Japan's health ministry plans to cover all childbirth costs under public health insurance, eliminating out-of-pocket expenses for expectant mothers. The initiative aims to ease financial burdens amid rising costs. Implementation is targeted for fiscal 2027 or later.
Japan's health ministry announced plans to provide full public health insurance coverage for childbirth costs, as reported by sources on Wednesday. The proposal is set to be presented to the medical insurance subcommittee of the Social Security Council on Thursday. The government intends to submit related legislation to the ordinary parliamentary session next year, with implementation starting in fiscal 2027 or later.
This will replace the existing lump-sum childbirth allowance, which is to be abolished. The allowance, introduced in 1994 at ¥300,000 to support expectant mothers, has been gradually increased and raised to ¥500,000 in principle in 2023. However, childbirth costs have risen due to factors like inflation, reaching a nationwide average of ¥519,805 in fiscal 2024. Regional disparities are notable, with costs around ¥650,000 in Tokyo compared to about ¥400,000 in Kumamoto Prefecture.
To alleviate the economic burden on expectant and nursing mothers, the ministry plans to establish a uniform nationwide amount for childbirth expenses and cover it entirely through health insurance, removing out-of-pocket payments. Postpartum beauty treatments and special meals will remain fully charged to patients. For cesarean sections, already covered by insurance, the out-of-pocket share stays at 30%.
This policy shift addresses rising financial pressures on families, potentially supporting parenthood amid Japan's low birth rates.