Overview
- The Social Security Council's medical insurance subcommittee approved the Health Ministry's plan on Nov. 27.
- The annual cap on the medical portion will increase by ¥10,000 to ¥930,000 starting in fiscal 2026.
- With the long‑term care premium cap unchanged, the combined national ceiling will total ¥1,100,000.
- This marks the fifth consecutive annual increase, with municipalities still setting local rates under a nationally defined cap.
- The ministry also outlined stricter delinquency steps from June 2027, including reflecting unpaid premiums in foreign residents' status reviews, as debates continue on widening elderly copayments with experts urging caution during high prices.