Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare increased medical service fees across the country starting June 1, 2026 [1, 2].
The adjustment aims to address rising costs of living and support wage increases for healthcare workers amid ongoing inflation [2, 3].
Under the new fee structure, the basic cost for a first-visit fee remains at 2,910 yen [1]. However, the ministry added a 20 yen "price response fee" and a 170 yen "base-up evaluation fee" to that amount [1, 2]. For patients with a 30% co-payment requirement, this results in an increase of 57 yen for their first visit [1].
Other medical costs are also rising. The fee for follow-up visits increased by 21 yen [1, 2]. Additionally, the cost of meals for patients staying in hospitals increased by 40 yen per meal [1].
These changes are part of a broader systemic update. Japan typically revises its medical fee schedule every two years [1]. This cycle allows the government to adjust how medical services are priced and reimbursed to ensure the sustainability of the healthcare system.
The ministry said the additions are specifically designed to offset the impact of inflation on medical facilities and to ensure that staff salaries can be raised without compromising patient care [2, 3].
“Japan typically revises its medical fee schedule every two years.”
This revision reflects the Japanese government's struggle to balance a sustainable public health insurance system with the reality of global inflation. By introducing specific line items like the 'price response fee,' the state is attempting to prevent medical facilities from collapsing under operational costs while simultaneously pushing for higher wages in a tight labor market for healthcare professionals.
