Treatment Costs and the High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit

"My doctor suggested surgery or SCS. What will it cost?" — that is a fair question, and you are entitled to a clear answer.

This page describes Japan's public health insurance system (公的医療保険), which covers everyone living in Japan, including foreign residents enrolled in National Health Insurance or an employer's plan. If you live outside Japan, the mechanisms and amounts will differ.

What You'll Learn

• How costs compare between conservative care and surgery or SCS (spinal cord stimulation)
• How the High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit (高額療養費制度) works, and what changed in August 2026 (through the second stage in August 2027)
• Four points specific to surgery and SCS: the cap is monthly, the frequent-user reduction, costs that fall outside the scheme, and future admissions
• The eligibility certificate to get before admission, and the My Number health insurance card
• Tax deductions, sickness allowance, long-term care insurance, and where to ask