Best Private Health Insurance for Foreigners in Japan (2025)

Japan’s national health insurance is genuinely excellent. But it doesn’t cover everything — and there are some real gaps that private insurance can fill, depending on your situation.

Here’s what you need to know.

Do You Actually Need Private Health Insurance?

Let’s be real: national health insurance already covers 70% of most medical costs. For a lot of people, that’s enough.

But private insurance is worth thinking about if:

• You want coverage for income during hospitalization (when you can’t work)
• You want a private hospital room (national insurance covers shared rooms only)
• You want dental coverage beyond basic treatments
• You travel internationally and need overseas medical coverage
• Your national insurance hasn’t kicked in yet (that gap period when you first arrive)

Best Private Health Insurance Options for Foreigners

1. Tokio Marine — Best Overall for Residents

Tokio Marine is one of Japan’s biggest insurers, and they have English support. Their plans cover the things national insurance leaves gaps in — hospitalization, surgery, and daily income replacement while you can’t work.

• From approximately ¥1,500–¥5,000/month depending on age and coverage

Best for: Long-term residents who want solid supplemental coverage on top of national insurance.

2. AXA Life Insurance Japan — Best International Coverage

If you travel regularly between Japan and your home country, AXA’s international coverage fills a real need. National insurance only covers you in Japan — AXA covers you overseas too.

• Good for people who travel frequently between Japan and home country
• Covers overseas medical treatment
• From approximately ¥2,000–¥8,000/month

Best for: People who regularly travel internationally and want coverage in multiple countries.

3. Aflac Japan — Best for Cancer Coverage

Aflac is huge in Japan — their cancer insurance products specifically are incredibly popular here. You get a lump-sum payment upon cancer diagnosis, which covers all kinds of costs that national insurance doesn’t touch (transportation, accommodations, non-covered treatments).

• Lump-sum payment upon cancer diagnosis
• Affordable monthly premiums from ¥1,000/month
• Japanese and English support

Best for: People with family history of cancer or who want specific illness coverage.

4. Allianz Care — Best for Expats (International Plan)

Allianz is designed specifically for expats who need truly global coverage. It’s more expensive than the other options, but it’s comprehensive — claims process in English, international coverage, the works.

• Global coverage including Japan
• English support, international claims process
• Higher cost: from ¥15,000–¥50,000/month

Best for: Expats on company assignment or those who need full global coverage.

What National Insurance Doesn’t Cover Well

How Much Should You Expect to Pay?

A basic supplemental plan costs ¥1,500–¥5,000/month for most working adults under 40. That’s on top of your national insurance premiums.

Do You Need Both?

For most people, yes — but the private piece doesn’t need to be expensive:

National Insurance (mandatory)
+ Small private plan (¥2,000–3,000/month)
= Very strong coverage at reasonable cost

National insurance handles the big 70% base. Private insurance fills in whatever gaps matter most to you specifically.

A Few Things to Check First

Start with national insurance. Get enrolled and understand what’s already covered before you add anything on top.

Check your employer’s group benefits. Many Japanese companies offer group insurance through HR. Check with them before buying individually — you might already have more coverage than you think.

Compare in English. Try comparison sites like 保険市場 (hokende.com) — some have English support. Or find a bilingual insurance broker who can walk you through options.

Summary

For most foreigners working in Japan, national insurance plus one affordable supplemental plan is the sweet spot. You get strong coverage without overpaying.