Using Japanese Health Insurance at the Dentist: What Is Covered and What Is Not

One of the questions I hear most from international patients in Tokyo is: does my Japanese health insurance cover this? Here is a simple guide to how dental insurance works in Japan, what it usually covers, and what it does not.

How dental insurance works in Japan

If you live in Japan for more than three months, you generally need to join a public health insurance plan, either national health insurance or employee health insurance through your work. Both cover dental care in the same way. Most adults pay 30% of the treatment cost at the clinic, and insurance pays the rest. The share can be lower for children and older adults.

What to bring

Bring your My Number Card registered for health insurance, or your insurance eligibility certificate (shikaku kakunin-sho). Without proof of insurance, you may have to pay the full cost on the day.

What insurance usually covers

• Examinations and X-rays

• Basic cleaning and gum treatment

• Fillings, crowns and dentures made with standard materials

• Tooth extractions

What is usually not covered

• Dental implants

• Most orthodontic treatment, including braces and Invisalign

• Teeth whitening

• Ceramic and zirconia crowns, inlays and veneers

• Professional cleaning such as PMTC and AirFlow polishing

In Japan, combining insured and private care within the same treatment is generally not allowed, so we will explain which parts of your treatment can be covered and which cannot. Some clinics, including ours, offer certain treatments, such as microscope root canal treatment, only on a private basis.

Why some patients choose private treatment

Private treatment gives you more choice of materials and methods, such as tooth-colored ceramic or zirconia restorations, and more time per appointment. It costs more, so we always explain the options, the fees and the number of visits before you decide.

Visiting Japan without Japanese insurance

If you are visiting Japan and not enrolled in a Japanese insurance plan, dental care is self-pay. Some travel insurance plans cover emergency dental treatment, so check your policy. We can provide a receipt and a medical certificate in English for your claim.

Not sure what your treatment will cost? Book a consultation at hitomidentist.com/book-online, and I will explain your options in English.