Japan to Cover All Childbirth Costs Starting in 2026
To combat Japan’s declining birthrate, the health ministry plans to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for normal childbirth, potentially starting April 2024. This involves bringing normal deliveries under national health insurance, currently covering only Cesarean sections. While a 500,000 yen government subsidy exists, actual costs often exceed this, varying widely across prefectures. Full coverage aims to standardize costs nationwide, though concerns remain regarding potential financial hardship for medical institutions.
John Q. Hosedrinker