Are You Misunderstanding the High-Cost Medical Expense System?A Clear Explanation of Why a 300,000-Yen Hospital Bill May Not Be Reimbursed and Which Costs Are Excluded
Japan’s healthcare system is known for its strong public coverage, but even within that system, some medical expenses are completely self-funded. Under the High-Cost Medical Expense System, only treatments under national health insurance qualify for reimbursement. This means that private rooms, advanced medical procedures, or comfort-related services can leave you with large bills that the system won’t cover. Understanding these distinctions can help you avoid costly surprises during hospitalization.