/year), and vision (CAD $205 (¥23,955) every two years).
• Essential Plan: Offers CAD $1,366,000 (¥159,700,000) in annual benefits with full hospitalization, enhanced outpatient care, maternity (up to CAD $4,098 (¥479,100)), enhanced dental (CAD $1,366 (¥159,700)/year), vision (CAD $342 (¥39,925) every two years), and partial private room coverage.
• Comfort Plan: Boosts benefits with full hospitalization, advanced cancer care, maternity care (up to CAD $8,196 (¥958,200)), higher outpatient and preventive care, dental care (CAD $2,732 (¥319,400)/year), vision care (CAD $683 (¥79,850) every two years), and full private room coverage.
• Premium Plan: Features top-tier coverage with advanced hospitalization, premium cancer care, maternity care (up to USD $16,392 (¥1,916,400)), the most generous dental (CAD $5,464 (¥638,800)/year) and vision (CAD $956 (¥111,790) every two years) benefits, plus full private room coverage.

Below is a detailed overview of April International’s MyHealth plans for expats, with benefits and coverage levels varying by tier.

Cigna Global

Cigna Global provides flexible insurance plans to expats in Japan with 24/7 access to a customer care team. Their plans are both customizable and comprehensive. Cigna has Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans with different levels of coverage and limits.

Cigna’s international health insurance is structured across multiple tiers:

• Silver Plan: Provides essential benefits, including inpatient and day patient care, palliative care, mental health support, emergency hospitalization outside your coverage area, and transplant services.
• Gold Plan: Expands coverage to include advanced imaging, rehabilitation, home nursing, obesity treatment, emergency treatments, and congenital conditions.
• Platinum Plan: The most comprehensive option, featuring extensive inpatient care, palliative care, parent/guardian hospital accommodation, transplant services, and complementary therapies such as acupuncture.

For those seeking coverage limited to Japan and their home country, the Close Care plan is a practical and cost-effective option.

IMG

IMG provides international health insurance plans for expats in Japan. They offer comprehensive policies and superior services to their members, like crisis support and preventative care. Their global medical plans come in Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum categories.

Bronze and Silver provide core hospital coverage with surgery and evacuation included, along with optional extras like dental, vision, or telemedicine for added flexibility. These plans give expats in Japan strong yet affordable protection abroad.

Gold builds further with lifetime evacuation cover, while Platinum introduces maternity and newborn benefits plus the highest coverage limits. Together, they deliver adaptable, long-term solutions for expats seeking reliable international health protection.

Why Use a Broker for Health Insurance in Japan

There are many benefits to employing an international health insurance broker, like Pacific Prime, to help you stay insured during your stay in Japan, whether they’re quoting and comparing plans from multiple providers to finding the plans that satisfy your medical needs and stay within your budget.

One of the key benefits of working with an international health insurance broker is that a broker represents the client, not the insurance companies. Through a broker, you can easily quote and compare different plans from multiple providers to find one that best suits your needs.

Insurance Brokers Handle Administrative Tasks

One of the benefits of working with an insurance broker is that there are fewer administrative tasks for you. Travelers and expats will have an easier time because the broker can correspond with insurers on their behalf, manage policy documentation, help process their claims, and more.

Insurance Brokers Offer Continuous Support

You remain a client of your selected insurance broker after you secure the policy. The broker will continue to assist you in renewing your plan, updating it, and filing claims. You’ll be able to reach out with questions and receive support from your insurance broker.

Insurance Brokers Offer Personalized Options and Market Insights

Insurance brokers are experts on policy options and market trends. You’ll be able to customize plans based on your budget and needs because an insurance broker will help you secure the best fit. 

Insurance Brokers Advocate and Mediate on Behalf of Policyholders

Your relationship with your broker means that the broker will support you and work to keep your loyalty. They also understand the terminology of insurance and can help mediate with insurance companies. You’ll have much more security with an advocate in your corner.

Find the Right Health Insurance with Pacific Prime

While the NHI offers basic medical coverage and access to public healthcare, it is highly recommended that expats secure their own private health insurance to cover the gaps in coverage. Finding the right plan for you can be a daunting task, and that is where Pacific Prime can help you!

Pacific Prime is a global insurance broker with over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry. Our insurance experts can help you filter through different insurance plans from our extensive list of insurance partners to help you find a plan that suits you.

Contact us today for impartial advice or an obligation-free quote!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is health insurance mandatory to live in Japan?

All residents staying in Japan for more than three months must enroll in either the National Health Insurance program or Shakai Hoken, which is the employee health insurance for all full-time workers in Japan. 

How does Japan’s healthcare system compare to Canada’s?

Japan’s healthcare is faster and more affordable than Canada’s, with fixed pricing and 70% coverage under national insurance. While both offer universal care, Japan’s system is more efficient, though language and cultural differences may challenge Canadian expats.

Are there English-speaking healthcare facilities in Japan?

Japan has English-speaking doctors and clinics, especially in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. These facilities often cater to expats and offer services such as multilingual staff, direct billing with international insurers, and online appointment booking.

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Vista Nip

Content Creator at Pacific Prime

Vista is a content creator at Pacific Prime. With over 8 years of writing experience for online platforms on various topics such as luxury lifestyle and digital entertainment. He enjoys diving into complex and otherwise confusing topics, and creating easy-to-understand content for the readers to help them navigate through the topic - something that’s perfectly aligned with Pacific Prime’s motto of ‘simplifying insurance’.

Born and raised in the cultural melting pot that is Hong Kong, and having studied at an international school, Vista has developed a multicultural perspective that he uses in his writing and strives to connect to people of different backgrounds.

In his free time, Vista enjoys immersing himself in different worlds, from video games to light novels and movies. His hobbies help him expand his writing style by putting himself in the point-of-view of different people and characters.

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