- November 4, 2025
- BELONGING JAPAN
Pregnancy benefits in Japan include various subsidy programs and government allowances designed to ease the financial burden that comes with pregnancy and childbirth. Many expectant mothers wonder how much money they’ll need after giving birth or what kind of financial help is available if they cannot work due to morning sickness or other medical conditions.
This article explains the pregnancy benefits in Japan, including available subsidies for prenatal checkups, childbirth, and medical expenses, as well as allowances for those who must take time off work due to illness or pregnancy-related complications. This article is supervised by Certified Financial Planner Yukako Yamazaki, representative of FP Office MIRAI (Tokyo), who provides a professional view on financial planning and government support systems for pregnancy and childbirth in Japan.
Profile of Writer
Yukako Yamazaki
Representative of FP Office MIRAI;
Experienced as a Registered Customs Specialist, a bank teller, and transitioned to the path of a financial planner. Founded the financial planning office “FP Office MIRAI” in 2022.
With the motto “Changing the future through reviewing the household budget,” actively engages in household budget consultations, financial article writing, and book supervision, etc.
1st grade Certified Skilled Professional of Financial Planning, Certified Financial Planner®.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Pregnancy benefits in Japan
Pregnancy benefits in Japan include two main types of financial assistance:
Support for prenatal checkups (妊婦検診の補助 / Ninpu Kenshin no Hojo)
The Childbirth and Child-Rearing Support Allowance (出産・子育て応援給付金 / Shussan・Kosodate Ouen Kyūfukin)
Both are managed by local municipalities, so the details may vary depending on where you live. Once your pregnancy is confirmed, contact your city or ward office early to understand what support is available in your area.
If you are new to visiting a Japanese hospital, refer to our related guide below.
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1. Support for prenatal checkups
All pregnant women in Japan are eligible for prenatal checkup support. The purpose is to promote healthy pregnancies and early detection of any medical conditions.
Schedule and Costs
Pregnant women typically undergo:
Every 4 weeks until 23 weeks
Every 2 weeks from 24 to 35 weeks
Every week from 36 weeks until delivery
Prenatal checkups can cost around ¥100,000 in total. However, most municipalities offer subsidy coupons (補助券) or medical vouchers (受診票) that cover part or all of the costs for up to 14 visits.
How to Apply
When you receive your Mother and Child Health Handbook (母子健康手帳), you will also receive your subsidy coupons. These can be used at hospitals and clinics that are registered with your municipality.
If you move during pregnancy, notify your new city hall promptly to receive replacement vouchers, as those issued by your previous municipality cannot be used.
2. Childbirth and Child-Rearing Support Allowance
This program, known in Japanese as 出産・子育て応援給付金 (Shussan・Kosodate Ouen Kyūfukin), provides a one-time financial benefit for all pregnant women.
Amount and Payment Structure
¥50,000 during pregnancy (“Birth Support Gift” / 出産応援ギフト)
¥50,000 after childbirth (“Child-Rearing Support Gift” / 子育て応援ギフト)
Total: ¥100,000 per child.
Payments are distributed either in cash or electronic vouchers, depending on your municipality.
Application Process
Applications differ by area. Some local governments offer paper forms, while others provide online applications. Always check with your local city office for the latest information.
Important Notes
If you move during pregnancy and have already received the benefit, you cannot receive it again from your new municipality.
Starting in April 2025, the system will transition to the “Support Payment for Pregnant Women” (妊婦のための支援給付交付金).
The first ¥50,000 will still be paid upon pregnancy confirmation.
The second payment amount will depend on the number of children expected (e.g., twins = ¥100,000).
Chapter 2: Medical Expense Support and Allowances During Pregnancy
Pregnancy and childbirth are generally not covered by Japan’s health insurance, as they are not classified as illnesses. However, certain cases—such as cesarean sections, premature delivery, or pregnancy-related complications—may qualify for coverage.
This chapter introduces two key pregnancy benefits in Japan that can help reduce your out-of-pocket medical costs and provide income support during recovery.
1. High-Cost Medical Care Benefit (高額療養費 / Kōgaku ryōyōhi)
Health insurance does not cover pregnancy checkups or normal childbirth (vaginal delivery or painless delivery). However, if you need medical procedures like a caesarean section (帝王切開 / Teiō sekai) or premature delivery (早期分娩 / Sōki bunmen), health insurance will cover the costs, except for things like extra bed fees or meal charges.
If your medical expenses go over the limit set for individuals, the High-Cost Medical Care Benefit (高額療養費制度 / Kōgaku ryōyōhi seido) will help lower your out-of-pocket costs.
What’s covered
If your monthly medical payments exceed the limit, the program will cover the excess. The limit depends on your annual income (see the table below).
This system is not only for pregnancy and childbirth. You can add other medical costs for illnesses or injuries that are also covered by health insurance during the same month.
Income Range and Monthly Self-Payment Limits
| Income Range | Monthly Self-Payment Limit |
|---|---|
|
11.6 million or more |
252,600 + (medical expenses – ¥842,000) × 1% |
|
B: ¥7.7 million to ¥11.6 million |
¥167,400 + (medical expenses – ¥558,000) × 1% |
|
C: ¥3.7 million to ¥7.7 million |
¥80,100 + (medical expenses – ¥267,000) × 1% |
|
D: Up to ¥3.7 million |
¥57,600 |
|
E: Households exempt from resident tax |
¥35,400 |
Example Calculation
- Annual Income: 6 million yen
- Monthly Medical Expenses: 500,000 yen
- Co-payment (30%): 150,000 yen
If you are enrolled in public health insurance, you are responsible for 30% of the medical expenses when visiting medical institutions.
Since the annual income falls under Eligibility C, the formula is:
80,100 yen + (500,000 yen – 267,000 yen) × 1% = 82,430 yen
This means the monthly self-payment limit is 82,430 yen.
In this case, the individual pays 150,000 yen as the co-payment. Since the self-payment limit is 82,430 yen, the excess amount of 67,570 yen (150,000 yen – 82,430 yen) will be refunded as the High-Cost Medical Care Benefit.
Please check below for the Health Insurance in Japan.
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How to Apply and Important Notes
To apply for the High-Cost Medical Care Benefit, submit the application form to your health insurance provider (such as Health Insurance Association, Kyokai Kenpo, or National Health Insurance). Some providers may automatically refund the benefit, but always check with your insurance provider if your medical expenses are high.
It takes about 3 months to receive the benefit after applying, so you may need to pay the full amount upfront. However, if you get a “Limit Application Certificate” (限度額適用認定証) from your health insurance provider in advance and show it at the hospital, you won’t have to pay more than the set limit.
2. Sickness and Injury Allowance (傷病手当金) and Subsidies
The Sickness and Injury Allowance provides financial support when you cannot work due to illness or injury. If you are pregnant and experience conditions like severe morning sickness, pregnancy-induced hypertension, or threatened premature labor, and a doctor advises you to rest, you may qualify for this allowance.
You can also receive this subsidy if you are on home rest, as long as you have a doctor’s certificate.
Who is eligible
Employees enrolled in health insurance.
What’s covered
- If you cannot work for 4 or more consecutive days due to illness or pregnancy-related issues, you can receive this subsidy starting from the 4th day.
- The first 3 days are a waiting period, which includes weekends, public holidays, and paid leave.
- Whether you receive salary payments during this time does not affect your eligibility.
- If you take 2 days off, work for 1 day, and then take another 2 days off, you will not qualify for the allowance because you need to have 3 consecutive days off.
Example of the 3 Consecutive Days Off
The sickness allowance is available for a total of 1 year and 6 months from the start date. If you recover and return to work during this period but later need to take time off again due to the same condition, the allowance will be provided repeatedly as needed.
Amount Paid
How to Calculate Daily Payment
Use this formula:
(Average monthly salary for the past 12 months ÷ 30) × 2/3
Example Calculation
Average monthly salary: 250,000 yen
Leave days after the 3-day waiting period (including weekends and holidays): 20 days
Daily payment:
250,000 yen ÷ 30 × 2/3 = 5,556 yen (rounded)
Total payment:
5,556 yen × 20 days = 111,120 yen
How to Apply and Important Notes
Only employees with social insurance can receive this benefit. Self-employed individuals with National Health Insurance and dependents (e.g., homemakers) cannot apply.
Submit the application to your health insurance provider, such as a health insurance society or the Japan Health Insurance Association (協会けんぽ).
If your employer pays your salary during leave, you cannot receive this benefit. However, if your daily salary is lower than the allowance, you will receive the difference.
If you also receive maternity benefits, you will only get the amount that exceeds the maternity allowance.
Chapter 3: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. How much financial support can I receive during pregnancy in Japan?
Most municipalities provide up to 14 prenatal checkup subsidies and a childbirth allowance of about ¥100,000 per child.
Q2. Are foreign residents eligible for pregnancy benefits in Japan?
Yes. Foreign residents with valid residence status and Japanese health insurance can apply for subsidies and allowances through their local municipality.
Q3. What should I do if I move during pregnancy?
Contact your new city office to reissue medical vouchers and subsidy coupons, as those from your previous municipality cannot be used.
Q4. How long does it take to receive medical expense refunds?
It usually takes around three months for the High-Cost Medical Care Benefit to be processed and refunded.
Chapter 4: Summary
Pregnancy benefits in Japan provide vital financial and medical assistance for expectant mothers. Local governments offer subsidies for prenatal checkups and childbirth allowances, while national programs reduce high medical expenses and provide income support during illness.
To receive the correct benefits, contact your municipal office or health insurance provider as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed. Because eligibility details and payment amounts may change, always check the latest information before applying.
*This article on pregnancy benefits in Japan is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute individual financial, tax, medical, or legal advice. While supervised by a Certified Financial Planner, readers are encouraged to consult their local municipal office, healthcare providers, or licensed financial advisors for personalized guidance. Belonging JAPAN is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency, financial institution, or medical organization mentioned. Information such as subsidy programs, eligibility requirements, and procedures is accurate as of October 2025 but may change; please verify details with official sources before applying for any benefit or allowance.
2 comments
Spot on with this write-up, I truly think this website needs
much more attention. I’ll probably be back again to see more, thanks for the info!
Thank you for your comment! We hope you found our article useful.
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