The Japanese healthcare system is based on the principal of universal, national health care for virtually all citizens. This system, established in 1961, has helped people obtain medical treatment anywhere in Japan. It is also credited with helping Japanachieve the longest life expectancy in the world.  The life expectancy as of 2003 of people living in the Japan is 80.9 and the 2003 infant mortality rate is 3.3 per 1,000 live births.

Although Japan has a system of universal health coverage,  individuals may receive coverage quite differently. Under this system, Japanese are required to join the health insurance plan for which they qualify, depending on their status. Farmers and the self-employed, for example, must join the health insurance plans which are managed by their local government, while salaried workers at small companies are in the central government-managed insurance plan. It can be divided into two broad categories: National Health Insurance and Employees’ Health Insurance. Membership in either program is compulsory.

Premiums are based on monthly salary and half is paid by the employer, half by the employee. The average contribution is around 4% of the person’s salary. Those covered under Employee Health Insurance pay 20% of their medical costs when hospitalized and 30% of the costs for out-patient care. Co-payments may also be required for prescription drugs. Costs are shared by the patients up to a certain ceiling, after which they receive full coverage. In case of long-term illness, the patients or the patients’ spouse receive an allowance based on their salary; in case of death, an allowance for the funeral is also paid.

Hospitals (Operators speak English)
International Medical Center of Japan
1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo 162-8655
(03) 3202-7181
www.imcj.go.jp/imcjhome.htm

Sanno Hospital
8-10-16 Akasaka, Minato-ku
Tokyo 107-0052
(03) 3402-2187
www.sannoclc.or.jp

St. Luke’s International Hospital
9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku
Tokyo 104-8560
(03) 3541-5151
www.luke.or.jp

Tokyo Adventist Hospital (Tokyo Eisei Byoin)
3-17-3 Amanuma, Suginami-ku
Tokyo 167-8507
(03) 3392-6151
www.tokyoeisei.com

American Pharmacy
Maru Bldg. B1F
2-4-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100-6390
(03) 5220-7716

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