Prime Highlights:
- Japan introduces a new health insurance ID system using My Number Cards to modernize and digitalize the public healthcare system.
- The system allows prescription information to be shared among hospitals and pharmacies, helping improve patient care and reduce errors.
Key Facts:
- Expired health insurance cards remain valid until March 2026 to ensure a smooth transition.
- About 87.3 million people in Japan hold My Number Cards, with 37 percent currently using them for healthcare.
Background:
Japan has rolled out a new health insurance ID system that uses the My Number Card as the primary identification for receiving insured medical services. This initiative is part of the government’s effort to digitalize the country’s public healthcare system.
Starting Tuesday, enrollees must present their My Number Card, registered as a health insurance certificate, when visiting medical institutions or pharmacies. Those who already hold a My Number Card can register it for health insurance use through eligible medical facilities, Seven Bank ATMs, or the government’s online service, Mynaportal.
For individuals who have not yet switched, Health Insurance Eligibility Certificates have been distributed and remain valid for up to five years. Expired insurance cards can still be used until March 2026 to ensure a smooth transition.
As of October this year, around 87.3 million people in Japan hold an integrated My Number Card, representing nearly 87 percent of all cardholders, although only 37 percent are currently using it for healthcare purposes.
The Ministry of Health highlighted that one major advantage of the system is that prescription information can be shared among medical institutions and pharmacies with patient consent. The ministry expects this to prevent prescription errors and enhance the quality of medical services.
