Treatment Costs and the High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit
Avoiding Overpayment at the Counter
The eligibility certificate (限度額適用認定証) — before admission
Get a limit-application eligibility certificate from your insurer in advance and show it at the hospital counter; your payment is then capped from the start.
| Your insurance | Where to apply |
|---|---|
| Japan Health Insurance Association (協会けんぽ) | your prefectural branch (by post is fine) |
| Employer health insurance society (健康保険組合) | your employer's society |
| National Health Insurance (国民健康保険) | your municipal office |
| Late-stage elderly medical care (後期高齢者医療制度) | your municipal office |
The My Number health insurance card
Using your My Number card as your insurance card gives the same treatment at most hospitals without a paper certificate. A few facilities do not support it, so check once your admission date is set.
Applying afterwards
You can also pay in full and apply to your insurer for a refund. The refund typically takes two to three months.