Conventional health insurance cards will no longer be accepted at medical institutions in Japan starting in August. Patients will need to present their My Number cards registered for use as a health insurance card. | GETTY IMAGES
Jul 20, 2026
Patients in Japan will need a My Number card registered for health insurance use or a special certificate to receive insured medical treatment starting next month.
The government’s grace period for expired conventional health insurance cards will end on July 31. Those whose insurance status cannot be confirmed at the time of treatment will be required to pay the full medical bill upfront, rather than the usual copayment based on age and income.
When visiting medical institutions or buying prescription drugs, people who have registered their My Number cards for use as health insurance cards should present either the card or a smartphone with My Number card functions added.
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