Children's Healthcare in Japan for Foreign Parents (2025)
Japan has excellent pediatric healthcare, and children are often better covered than adults. Foreign children registered in Japan qualify for the same public health programs as Japanese children, including subsidized medical care and vaccinations. Health Insurance for Children Registration Children must be enrolled in Japanese public health insurance (国民健康保険 or 社会保険) at birth or upon arrival in Japan. Register at your city hall (市役所/区役所) within 14 days of birth or arrival Children receive their own 保険証 (hoken-sho) — insurance card Bring: parents’ insurance cards, child’s birth certificate (if applicable), My Number documents Children’s Medical Subsidy (乳幼児医療費助成) This is one of the best benefits for parents in Japan. Most municipalities provide free or heavily subsidized medical care for children: ...