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2026-08-01
High-Cost Medical Expenses Cap Raised
Effective August 1, 2026 (Phase 1). Monthly out-of-pocket cap raised 4–38% by income bracket. New annual cap of ¥530,000 for those earning ¥2–7.7M/year. Multiple-occurrence reduction kept as-is.
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2026-03-31Health
🏥 Paper Health Insurance Cards Abolished!
Ends March 31, 2026 — Transition to My Number Insurance Card
2026.3.31
Deadline
Required
My Number Card
Available
Qualification Cert.
10 yrs
Validity
❓ What's changing?
As of March 31, 2026, traditional paper health insurance cards will be completely abolished. The "My Number Insurance Card" (using your My Number Card for health insurance) becomes the standard.
📋 What to do
- ●Obtain a My Number Card
- ●Register for health insurance use via My Number Portal
- ●Present card at medical facility card readers
- ●Remember your 4-digit PIN
🤔 What if you don't have a My Number Card?
Those without a My Number Card will receive a "Qualification Confirmation Certificate" from their insurer. Valid for up to 5 years, usable at medical facilities just like the old card. However, the My Number Insurance Card offers more benefits.
✅ Benefits of My Number Insurance Card
- ✓Share past medication and health checkup data with doctors
- ✓Automatic high-cost medical expense limit application
- ✓Usable immediately after job change or moving
- ✓Easier medical expense deduction for tax filing
📄 About Qualification Confirmation Certificates
Those without a My Number Card or unregistered for My Number Insurance will automatically receive a "Qualification Confirmation Certificate" from their insurer. No application needed.
💡 Key points to know
1Paper insurance cards fully abolished by March 31, 2026
2New issuance already stopped — current cards valid until expiry
3Register via the My Number Portal app
4You can still see a doctor with a "Qualification Certificate" even without a card
5Same rules apply to children and elderly
🔗 Related Issues
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2026-06-01
2026 Medical Fee Revision — Consultation Fees Effectively Raised
From June 2026, new price-adjustment surcharges effectively raise initial consultation by ~¥20 and follow-up by ~¥30. Affects out-of-pocket costs for foreign residents at 30% copay.
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2026-04-01
Brand-Name Drug Extra Charge Expanded (775 Items)
From April 2026, 34 more brand-name drugs added to the "selected medical treatment" list (total 775). Patients choosing brand-name over generic pay 1/4 of the price difference out of pocket. Affects foreign residents with chronic conditions.