Overview

• On June 4, government sources said the measures will be included in the Cabinet-approved annual basic policy on economic and fiscal management.
• Officials plan to review foreign visitor insurance guidelines with potential to require private medical coverage.
• The health ministry will share details of significant unpaid medical debts with the Immigration Services Agency to enable stricter entry screenings.
• A September 2024 ministry survey found that 0.8% of 11,372 foreign patients left about ¥61.35 million in unpaid bills.
• A Japan Tourism Agency survey from October 2023 to February 2024 showed nearly 30% of visitors entered the country without medical insurance.