In an effort to address the ongoing decline in birth rates, the Japanese government is deliberating on a proposal to fully cover childbirth expenses under the public medical insurance system starting from fiscal year 2026, according to sources familiar with the matter.
In Japan’s current medical insurance framework, individuals typically bear 10 to 30 percent of medical costs for treatments related to illnesses and injuries. However, expenses associated with normal deliveries, excluding cases such as cesarean sections, are not classified as illnesses and are consequently not covered by insurance.
In response to this gap, a new plan is being formulated to establish a dedicated framework within the medical insurance system to encompass childbirth expenses without requiring any out-of-pocket payments.
This potential policy shift underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the demographic challenge posed by declining birth rates in Japan. By removing financial barriers to childbirth, authorities hope to incentivize families to consider expanding their households, thus bolstering the country’s population growth.
