Insurance Plans for Gig Workers in Japan

Japan requires all residents to have health insurance, with self-employed gig workers covered by National Health Insurance. Japan's insurance market is one of the world's largest, offering extensive medical, life, and casualty products.

1. National Health Insurance (国民健康保険)

Mandatory health insurance for self-employed

Premiums are income-based (¥20,000-80,000/month). Covers 70% of costs (30% co-payment). Includes hospital, outpatient, dental, maternity, and mental health. High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit caps monthly out-of-pocket costs.

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Ministry of Health: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/

2. Private Medical Insurance (医療保険)

Supplementary hospitalization and surgery coverage

Covers costs beyond NHI — hospitalization daily allowance (¥5,000-10,000/day), surgery lump sums, advanced treatment. Major providers: Aflac, MetLife Japan, AXA Life. Premiums from ¥2,000-5,000/month.

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Aflac Japan: https://www.aflac.co.jp/

3. Cancer Insurance (がん保険)

Specialized cancer coverage — uniquely popular in Japan

Diagnosis lump sum, hospitalization allowance, surgery benefit, outpatient treatment. Cancer is Japan's leading cause of death. Premiums from ¥1,000-3,000/month. Aflac pioneered this product in Japan.

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Aflac Japan: https://www.aflac.co.jp/

4. Life Insurance (生命保険)

Death benefit — world's highest penetration rate

Term, whole life, and savings products. Major providers: Nippon Life, Dai-ichi, Meiji Yasuda. Term premiums from ¥1,000-3,000/month for ¥10 million. Tax deduction up to ¥40,000/year.

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Life Insurance Association: https://www.seiho.or.jp/

5. Income Protection (就業不能保険)

Critical for self-employed — NHI has no sick pay

Monthly payments if unable to work. NHI does NOT provide sickness allowance to self-employed (only employee insurance does). Products from Aflac, SBI Life provide ¥100,000-300,000/month. Essential coverage gap filler.

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SBI Life: https://www.sbigroup.co.jp/

6. Personal Accident Insurance (傷害保険)

Accident coverage from general insurers

Covers accidental death, disability, hospitalization. Major providers: Tokio Marine, Sompo, Mitsui Sumitomo. Premiums from ¥5,000-15,000/year. 24-hour coverage for work and personal accidents.

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Tokio Marine: https://www.tokiomarine-nichido.co.jp/

7. Motor Insurance (自動車保険)

Mandatory and voluntary vehicle coverage

Jibaiseki (mandatory liability) plus voluntary comprehensive. Over 85% carry voluntary insurance. Major providers: Tokio Marine, Sompo, online insurers. Commercial endorsements for ride-hailing needed.

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Sompo Japan: https://www.sompo-japan.co.jp/

8. Bicycle Insurance (自転車保険)

Increasingly mandatory for delivery cyclists

Many prefectures mandate bicycle insurance. Covers third-party liability. Essential for Uber Eats and delivery riders. Premiums ¥3,000-5,000/year. Personal liability riders on home insurance may suffice.

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au Insurance: https://www.au-sonpo.co.jp/

9. Earthquake Insurance (地震保険)

Essential in seismically active Japan

Covers earthquake, tsunami, volcanic damage. Standard fire insurance excludes earthquakes. Premiums partially tax-deductible (up to ¥50,000/year). Essential for homeowners and renters with valuable equipment.

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Earthquake Insurance Portal: https://www.jishin-hoken.jp/

10. Professional Liability

Protection for IT consultants and freelancers

Covers professional negligence claims. Growing demand with expanding freelance economy. Available through general insurers. International clients increasingly require coverage.

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Tokio Marine: https://www.tokiomarine-nichido.co.jp/

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed insurance advisor in Japan for personalized recommendations. Links verified as of April 2026.