The Infant Medical Subsidy System is a system where local governments subsidize medical expenses for infants up to a certain age. To use this system, you need an infant medical certificate. Can an infant medical certificate be used outside the area where you live? Also, what should you do if it cannot be used? With more people going out this season, it’s important to understand the system thoroughly.
What is the Infant Medical Care Subsidy System?
The Infant Medical Subsidy System is a system in which local governments cover part or all of the medical expenses of infants and young children up to a certain age. It is very helpful to be able to receive medical assistance for your precious children.
target age and subsidy content vary depending on the local government, so be sure to check the information for your area.
Who is this for?
It is essential that you are enrolled in national health insurance or social insurance. Enroll in health insurance early and have an infant medical certificate issued so that you can respond to unexpected illnesses and injuries. The scope of
subsidies varies depending on the municipality. For example, in Yokohama City, medical expenses are free from birth to the third grade of elementary school, and only hospitalization is subsidized for fourth grade of elementary school to junior high school students. In addition, there is an income limit for subsidies after the age of one.
In Edogawa Ward, Tokyo, all medical expenses other than health insurance are subsidized for all children from birth to junior high school students without income restrictions. However, infants who fall under the following categories are not eligible and cannot receive subsidies.
- Receiving welfare benefits
- Being admitted to a child welfare facility
- Medical expenses are fully covered by other public funds
How to get assistance?
Many municipalities allow you to receive subsidies by presenting your infant medical certificate at the hospital. However, there are also municipalities where you must first pay the self-pay portion of the medical expenses under health insurance, and then apply to the local government to have the subsidized portion of the medical expenses refunded. Check
the website of the municipality where you live to find out how to receive subsidies.
Subsidies can be provided for part or all of the medical expenses covered by health insurance (the scope of coverage varies depending on the local government). This applies not only to outpatient visits but also to hospitalization.
Please note that the following expenses are not subsidized:
- Expenses for health checkups and vaccinations
- Cost of medicine container
- Medical certificate and other documentation costs
- Costs for meals and beds during hospitalization
Can I use my medical card outside of my municipality?
It is common for small children to get injured or develop a fever while out and about. In such cases, can you use your medical certificate? Let’s take a look at each situation.
Pattern 1: When visiting a hospital in the same prefecture
If you live in the same prefecture, you can receive medical assistance just like in the municipality you live in. Present your health insurance card and infant medical certificate at the hospital counter.
How to use your infant medical certificate wisely
Infants can suddenly catch an infection or get injured. Get a medical certificate as soon as possible and be prepared. It
is also important to take your child to a medical institution, especially when they are still young and cannot communicate their condition well in words. If you feel that your child is acting differently than usual, it is reassuring to use your Infant Medical Certificate to take them to the doctor. Make good use of subsidies to manage your child’s health.
