Long-term care insurance system

Japan has a system covering expenses involved with the long-term care of its elderly citizens and others who require long-term care, which people start paying into starting at the age of 40 as part of their health insurance fees （whether they are on National Health Insurance or Employee’s Health Insurance）. From age 40 to 64, you will pay an additional premium for this long-term care insurance, and from the age of 65 you will pay a set premium every month determined by your municipality. If you are determined eligible for receiving long-term care, this insurance will cover 90% of the costs （you are responsible for 10%）.

If you meet the following requirements, you will pay into long-term care insurance, even as a foreign resident.

1. You are over the age of 40
2. You are enrolled in National Health Insurance or Employee’s Health Insurance
3. Your status of residence allows you to be in Japan for longer than 3 months. This means you are enrolled in the Residents Registry.

Type 1 Insured Persons – All citizens over the age of 65
Type 2 Insured Persons – All citizens between 40-64 who are enrolled in National/Employee’s Health Insurance

Who can receive long-term care services?

You become eligible for long-term care services after turning 65, or if you are 40-64 and have one of 16 specified diseases caused by aging. You will also need to apply at your local municipal office, where they will review your case and need for long-term care. This process is called 要介護認定 （youkaigo nintei）.