The cost of pregnancy and birth in Japan
If you are pregnant and planning to have your baby in Japan, you should start to put some money aside. Having a baby is a rather private activity with regards to the costs. And it can cost you quite a bit depending on the hospital/clinic and type of care you and your baby need. In this article I will be sharing the cost break down of my three pregnancies between 2019 and 2023. You can find more information on pregnancy in Japan in general here.
How the cost burden is shared
This being said, there are two ways of financial support. Pre-natal check ups are usually ‘subsidized’ by the ward you live in. After you register your pregnancy at the ward office you will receive a ‘coupon book’. Each coupon reduces the cost of a pre-natal check up. Also, if you are enrolled in the National Health Insurance or an Employee Health Insurance then the costs of birth and being hospitalized will be supported with the Child Birth Lump Sum. Depending on the ward there are more allowances, subsidies or gifts when you are having a baby. Here is a list of the full financial benefits I received in Minato Ward, Tokyo in 2019 and 2021.
As the cost of pregnancy and child birth can be substantial I am sharing the total cost of my three pregnancies below. All of my pregnancies were complication free with regards to my babies’ and my own health and so were the births. They were all natural, unmedicated, no induction, no C-section, etc. The first two pregnancies and births were at a major hospital in Minato Ku, Tokyo, the third was a water birth at a clinic in Tsuzuki Ku, Yokohama.
Cost Breakdown
Hopefully this cost break down can give you an idea of how much pregnancy and birth in Japan costs. Of course, do keep in mind that it depends on the type of hospital, are you live in, individual health circumstances, what kind of room you are hospitalized in (i.e. shared vs. private), etc.
More Information on the Cost of Pregnancy in Japan
The international pregnant and parent community is very helpful. Besides Tokyo Pregnancy Group on Facebook there are several other mommas sharing their cost of pregnancy and birth on their respective blogs:
- Tiny Tot in Tokyo – Giving Birth in Japan: Cost Breakdown
- The Wagamama Diaries – The Cost of Giving Birth in Japan and How to Pay For It
- Jobs in Japan – My Experience Having a Baby in Japan as a Foreigner
- Matcha JP – Giving Birth In Japan: How Much Does Childbirth And Childcare Cost?
- Savvy Tokyo – Counting The Yen: Cost Of Giving Birth In Japan
Hopefully, this article has given you a good idea of how much the cost of pregnancy in Japan is so that you can prepare financially for yours. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out or leave a comment.
If you are at the beginning of your pregnancy, then check out these articles, too:
- The Beginner’s Guide to Maternity Leave in Japan
- How to apply for maternity leave in Japan
- The 5 factors to help you decide how much time to take off work after having a baby
- A Manager’s View On Maternity Leave Plans
- 7 Best Tips to Communicate your Pregnancy and Maternity Leave To Your Employer
