This time, we would like to explain the difference between insurance-covered medical treatment and self-paid medical treatment.
✴︎ Insurance-Covered Treatment
This refers to medical services covered by the national health insurance system.
- ・Treatments, medications, and examinations approved as “necessary” by the government (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) are covered
- ・Patients typically pay 10–30% of the cost depending on age and income
- ・Medical fees are generally similar across healthcare institutions
Examples:
- ・Common colds, fractures, injuries
- ・Treatments for illnesses that interfere with daily life
✴︎ Self-Paid Treatment
This refers to medical services not covered by health insurance, where patients must pay the full cost.
- ・All treatment costs are paid by the patient
- ・Treatment details and pricing are set individually by each medical institution
- ・Often includes advanced or high-technology treatments
- ・Frequently aimed at improving Quality of Life (QOL)
Examples:
- ・Advanced medical care and regenerative medicine
- ・Vision correction surgeries such as ICL and LASIK
- ・Cosmetic medical treatments (spot removal, Botox, etc.)
- ・Some health screenings and preventive medical services
ICL is categorized as a procedure that improves Quality of Life; therefore, it is not covered by health insurance.
Additionally, at our clinic, not only ICL but also other treatments are provided as private medical services. Please keep this in mind when making an appointment.
