Japan plans full public health insurance coverage for childbirth costs from fiscal 2027, replacing the current lump-sum allowance system
TOKYO: Japan’s health ministry plans to provide full public health insurance coverage for childbirth costs.
The plan aims to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for expectant mothers nationwide.
It is expected to be presented to a key social security council subcommittee on Thursday.
The government hopes to submit related legislation to parliament next year.
The goal is to start the full insurance coverage in fiscal 2027 or later.
This new public insurance coverage will replace the existing lump-sum childbirth allowance.
The current allowance programme, which began in 1994, will be abolished.
The allowance was initially set at 300,000 yen to support expectant mothers.
It has been raised gradually in line with increasing childbirth expenses over the years.
The amount was hiked from 420,000 yen to 500,000 yen in principle in 2023.
However, childbirth costs have continued to rise due to factors like inflation.
The nationwide average cost in fiscal 2024 hit 519,805 yen.
Significant regional disparities in expenses also exist across Japan.
Costs in Tokyo reach around 650,000 yen, far higher than in other regions.
In Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, expenses are about 400,000 yen. – Bernama-Jiji Press
