Japanese Business Glossary

厚生年金保険料 (kosei nenkin hokenryo) refers to the premiums for the Employees' Pension Insurance in Japan. This insurance system is part of the broader social security framework designed to provide financial support to workers upon retirement, as well as in cases of disability or death.

Employees and their employers both contribute to the premiums. The amount is usually calculated based on the employee's salary and bonuses. The employer typically deducts the employee's share directly from their paycheck and submits it along with the employer's contribution to the pension fund.

Kosei nenkin hokenryo is essential for ensuring that employees have financial security in their later years and that they are protected against loss of income due to unforeseen circumstances.

共済掛金 (kyosai kakekin) refers to the premium or contribution paid into a mutual aid association or cooperative insurance system in Japan. These systems are designed to provide members with financial support in times of need, such as during illness, accident, or other unforeseen events. Members of a mutual aid association regularly pay these premiums, which collectively form a fund used to support those in the community who require assistance. This system emphasizes mutual support and communal risk-sharing, ensuring that all members can access necessary resources when needed.

介護医療保険 (kaigo iryo hoken) refers to long-term care and medical insurance in Japan. This type of insurance is designed to provide financial support for individuals who need long-term care due to age, illness, or disability, as well as covering general medical expenses. The system aims to ensure that elderly and disabled individuals receive necessary care services without imposing a significant financial burden on them or their families.

介護保険 (kaigo hoken), or long-term care insurance, specifically covers services such as in-home care, nursing home costs, and rehabilitation. It is typically funded through mandatory contributions from individuals aged 40 and over, along with government subsidies.

医療保険 (iryo hoken), or medical insurance, covers a wide range of healthcare services, including hospital visits, treatments, surgeries, and medication. This insurance is usually part of the national health insurance system, which requires all residents to enroll and pay premiums based on their income.

Together, kaigo iryo hoken provides comprehensive coverage to support the health and well-being of individuals, particularly the elderly and those with chronic conditions, ensuring they have access to necessary medical and care services.

社保 (shaho), short for 社会保険 (shakai hoken), refers to Social Insurance in Japan. It is a comprehensive system designed to provide various benefits to employees and their families. The primary components of 社保 include health insurance, pension insurance, unemployment insurance, workers' accident compensation insurance, and long-term care insurance.

Health insurance covers medical expenses for employees and their dependents, including hospitalization, outpatient care, and other medical services. Pension insurance provides financial support after retirement, with employees contributing during their working years and receiving benefits upon reaching retirement age. Unemployment insurance offers financial assistance to workers who lose their jobs, helping them sustain themselves while seeking new employment. Workers' accident compensation insurance covers work-related injuries or illnesses, ensuring employees receive medical treatment and compensation for lost wages during recovery. Long-term care insurance supports elderly individuals who require long-term care services, providing financial assistance for in-home care, nursing homes, and other related services.

Employers and employees both contribute to the shaho system through payroll deductions, with contributions calculated based on the employee's salary. Social Insurance is mandatory for most employees in Japan, ensuring access to essential health care, financial support during unemployment, and a secure retirement.

診療報酬 (shinryo hoshu) refers to medical treatment fees or medical service fees in Japan. It is the reimbursement given to medical institutions, such as hospitals and clinics, for the medical services they provide to patients.

This fee is regulated by the Japanese government and is part of the country's healthcare insurance system. The Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare sets the fees, which are reviewed and revised periodically. This system ensures that medical costs are standardized and controlled across the country, making healthcare more accessible and affordable for all citizens.

Medical institutions claim these fees based on the treatments and services rendered, and they are reimbursed according to the fixed fee schedule. This helps maintain consistency and fairness in medical billing practices throughout Japan.

労働保険料 (rodo hokenryo) refers to labor insurance premiums in Japan. This insurance is part of the social insurance system and consists of two main components: workers' compensation insurance (労災保険, Rosai Hoken) and unemployment insurance (雇用保険, Koyo Hoken).

Workers' compensation insurance provides coverage for workers who suffer from work-related injuries or illnesses. It covers medical expenses, compensation for lost wages, and benefits for permanent disabilities. Unemployment insurance provides financial support to workers who lose their jobs. It offers unemployment benefits, job training, and other assistance to help unemployed workers find new employment.

Employers are required to enroll their employees in these insurance programs and pay the premiums. The amount of the labor insurance premium depends on the total wages paid to employees and the industry in which the company operates. The premium rates are reviewed and adjusted annually by the government.

In summary, rodo hokenryo are mandatory contributions that employers in Japan must pay to ensure their employees are covered by workers' compensation and unemployment insurance.