•••••••14 Private Health Insurance (PKV)Health Insurance System for International Students in JapanComparison Between Germany and Japan PKV offers more flexibility compared to GKV, with the potential to cover a broader range of medical services. Costs can be cheaper or significantly more expensive than public insurance, depending on the plan.•Eligibility: Students who are not eligible for GKV or whoseek broader coverage can opt for PKV. However, PKVconsiders medical history, and in some cases, studentsmay be denied coverage or have certain conditionsexcluded from their policy.Premiums: Generally, private insurance tends to be In Japan, international students staying for more than three months are required to enroll in the National Health Insurance (NHI), which allows them to significantly reduce medical costs while in Japan. Below is a detailed explanation of Japan’s health insurance system for international students:•Eligibility: International students staying in Japan formore than three months are generally required to enroll inNHI.Premiums: Premiums vary depending on the municipality In both Germany and Japan, international students staying for more than three months are required to enroll in health insurance. In Japan, the monthly cost is around ¥10,000, whereas in Germany, it tends to be higher at around ¥20,000. The reason can be listed naturally since Germany offers more comprehensive medical coverage. For instance, the following differences exist:1.Vaccination Coverage•Japan: NHI offers limited coverage for vaccinations.Regular vaccinations for children, such as hepatitis B,BCG, and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), are oftenfunded by local governments, but adult vaccinations (e.g.,influenza or HPV vaccines) are usually not covered andmust be paid for out-of-pocket.Germany: GKV and PKV cover a wide range ofvaccinations. Adult vaccinations, such as flu shots, arealso covered under certain conditions, making it easier forstudents to access necessary vaccines.2.Pregnancy and Childbirth Coverage•Japan: Although NHI does not cover routine check-upsor childbirth-related expenses, a lump-sum childbirthallowance is provided by local governments, which helpscover some costs. Complications or risks to the mother orbaby may result in partial insurance coverage.Germany: GKV comprehensively covers medical servicesrelated to pregnancy and childbirth, including regularmore expensive than public insurance, however, PKV premiums may vary depending on the plan, age, and health condition. For instance, young and healthy students may pay lower premiums. In my case, I pay about €130 (¥20,000) per month for private insurance.Coverage: PKV offers more diverse coverage, anddepending on the plan, it may cover services not includedin GKV, such as dental and ophthalmological treatments,specific specialist treatments, and second opinions.and the student’s income. For students without income, the monthly premium is relatively low, typically ranging from several thousand yen to about ¥10,000.Coverage: NHI covers about 70% of the total medicalcosts, leaving the student responsible for the remaining30%. However, certain treatments may not be covered byinsurance.check-ups, childbirth, postpartum care, and midwife support. This significantly reduces the financial burden on students.3.Dental Coverage•Japan: NHI covers basic dental treatments such as cavitytreatment, tooth extractions, and basic periodontaltreatment. However, advanced treatments like implants,orthodontics, or cosmetic dentistry are typically notcovered.Germany: GKV covers basic dental treatments and, undercertain conditions, orthodontic treatments and dentures.Regular dental check-ups and treatments like cavityfilling are also covered. PKV often provides even broadercoverage, including advanced dental procedures. These differences in vaccination coverage, pregnancy and childbirth care, and dental treatment reflect the nature of the health insurance systems in Germany and Japan. While Germany emphasizes preventive and comprehensive medical care, Japan’s system focuses on basic medical care, often requiring out-of-pocket payments for certain services. The suitability of each system for students depends on their individual needs and health conditions.
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