Japan: Working group to look into issue of uninsured tourists
Source: Asia Insurance Review | Apr 2018
Japan Property & Casualty
Plans are underway to help hospitals and other medical institutions avoid payment and other problems related to tourists, including unpaid bills, government sources have said.
With tourism booming in Japan, the government will soon launch a working group to discuss the matter and draft a set of measures by May, reports Kyodo News Agency. A weaker yen and relaxed visa requirements are drawing tourists to Japan in record numbers. The tally hit 28.69 million in 2017, compared with just 8.61 million in 2010.
But the corresponding growth in unpaid medical bills is generating concern. Some tourists come to Japan without travel insurance.
The working group, to be set up under a government task force on health care and medical policies, will be joined by officials from the relevant ministries, the Japan Medical Association and hospital groups. It will consider the need to create a system to reduce the financial burdens that institutions may have to bear when a problem occurs. A