Japan is considering implementing mandatory health insurance for international visitors, with the aim of reducing the financial burden on Japanese taxpayers due to unpaid medical debts from tourists comimg from abroad after a proposal of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare according to Kyodo News.
The Japanese government is concerned about the growing unpaid medical bills for tourists, which has led to consider this measure as a way tyo protect the country's health system.
It is hoped that by requiring health insurance, visitors will be covered for their medical expenses during their stays, thus preventing the cost from falling on Japanese taxpayers.
Although there is no confirmed date for implementation, the measure is expected to be implemented in the second half of 2025 or 2026, according to some sources.
In addition, the ministry intends to work with the Immigration Services Agency to share information or tourists with outstanding medical debts, enabling stricter screening at entry points.
International visitors with unpaid medical bills may face consequences such as being stopped from leaving the country or detained upon re - entry.
The South China Morning Post reported that a nationwide survey conducted by the health ministry in September 2024 found that 11.372 international tourists had received medical treatment in Japan. Of these, 0.8% did not settle their bills, leaving a total of approximately 61.35 million yen, about $425.000.
Similar insurance requirements for incoming travellers are already in place in other countries such as Cuba, Jordan, Nepal and Qatar.
Further details including the implementation timeline and enforcement measures, are expected to be announced by the Japanese government in due course.
Link
https://www.travelweekly-asia.com/Destination-Travel/Japan-may-implement-another-big-travel-rule-soon
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