Latest posts
Japan’s High-Cost Medical Benefit in 2026
Japan caps monthly medical costs by income bracket. The caps changed for treatment from August 2026 — new limits, a new annual cap, two years to claim.
How to Avoid Double Social Security Payments
Japan has totalization agreements with 24 countries to prevent double pension payments for posted workers. Here’s how the Certificate of Coverage works.
How Japan’s NHI Premium Is Calculated (2026)
Japan’s NHI premium is based on last year’s finalized income, unlike the ACA marketplace’s current-year estimate. Here’s how it compares.
Typhoon Season in Japan: Prep Checklist (2026)
A practical typhoon season prep checklist for Japan, plus a clear look at whether standard fire/home insurance covers food spoiled by a power outage.
Do You Need Pet Insurance in Japan? (2026)
Why Japanese vet bills run high, how pet insurance coverage and pricing work, and how it compares to typical US pet insurance.
Term vs Whole Life Insurance in Japan (2026)
A practical comparison of term and whole life insurance using current US pricing, plus buying US life insurance while living abroad in Japan.
Travel Insurance in Japan (2026 Guide)
A practical guide to Japan’s overseas medical reimbursement system, the March 2026 change to card travel insurance, and how it compares to US coverage.
Fire & Earthquake Insurance in Japan (2026)
A practical guide to Japan’s mandatory fire insurance and optional earthquake insurance for foreign renters, compared to US renters/homeowners insurance.
Japan Fire & Quake Insurance Calculator (2026)
Enter your building structure, location, appraised value, and earthquake coverage choice to estimate your annual insurance premium in Japan.
Renting a Car in Japan: A Guide (2026)
A practical guide to renting a car or car sharing in Japan as a foreign resident — license requirements, insurance, and ETC toll cards.