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健康保険

B1 noun #3,000 most common 16 min read

健康保険

kenkou hoken Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 健康保険 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 健康保険 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'Kenkō Hoken' means 'Health Insurance' and it is something very important in Japan. You will mostly use it with the word 'card' (Hokenshō). You should learn the phrase 'Hokenshō o misete kudasai' (Please show your insurance card), as this is what a receptionist will say to you. You don't need to know how the system works yet, just that you have a card that makes the doctor cheaper. Think of it as a 'magic card' for the hospital. At this stage, you might confuse it with 'Hoken' (insurance), and that's okay. Just remember that when you go to the hospital, you need your 'Hokenshō'. You should also know the word 'Byōin' (hospital) often goes with it.

At the A2 level, you should be able to say whether you have health insurance or not. You can use simple sentences like 'Kenkō hoken ni haitte imasu' (I am in health insurance). You should also know that there are monthly payments called 'Hokenryō'. You might start to notice the difference between 'Kenkō Hoken' (the system) and 'Hokenshō' (the card). You should be able to ask a simple question like 'Hoken wa kiku desu ka?' (Does the insurance work/cover this?). This is useful when buying medicine or seeing a dentist. You are starting to understand that insurance is a requirement for living in Japan and that it involves some paperwork when you move or change jobs.

At the B1 level, you should understand the two main types of insurance: Social Insurance (Shakai Hoken) and National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenkō Hoken). You should be able to explain your situation, such as 'I changed jobs, so I need to switch my insurance.' You can handle more complex interactions at the ward office, like asking why your premiums increased or requesting a new card if you lost yours. You should understand the concept of '30% co-pay' (san-wari futan) and be able to discuss what is covered (hoken-nai) versus what is not (hoken-gai). You can also read simple pay stubs and recognize the deduction for 'Kenkō Hoken'. This level is about functional independence in the healthcare system.

At the B2 level, you can discuss the pros and cons of the Japanese health insurance system. You might talk about the 'aging society' (shōkai kōreika) and how it affects insurance premiums. You understand more technical terms like 'Hifuyōsha' (dependent) and 'Nin'i keizoku' (voluntary continuation). You can read and understand official letters from the insurance association or the city hall regarding policy changes. If a medical bill is very high, you know how to apply for 'Kōgaku Iryō-hi Seido' (High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit). You can also compare Japanese health insurance with the system in your home country using appropriate vocabulary and grammar.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the legal and economic aspects of 'Kenkō Hoken'. You can participate in professional discussions about healthcare policy, insurance reform, and the financial sustainability of the National Health Insurance system. You are comfortable with the 'Health Insurance Act' (Kenkō Hoken Hō) and can navigate complex legal disputes or administrative appeals related to insurance claims. You can use formal registers (Keigo) perfectly when dealing with high-level officials or medical directors. You understand the nuances of different insurance associations (Kumiai) and how their financial health impacts employee benefits. You can read academic papers or government white papers on the topic.

At the C2 level, your understanding of 'Kenkō Hoken' is indistinguishable from a native professional in the field. You can provide expert advice on insurance matters, interpret complex legislative changes, and perhaps even work within the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). You can use the term in highly abstract or metaphorical ways if necessary. You understand the historical evolution of the system from the early 20th century to the present day. You can debate the ethical implications of the insurance system's structure and its impact on social equity. You are fully proficient in all technical jargon, including rare administrative terms and historical precursors to the current system.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

健康保険 in 30 Seconds

Mandatory health insurance system in Japan covering medical costs.
Required for all residents, including students and foreign workers.
Reduces medical bills to typically 30% of the total cost.
Requires showing an insurance card (Hokenshō) at every visit.

The term 健康保険 (Kenkō Hoken) is a cornerstone of daily life in Japan, representing the comprehensive social security system that ensures every resident has access to medical care. In English, it translates directly to health insurance. However, its cultural and systemic weight in Japan is significant because the country operates under a 'Universal Health Insurance' (国民皆保険 - Kokumin Kaihoken) system established in 1961. This means that whether you are an employee, a freelancer, a student, or a retiree, you are legally required to be part of a health insurance program. The word is most frequently encountered when visiting a clinic, starting a new job, or dealing with administrative tasks at a local ward office. It is not just a financial product but a social contract that guarantees that medical costs remain affordable for the entire population.

Common Usage: Used when discussing monthly premiums (保険料 - hokenryō), showing your insurance card (保険証 - hokenshō) at the hospital, or comparing benefit packages during a job interview.

日本では、すべての住民が健康保険に加入しなければなりません。 (In Japan, all residents must join health insurance.)

The concept of health insurance in Japan is divided into two primary types: Social Insurance (社会保険 - Shakai Hoken), which is for company employees, and National Health Insurance (国民健康保険 - Kokumin Kenkō Hoken), which covers the self-employed, unemployed, and retirees. When people say 'Kenkō Hoken' in a general sense, they might be referring to either, but in a strict legal context, 'Kenkō Hoken' often refers specifically to the employee-based system (Kumiai Hoken or Kyōkai Kenpō). For a learner, understanding this distinction is vital because the way you pay your premiums changes depending on which system you belong to. Employees have premiums deducted from their salary, while those on the national plan receive bills in the mail. This term is also synonymous with the 'safety net' that allows people to visit a doctor for a minor cold without worrying about a massive bill, as the standard co-payment is only 30% of the total cost.

Financial Context: The 'Hoken' part of the word implies protection and preparation. It is a shared pool of resources where the healthy support the sick, reflecting the Japanese cultural emphasis on collective responsibility and social harmony (Wa).

Beyond the clinical setting, 'Kenkō Hoken' appears in political debates regarding the aging population and rising medical costs. As the 'silver society' grows, the sustainability of the health insurance system is a frequent topic in news broadcasts (ニュース) and newspapers (新聞). Therefore, reaching a B1 level of proficiency requires not just knowing the word but understanding its implications for society. You will hear it in phrases like 'Hoken ga kiku' (the insurance covers it) or 'Hoken-gai' (not covered by insurance). This distinction is crucial for expensive treatments like certain dental procedures or advanced cancer therapies which might not be covered by the standard national plan. Understanding these nuances helps a speaker navigate the complexities of living in Japan long-term.

この治療は健康保険が適用されますか？ (Is this treatment covered by health insurance?)

Administrative Role: The health insurance system is also linked to the 'My Number' card system in recent years, aiming to digitize health records and insurance verification. This is a current and evolving aspect of the 'Kenkō Hoken' landscape.

In summary, 'Kenkō Hoken' is an essential term for anyone living in or studying about Japan. It bridges the gap between basic vocabulary and functional social knowledge. From the moment you receive your first 'Hokenshō' to the time you pay your first medical bill, the reality of this system will be present. It represents security, bureaucratic process, and the collective values of Japanese society. Mastering its use involves knowing the verbs that accompany it, the different types of insurance available, and the cultural expectations of being an insured member of society. Whether you are discussing employment benefits or navigating a health crisis, 'Kenkō Hoken' is the key phrase that unlocks the support you need.

Using 健康保険 (Kenkō Hoken) correctly involves pairing it with specific verbs and particles that define your relationship with the insurance system. The most basic and frequent construction is 健康保険に入る (Kenkō hoken ni hairu), which means 'to join' or 'to enroll in' health insurance. Note the use of the particle に to indicate the system you are entering. When you are already a member, you use 健康保険に入っている (Kenkō hoken ni haitte iru). This is a common question during administrative check-ins or when applying for services that require proof of residency and stability. Another essential verb is 適用される (tekiyō sareru), meaning 'to be applied' or 'to cover'. For example, 'Kono chiryō wa hoken ga tekiyō saremasu' (This treatment is covered by insurance). This is the formal way to ask about coverage at a hospital or pharmacy.

Grammar: Verb Pairings: 1. 加入する (Kanyū suru) - To join (Formal)
2. 提示する (Teiji suru) - To present/show (Your card)
3. 支払う (Shiharau) - To pay (Premiums)

新しい会社で健康保険の手続きをしました。 (I completed the procedures for health insurance at my new company.)

When discussing the physical card, the term usually shortens to 保険証 (Hokenshō), but the full context is always 健康保険被保険者証 (Kenkō hoken hihokensha shō). In casual conversation, you might hear 保険が効く (Hoken ga kiku), which literally means 'the insurance works' or 'it's effective'. This is a very common way to say 'it's covered'. Conversely, if something is expensive because it's a specialized treatment, you might say 保険が効かない (Hoken ga kikanai). Understanding these levels of formality—from the stiff 'tekiyō' to the conversational 'kiku'—is a hallmark of a B1-B2 learner. Additionally, when you lose your job or change your status, you must 'switch' insurance, which is 切り替える (kirikaeru). For instance, 'Shakai hoken kara kokumin kenkō hoken ni kirikaeru' (Switching from social insurance to national health insurance).

Sentence Structure: [Subject] + は + 健康保険 + [Particle] + [Verb].
Example: 私は健康保険を持っています。(I have health insurance.)

In more complex scenarios, you might discuss 健康保険組合 (Kenkō hoken kumiai), which are the insurance associations managed by large corporations. If you work for a company like Toyota or Sony, you aren't just in 'health insurance', you are in the 'Toyota Health Insurance Association'. This affects the specific benefits and extra perks you might receive, such as discounted gym memberships or resort stays. In such cases, the sentence might look like: 'Uchi no kenkō hoken kumiai wa fukuri kōsei ga ii' (Our health insurance association has good welfare benefits). This shows how the term expands from a basic necessity into a component of one's employment identity. Furthermore, the premiums are called 保険料 (hokenryō), and discussing their increase is a common 'small talk' topic among adults: 'Mata hokenryō ga agatta ne' (The insurance premiums went up again, didn't they?).

退職したので、健康保険を任意継続することにしました。 (Since I retired/quit, I decided to voluntarily continue my health insurance.)

Common Collocations: - 健康保険証 (Health insurance card)
- 健康保険料 (Health insurance premium)
- 健康保険法 (Health Insurance Act)

Finally, it's important to recognize the word in written forms such as pay stubs (給与明細 - kyūyo meisai). You will see a deduction line for '健康保険'. Understanding this written form is crucial for financial literacy in Japan. If you see '健康保険料' followed by a large number, that is the amount being taken out of your paycheck to support the national system. In formal writing, such as contracts or legal documents, '健康保険' is often used as a compound noun with other terms, requiring a high level of reading comprehension. For example, '健康保険被扶養者' (Kenkō hoken hifuyōsha) refers to a dependent on someone else's insurance. This might sound like a mouthful, but breaking it down into 'Health Insurance' + 'Dependent' makes it manageable. By mastering these sentence patterns and variations, you move from a basic understanding to a functional ability to manage your life and health in a Japanese-speaking environment.

The most common place you will hear 健康保険 (Kenkō Hoken) is at the reception desk (受付 - uketsuke) of any medical facility in Japan. Whether it's a massive university hospital or a tiny neighborhood dental clinic, the first words out of the receptionist's mouth to a new patient are usually: 'Hokenshō wa o-mochi desu ka?' (Do you have your insurance card?). Here, 'Kenkō Hoken' is implied through its physical manifestation, the card. If you are a recurring patient, they might say: 'Tsuki ga kawarimashita node, hokenshō no kakunin o onegaishimasu' (Since the month has changed, please let us verify your insurance card). This monthly check is a standard procedure in the Japanese medical system to ensure that your coverage is still active and that the clinic can bill the government correctly.

Location: Medical Institutions: Hospitals (病院), Clinics (診療所), Pharmacies (薬局), and Dentists (歯科医院).

「初めてですので、健康保険証を見せていただけますか？」 (Since it is your first time, could you please show me your health insurance card?)

Another major hub for this word is the City Hall or Ward Office (市役所/区役所 - Shiyakusho/Kuyakusho). If you are not employed by a company that provides insurance, you must go to the 'Kokumin Kenkō Hoken' window to register. You will hear staff explaining the calculation of your premiums based on your previous year's income. Phrases like 'Hokenryō no genten' (reduction of premiums) or 'Kanyū tetsuzuki' (enrollment procedures) are common here. For foreign residents, this is often one of the first bureaucratic hurdles they face. The staff will use 'Kenkō Hoken' repeatedly while explaining your obligations and benefits. It is also the place where you go if you lose your card and need a replacement (saikōfu).

Location: Administrative Offices: Ward Offices (区役所), Pension Offices (年金事務所), and Human Resources Departments (人事部).

In the corporate world, Human Resources (HR - 人事) is where 'Kenkō Hoken' is discussed most frequently. During the onboarding process, HR will ask for your previous insurance details to ensure a smooth transition. They might say: 'Kenkō hoken no kirikae ni isshūkan hodo kakarimasu' (The switch for your health insurance will take about a week). If you have a family, you will hear discussions about 'Fuyō' (dependents). HR might ask: 'Go-kazoku o kenkō hoken no fuyō ni iremasu ka?' (Will you put your family members as dependents on your health insurance?). This is a vital question for financial planning, as it allows family members with low or no income to be covered under your plan without paying extra premiums.

「健康保険料は、毎月の給与から天引きされます。」 (Health insurance premiums are deducted from your monthly salary.)

Location: Media & News: TV News (ニュース番組), Financial Magazines (経済誌), and Government Bulletins (広報誌).

Finally, you will encounter this word in everyday conversations between friends or colleagues, particularly when someone is sick or injured. A friend might ask: 'Hoken wa kiku no?' (Is it covered by insurance?) when you mention an expensive treatment. Or a colleague might complain about the 'Hokenryō' (premiums) being high this year. In these contexts, 'Kenkō Hoken' is a shared reality of adulthood in Japan. It is the invisible safety net that everyone pays into and everyone expects to use. Hearing it in these various settings—from the formal atmosphere of a hospital to the casual chatter of a coffee shop—highlights its ubiquity. It is a word that connects the individual's health to the nation's economy and social structure, making it one of the most 'real-world' terms a student of Japanese can learn.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 健康保険 (Kenkō Hoken) is confusing it with the general word for 'insurance', which is simply 保険 (Hoken). While 'Hoken' can refer to health insurance, it is also used for car, life, and fire insurance. If you are at a hospital and just say 'Hoken', it's usually fine, but in a broader context, you should specify 'Kenkō Hoken' to avoid ambiguity. Another common error is the confusion between the system and the card. Many learners say 'Kenkō hoken o wasuremashita' (I forgot my health insurance), but what they actually mean is 'Hokenshō o wasuremashita' (I forgot my insurance card). You can't 'forget' the system, only the physical proof of your enrollment.

Mistake 1: Terminology Confusion: Confusing 'Kenkō Hoken' (Health Insurance) with 'Iryō-hi' (Medical Expenses).
Wrong: 健康保険が高いです。(The insurance is expensive - when meaning the bill at the hospital.)
Right: 医療費が高いです。(The medical expenses are high.)

❌ 病院で健康保険を出しました。
✅ 病院で健康保険証を出しました。

A more subtle mistake involves the particles used with the verb 'to join'. English speakers often want to say 'Kenkō hoken o kanyū suru' because 'join' feels like a transitive action. However, the correct particle is almost always に: 'Kenkō hoken に kanyū suru'. This reflects the idea of entering into a state or a group. Similarly, when talking about coverage, learners sometimes use 'cover' directly (カバーする), but in a medical context, 適用される (tekiyō sareru) or 対象になる (taishō ni naru) are the natural choices. Using 'kabā suru' sounds like a direct translation from English and can feel unnatural to native ears. Understanding that 'insurance' in Japanese is something you 'enter' (hairu) or 'apply' (tekiyō) is key to sounding like a natural speaker.

Mistake 2: Particle Usage: Using 'o' instead of 'ni' with 'hairu' or 'kanyū'.
Correct: 健康保険に入ります。(I will join health insurance.)

Another area of confusion is the distinction between 'Shakai Hoken' and 'Kokumin Kenkō Hoken'. Many foreigners assume all health insurance is the same, but they are separate entities with different rules. If you tell a ward office clerk you have 'Kenkō Hoken' when you actually have 'Shakai Hoken' through your company, it might lead to a misunderstanding where they try to sign you up for the national plan again, leading to double billing. It is important to know which specific type you have. Additionally, the word Hoken-kin (insurance money) is often misused. 'Hoken-kin' refers to a payout you receive (like from life insurance after a death), whereas the monthly fee you pay is Hoken-ryō. Confusing these two can make financial conversations very confusing.

❌ 健康保険金を払いました。
✅ 健康保険料を払いました。

Mistake 3: Over-reliance on English Logic: Trying to say 'my insurance pays for it'. In Japanese, it's more common to say 'it is covered' (hoken ga kiku) or 'the cost is 30%' (san-wari futan).

Lastly, learners often struggle with the word Fuyō (dependency). They might try to say 'My wife is in my insurance' using 'iru' or 'haitte iru'. While understandable, the correct professional way to express this is 'Tsumu o fuyō ni ireru' (To put my wife in dependency). This is a specific bureaucratic term. Avoiding these common pitfalls—terminological confusion, incorrect particles, and direct translations—will significantly improve your fluency and accuracy when discussing health and finance in Japan. Remember that 'Kenkō Hoken' is a precise term in a very precise system, and using the right words for the right parts of that system is essential.

While 健康保険 (Kenkō Hoken) is the general term, several related words describe specific parts of the healthcare landscape. The most important distinction to understand is between 社会保険 (Shakai Hoken) and 国民健康保険 (Kokumin Kenkō Hoken). 'Shakai Hoken' is a broad term for 'Social Insurance,' which includes not just health insurance but also the employees' pension and nursing care insurance. If you work for a medium-to-large company, you are likely enrolled in Shakai Hoken. On the other hand, 'Kokumin Kenkō Hoken' (often shortened to Koku-ho) is the 'National Health Insurance' for those not covered by a company plan. Knowing these two allows you to navigate the Japanese bureaucracy much more effectively.

Comparison: Shakai vs. Kokumin: 社会保険: Managed by employers; premiums are split 50/50 between employer and employee.
国民健康保険: Managed by the municipality; the individual pays the full premium amount calculated by the city.

フリーランスになったので、国民健康保険に切り替えました。 (I became a freelancer, so I switched to National Health Insurance.)

Another term you might encounter is 共済保険 (Kyōsai Hoken), which is 'Mutual Aid Insurance' specifically for public servants, such as teachers or government officials. While the benefits are similar to 'Shakai Hoken', the administration and some perks differ. Then there is 任意継続 (Nin'i Keizoku), which means 'Voluntary Continued Enrollment'. This is a special status where you can stay on your company's health insurance for up to two years after quitting, provided you pay the full premium yourself. This is an alternative to switching immediately to the national plan and is often used by people who want to keep the specific benefits of their former employer's insurance association.

Terms for Coverage: - 医療保険 (Iryō Hoken): Medical Insurance (Often used for private plans).
- 介護保険 (Kaigo Hoken): Nursing Care Insurance (Mandatory for those over 40).
- 労災保険 (Rōsai Hoken): Workers' Accident Compensation Insurance.

For those over 75 years old, the system changes to 後期高齢者医療制度 (Kōki Kōreisha Iryō Seido), or the 'Medical Care System for the Advanced Elderly'. This is a separate pool designed to manage the higher medical needs of the elderly. While a younger person wouldn't use this for themselves, they might hear it when discussing their parents' or grandparents' care. In the context of the card itself, besides Hokenshō, you might see My Number Card (マイナンバーカード) being used as an alternative. The government is currently phasing out traditional paper/plastic cards in favor of integrating insurance data into the national ID card. This transition is a hot topic and knowing both terms is essential for modern life in Japan.

「医療保険」は民間の保険を指すことが多いです。 ("Iryō Hoken" often refers to private insurance.)

Shortened Forms: - 国保 (Koku-ho): Short for 国民健康保険.
- 社保 (Sha-ho): Short for 社会保険.
- 健保 (Ken-po): Short for 健康保険 (usually referring to the association).

Understanding these alternatives ensures you don't just know 'one word' for insurance but can actually participate in a nuanced conversation about life, work, and aging in Japan. Whether you are comparing 'Sha-ho' and 'Koku-ho' or deciding whether to get private 'Iryō Hoken' to supplement your mandatory 'Kenkō Hoken', these distinctions are the key to making informed decisions and communicating them clearly in Japanese. The vocabulary of insurance is the vocabulary of security, and mastering it is a significant step in your Japanese language journey.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The modern 'Hoken' (保険) kanji literally mean 'protect' and 'guarantee'. Before this, people used local mutual aid societies called 'Kō' (講).

Pronunciation Guide

UK kɛŋkoː hoʊkɛn

US kɛŋkoʊ hoʊkɛn

Flat pitch accent (Heiban), but slightly drops after 'ken'.

Rhymes With

Sengen (Declaration) Ningen (Human) Kengen (Authority) Boken (Adventure) Shoken (Impression) Token (Sword) Hoken (Feudalism - homophone warning!) Joken (Condition)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'Ken' like English 'Ken' (it should be more like 'k-eh-n').
Shortening the long 'o' in 'Kenkō'.
Pronouncing 'Hoken' as 'Hoh-ken' with too much emphasis on the 'H'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Kanji are common but the compound terms can be long and intimidating.

Writing 4/5

Writing 'Kenkō' (健康) requires practice for the strokes.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward with no difficult clusters.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable in medical and office contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

健康保険病院払う入る

Learn Next

医療費診察処方箋所得税金

Advanced

診療報酬高額療養費任意継続被扶養者賦課基準

Grammar to Know

Particle 'ni' for joining systems

健康保険に入ります。

Passive voice for coverage

この治療は保険が適用されます。

Compound nouns without 'no'

健康保険証 (Not 健康保険の証)

Causative 'ireru' for dependents

子供を保険に入れます。

Potential form for ability to use

ここでは保険が使えます。

Examples by Level

健康保険証はありますか？

Do you have your health insurance card?

Uses the polite 'arimasu ka' for possession.

はい、健康保険証です。

Yes, here is my health insurance card.

Simple 'noun + desu' structure.

健康保険は大切です。

Health insurance is important.

Topic marker 'wa' with adjective 'taisetsu'.

病院で健康保険を使います。

I use health insurance at the hospital.

Particle 'de' for location and 'o' for object.

これは私の健康保険証です。

This is my health insurance card.

Possessive 'no' between 'watashi' and the noun.

健康保険に入ります。

I will join health insurance.

Particle 'ni' indicates entering a system.

保険証を忘れました。

I forgot my insurance card.

Past tense of 'wasureru'.

健康保険料を払います。

I pay the health insurance premium.

Compound noun 'Kenkō Hokenryō'.

健康保険に入っていますか？

Are you enrolled in health insurance?

State of being '-te iru'.

毎月、健康保険料を払っています。

I pay health insurance premiums every month.

Adverb 'maitsuki' with continuous action.

健康保険証をなくしました。どうすればいいですか？

I lost my insurance card. What should I do?

'-te mo ii desu ka' or 'dō sureba ii desu ka' for advice.

この歯医者は健康保険が効きますか？

Does this dentist take health insurance?

Idiomatic use of 'kiku' (to work/be effective).

新しい健康保険証が届きました。

The new health insurance card arrived.

Intransitive verb 'todoku'.

健康保険の手続きはどこでしますか？

Where do I do the health insurance procedures?

Question word 'doko' with particle 'de'.

会社を辞めたので、健康保険を切り替えます。

I quit my company, so I will switch my health insurance.

Reasoning particle 'node'.

健康保険のおかげで、安くなりました。

Thanks to health insurance, it became cheap.

'O-kage de' for positive results.

国民健康保険の保険料は、前年の所得で決まります。

National Health Insurance premiums are determined by the previous year's income.

Passive form 'kimarimasu'.

社会保険と健康保険の違いを教えてください。

Please tell me the difference between social insurance and health insurance.

'A to B no chigai' structure.

健康保険が適用される治療を選びたいです。

I want to choose a treatment that is covered by health insurance.

Relative clause 'tekiyō sareru chiryō'.

保険証の再交付には、身分証明書が必要です。

To have the insurance card reissued, an ID is required.

Noun 'saikōfu' (reissuance).

健康保険組合から高額療養費の通知が来ました。

I received a notice about high-cost medical expense benefits from the health insurance association.

Compound noun 'Kōgaku ryōyō-hi'.

妻を健康保険の扶養に入れたいのですが。

I would like to put my wife as a dependent on my health insurance.

Using '...n desu ga' to introduce a request.

退職後も、今の健康保険を任意継続できます。

You can voluntarily continue your current health insurance even after retiring.

Potential form 'dekimasu'.

健康保険料が給与から天引きされています。

Health insurance premiums are being deducted from my salary.

Passive '-te imasu' for a current state.

少子高齢化の影響で、健康保険制度の維持が難しくなっています。

Due to the declining birthrate and aging population, maintaining the health insurance system is becoming difficult.

Noun 'iji' (maintenance).

健康保険法が改正され、一部の負担額が変わりました。

The Health Insurance Act was revised, and some co-payment amounts changed.

Passive 'kaisei sare'.

海外での急な病気も、健康保険で一部払い戻しが受けられます。

You can receive a partial refund from health insurance for sudden illnesses abroad.

Potential 'ukerareru'.

健康保険組合独自の付加給付について調べてみました。

I looked into the additional benefits unique to our health insurance association.

Compound 'fuka kyūfu' (additional benefits).

マイナンバーカードを健康保険証として利用する登録をしました。

I registered to use my My Number card as a health insurance card.

'...to shite' (as...).

健康保険の適用外となる自由診療は非常に高価です。

Uninsured medical treatments that fall outside health insurance coverage are very expensive.

'Tekiyō-gai' (outside coverage).

健康保険料の算出根拠について、市役所に問い合わせました。

I inquired at the city hall about the basis for calculating my health insurance premiums.

Noun 'sanshutsu konkyo' (calculation basis).

被保険者の資格を喪失した場合は、速やかに保険証を返却してください。

If you lose your status as an insured person, please return your insurance card promptly.

Formal 'sokusaya ni' (promptly).

国民皆保険制度は、日本の社会保障の根幹を成しています。

The universal health insurance system forms the backbone of Japan's social security.

Formal 'konkan o nasu' (form the core).

健康保険財政の逼迫は、喫緊の課題となっています。

The strain on health insurance finances has become an urgent issue.

Technical term 'hippaku' (strain/tightness).

診療報酬の改定が、健康保険の運営に与える影響は大きいです。

The revision of medical fees has a significant impact on the operation of health insurance.

'...ni ataeru eikyō' (impact on...).

健保組合の合併により、保険料率の見直しが行われました。

Due to the merger of health insurance associations, the premium rates were reviewed.

Compound 'hoken ryōritsu' (premium rate).

健康保険被保険者証の不正利用は、法律で厳しく罰せられます。

Fraudulent use of a health insurance card is severely punished by law.

Passive 'basuseraremasu'.

混合診療の解禁を巡る議論は、健康保険制度のあり方を問うています。

The debate over lifting the ban on mixed medical care questions the nature of the health insurance system.

'...o meguru' (surrounding...).

健康保険制度の持続可能性を確保するためには、構造的な改革が不可避です。

In order to ensure the sustainability of the health insurance system, structural reforms are inevitable.

Formal 'fukahi' (inevitable).

被扶養者の認定基準が厳格化されたことにより、手続きが煩雑になった。

Procedures have become complicated due to the tightening of criteria for certifying dependents.

Noun 'genkakuka' (tightening/stricter enforcement).

健康保険法第一条は、国民の生活の安定と福祉の向上を目的として掲げている。

Article 1 of the Health Insurance Act sets the stability of citizens' lives and the improvement of welfare as its goals.

Formal 'kakagete iru' (to state/uphold).

レセプト点検の自動化は、健康保険運営の効率化に大きく寄与している。

The automation of medical claim (receipt) checks contributes significantly to the efficiency of health insurance management.

Technical term 'reseputo' (medical claim).

現行の健康保険制度における不合理な格差を是正すべきとの声が上がっている。

Voices are rising that unreasonable disparities in the current health insurance system should be corrected.

Formal 'zesei' (correction).

健康保険の賦課限度額の引き上げは、高所得層への負担増を意味する。

Raising the maximum assessment limit for health insurance means an increased burden on high-income earners.

Technical term 'fuka gendogaku'.

医療技術の高度化に伴い、健康保険の適用範囲をどう定めるかは難題である。

With the advancement of medical technology, how to define the scope of health insurance coverage is a difficult problem.

'...ni tomonai' (accompanying...).

健康保険組合の解散が相次ぐ中、広域連合による受け皿作りが進められている。

Amid a series of dissolutions of health insurance associations, the creation of a safety net by wide-area unions is underway.

Technical term 'ukezara' (safety net/receptacle).

健康保険制度における自己負担割合の多段階化は、公平性の観点から検討されている。

The multi-stage implementation of co-payment ratios in the health insurance system is being considered from the perspective of fairness.

Noun 'kanten' (perspective).

健康保険の給付効率を最大化するため、データヘルス計画の推進が求められている。

In order to maximize the efficiency of health insurance benefits, the promotion of Data Health Plans is required.

Technical term 'kyūfu kōritsu' (benefit efficiency).

Synonyms

社会保険国民健康保険健保公的保険医療保険共済保険被保険者証皆保険

Antonyms

自費診療自由診療無保険全額負担

Common Collocations

健康保険に入る

健康保険証

健康保険料

健康保険が適用される

健康保険組合

健康保険に加入する

健康保険を切り替える

健康保険の扶養

健康保険が効く

健康保険制度

Common Phrases

保険証を提示する

— To present your insurance card. Used at hospital receptions.

受付で保険証を提示してください。

三割負担

— 30% co-payment. The standard amount you pay with insurance.

健康保険があるので、三割負担で済みます。

保険診療

— Medical treatment covered by insurance. Standard care.

基本的には保険診療の範囲内でお願いします。

保険外

— Outside of insurance. Refers to expensive, uncovered treatments.

その検査は保険外になります。

任意継続

— Voluntarily continuing insurance after leaving a job.

退職後、二年間は任意継続が可能です。

被保険者

— The insured person. The person who holds the policy.

被保険者の氏名を確認します。

被扶養者

— A dependent. Family members covered under one's plan.

子供を被扶養者として登録する。

給与天引き

— Deduction from salary. How premiums are usually paid.

健康保険料は給与天引きです。

高額療養費制度

— System for high-cost medical expenses that caps your monthly pay.

手術代が高かったので、高額療養費制度を利用した。

保険証の再発行

— Reissuing an insurance card if lost or damaged.

紛失したので保険証の再発行を申請した。

Often Confused With

健康保険 vs 生命保険 (Seimei Hoken)

Life insurance. This pays out if you die; Kenkō Hoken pays for your doctor bills while alive.

健康保険 vs 雇用保険 (Koyō Hoken)

Unemployment insurance. This helps you if you lose your job, not when you are sick.

健康保険 vs 医療費 (Iryō-hi)

Medical expenses. This is the money you pay, while Kenkō Hoken is the system that reduces that money.

Idioms & Expressions

"保険をかける"

— Literally 'to buy insurance', but figuratively 'to have a backup plan'.

失敗したときのために、保険をかけておく。

Metaphorical

"三度のご飯より健康保険"

— A humorous way to say health insurance is more vital than food.

今の時代、三度のご飯より健康保険が大事だ。

Humorous

"保険がきかない"

— Literally 'not covered', but can mean something is risky or unprotected.

その発言は、もう保険がきかないよ（もう助けられないよ）。

Casual

"懐が痛む"

— To feel the pinch in one's wallet. Often used regarding high premiums.

健康保険料が上がって、懐が痛む。

Idiomatic

"お守り代わり"

— Using something as a lucky charm. People say this about carrying their card.

保険証はお守り代わりにいつも持っています。

Casual

"命の綱"

— Lifeline. Used to describe the insurance system for the poor.

健康保険は、多くの国民にとって命の綱です。

Literary

"高嶺の花"

— Something out of reach. Used for medical treatments not covered by insurance.

最先端の自由診療は、私には高嶺の花だ。

Idiomatic

"一寸先は闇"

— The future is unpredictable. Reason why one needs insurance.

一寸先は闇だから、健康保険には必ず入るべきだ。

Proverb

"備えあれば憂いなし"

— If you are prepared, you have no worries.

健康保険に入っていれば、備えあれば憂いなしだ。

Proverb

"身を削る"

— To sacrifice oneself. Used when premiums are too high for one's income.

身を削って健康保険料を払っている。

Idiomatic

Easily Confused

健康保険 vs 保険金 (Hoken-kin)

Both involve money and insurance.

Hoken-kin is the payout you receive. Hoken-ryō is the premium you pay.

保険料を払って、入院したときに保険金をもらう。

健康保険 vs 社会保険 (Shakai Hoken)

Often used interchangeably with health insurance.

Shakai Hoken is a bundle that includes health insurance, pension, and more.

私の会社は社会保険があります。

健康保険 vs 国民健康保険 (Kokumin Kenkō Hoken)

It's a type of health insurance.

It's specifically for people not in a company plan.

市役所で国保に入った。

健康保険 vs 介護保険 (Kaigo Hoken)

Both are mandatory health-related insurances.

Kaigo Hoken is specifically for nursing care for the elderly (starts at age 40).

40歳から介護保険料も払う。

健康保険 vs 労災保険 (Rōsai Hoken)

Covers health issues at work.

Rōsai is for work-related injuries only and is paid 100% by the employer.

仕事中の怪我は労災保険を使う。

Sentence Patterns

健康保険証を[verb]。

健康保険証を出してください。

健康保険に[verb]。

健康保険に入っています。

[Noun]は健康保険が[verb]。

この薬は健康保険が効きますか？

健康保険の[noun]をする。

健康保険の手続きをする。

健康保険が[passive verb]。

その手術は健康保険が適用されます。

健康保険料を[verb]。

健康保険料を給与から引く。

健康保険の[noun]を[verb]。

健康保険の資格を喪失する。

健康保険制度の[noun]を[verb]。

健康保険制度の持続可能性を議論する。

Word Family

Nouns

保険 (Insurance)

健康 (Health)

被保険者 (The insured)

保険料 (Premium)

保険証 (Card)

Verbs

保険に入る (To join)

保険をかける (To insure)

保険が効く (To be covered)

Adjectives

健康的な (Healthy)

保険的な (Insurance-like/Precautionary)

病院 (Hospital)

医者 (Doctor)

薬局 (Pharmacy)

医療費 (Medical costs)

社会保障 (Social security)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in medical, administrative, and workplace domains.

Common Mistakes

Saying 'Hoken o wasureta' when you mean the card. → Hokenshō o wasureta.
Hoken is the abstract system; Hokenshō is the physical card you actually forget.
Using 'o' with 'hairu'. → Kenkō hoken ni hairu.
The verb 'hairu' (to enter/join) always takes the particle 'ni'.
Thinking 'Hoken-kin' is the premium. → Hoken-ryō.
Hoken-ryō is the fee you pay. Hoken-kin is the payout you get from a claim.
Using 'kabā suru' for coverage. → Hoken ga kiku / tekiyō sareru.
While 'kabā suru' is used in business, it's not the standard term for medical insurance coverage.
Confusing 'Kenkō Hoken' with 'Iryō-hi'. → Iryō-hi ga takai.
If the bill at the hospital was high, say 'Iryō-hi' (medical expenses). 'Kenkō Hoken' is the system itself.

Tips

Always carry the card

Keep your Hokenshō in your wallet. Accidents happen, and having it on you ensures you don't have to pay full price upfront at an emergency room.

Use 'Hoken ga kiku'

This is the most natural way to ask if something is covered. 'Kore, hoken kikimasu ka?' sounds much more like a native speaker than using 'tekiyō'.

Check your pay stub

Look for the characters 健康保険料. If the amount looks wrong, talk to your HR department immediately. Errors can happen during job transitions.

First visit of the month

Even if you go to the same doctor every week, you must show your card at the first visit of every new calendar month. It's a system requirement.

Update your address

If you move, your insurance doesn't automatically follow you. You must update your address at the ward office to get a new card and correct billing.

Dental is included

Unlike many countries, basic dental is covered. Don't hesitate to use your insurance for regular dental checkups—it's very affordable!

Ambulances are free

In Japan, the ambulance ride is free, but the treatment at the hospital is not. You will still need your Kenkō Hoken once you arrive at the hospital.

High-cost cap

If you have a major surgery, look up 'Kōgaku Iryō-hi'. The system caps your monthly payment so you don't go bankrupt from medical bills.

Overseas coverage

Japanese health insurance can actually cover part of medical costs incurred while traveling abroad! Keep your receipts and apply for a refund when you return.

Myna Portal

Register for the Myna Portal app. It allows you to see your medical history and how much you've spent on health insurance-related care throughout the year.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

KEN (the guy) is KO (OK) because he has HOKEN (insurance). Ken is OK with Hoken!

Visual Association

Imagine a small blue plastic card with the words 'Kenkō' (Health) and a shield icon protecting a person from a giant medical bill.

Word Web

Doctor Card 30% Salary Monthly Safety Pharmacy Clinic

Challenge

Try to find the '健康保険' section on a Japanese pay stub or a mock medical receipt online and identify the 30% co-pay.

Word Origin

Composed of 'Kenkō' (健康), meaning health, and 'Hoken' (保険), meaning insurance. 'Kenkō' comes from Chinese roots meaning 'sturdy' and 'peaceful'. 'Hoken' was coined in the Meiji era to translate Western insurance concepts.

Original meaning: A system to protect one's healthy state.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be sensitive when discussing insurance with those who might be struggling to pay premiums, as it is a significant monthly expense for low-income households.

English speakers from the US might find the mandatory nature and low cost surprising, while those from the UK or Canada might find the 30% co-pay different from their free-at-point-of-use systems.

The anime 'Welcome to the NHK' mentions social struggles including insurance. Medical dramas like 'Doctor-X' often mention 'Hoken-gai' (uninsured) treatments as a plot point. Government mascots often promote the new 'My Number' insurance card.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Hospital Reception

保険証をお願いします。
保険証を返却します。
月が変わりましたので確認します。
保険が効きません。

At the City Hall

国民健康保険に入りたいです。
保険料が高いです。
住所が変わりました。
保険証をなくしました。

At a New Job

社会保険の手続きをします。
扶養家族はいますか？
前の保険証は返しましたか？
保険証は後日郵送します。

With Friends (Talking about health)

これ、保険きくかな？
保険料、高くない？
歯医者で保険使ったよ。
保険証、持ってる？

Reading a Pay Stub

健康保険料の欄
天引きされている金額
去年の所得
標準報酬月額

Conversation Starters

"日本の健康保険制度についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about Japan's health insurance system?)"

"健康保険料は毎月いくらぐらい払っていますか？ (Roughly how much do you pay for health insurance every month?)"

"保険証を忘れて病院に行ったことがありますか？ (Have you ever gone to the hospital and forgotten your insurance card?)"

"あなたの国の健康保険と日本の保険、どちらがいいですか？ (Which is better, your country's health insurance or Japan's?)"

"マイナンバーカードを保険証として使っていますか？ (Do you use your My Number card as an insurance card?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、病院で健康保険を使って感じたことを書いてください。 (Write about what you felt using health insurance at the hospital today.)

健康保険料の支払いについて、自分の考えを述べてください。 (State your thoughts on paying health insurance premiums.)

もし健康保険がなかったら、日本の生活はどう変わると思いますか？ (If there were no health insurance, how do you think life in Japan would change?)

新しい仕事の健康保険の手続きについて日記を書いてください。 (Write a diary entry about the health insurance procedures for a new job.)

日本の「国民皆保険」という言葉について調べて、感想を書いてください。 (Research the term 'Universal Health Insurance' in Japan and write your impressions.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It depends on your income. For employees, it's roughly 5% of your salary (matched by the employer). For National Health Insurance, it's calculated by your city based on your previous year's earnings.

You usually have to pay 100% of the bill at the clinic. However, if you bring your card and receipt back to the same clinic within the same month, they will refund you the 70% difference.

Yes, most standard dental procedures (fillings, cleanings, checkups) are covered. However, cosmetic things like whitening or high-end implants are usually 'Hoken-gai' (not covered).

Yes, if you have a prescription from a doctor, you show your card to get the medicine at the discounted 30% rate.

Yes, all residents staying in Japan for more than 3 months must join. Students usually join the National Health Insurance and often get a discount if they have no income.

Under the Japanese health insurance system, most adults pay only 30% of their medical costs. The insurance system pays the remaining 70% directly to the hospital.

Yes, many clinics now have card readers for My Number cards. You need to register your My Number card for this purpose first via the Myna Portal app or at a kiosk.

Normal pregnancy and childbirth are not 'illnesses', so they aren't covered in the standard way. However, the government provides a large lump-sum grant (Childbirth and Childcare Lump-Sum Grant) to cover the costs.

It is the 'Social Insurance' provided by employers. It includes health insurance and the employees' pension. It's generally considered better than National Insurance because the company pays half the cost.

You must go to your local ward office (for National Insurance) or tell your HR department (for Social Insurance) to complete the 'loss of eligibility' paperwork before you depart.