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社会保険
[shakai hoken] - social insurance

社会保険 (shakai hoken) refers to social insurance in Japan. It is a comprehensive system designed to provide financial security and support for individuals and families in various situations, such as illness, injury, childbirth, retirement, and unemployment. The social insurance system in Japan is composed of several key programs.

Health insurance (健康保険, Kenko Hoken) covers medical expenses for illnesses, injuries, and childbirth. Both employees and employers contribute to the premiums, and the insurance covers a significant portion of medical costs, with the insured person paying a smaller co-payment.

Pension insurance (年金保険, Nenkin Hoken) provides financial support during retirement. There are two main types of pension insurance: the National Pension (国民年金, Kokumin Nenkin) for self-employed individuals, students, and those not covered by employer-based insurance, and the Employees' Pension Insurance (厚生年金保険, Kosei Nenkin Hoken) for salaried workers. Contributions are made by both employees and employers.

Unemployment insurance (雇用保険, Koyo Hoken) provides financial assistance to individuals who lose their jobs. It offers unemployment benefits, job training, and other support services to help unemployed individuals find new employment. Both employers and employees contribute to this insurance.

Workers' compensation insurance (労災保険, Rosai Hoken) covers work-related injuries and illnesses. It provides medical care, compensation for lost wages, and benefits for permanent disabilities or death resulting from workplace accidents. Employers are responsible for paying the premiums for this insurance.

Contributions to social insurance programs are typically deducted from employees' salaries, and employers also contribute a portion. The collected funds are used to provide benefits and services to eligible individuals.

In summary, shakai hoken in Japan is a social insurance system that includes health insurance, pension insurance, unemployment insurance, and workers' compensation insurance, offering financial support and security for various life situations.


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See Also

法人保険   [houjin hoken] - corporate insurance

法人保険 (houjin hoken) is a Japanese term that translates to "corporate insurance" or "business insurance" in English. It refers to insurance policies that businesses purchase to protect against various risks and liabilities associated with their operations. Types of 法人保険 include property insurance, which covers damage to business property due to events like fire, theft, or natural disasters. Liability insurance protects against legal claims arising from accidents, injuries, or negligence. Business interruption insurance compensates for lost income and ongoing expenses if business operations are disrupted by an insured event. Employee benefits insurance includes health, life, and disability insurance for employees. These insurance policies help businesses manage risk, protect their assets, and ensure continuity in the face of unforeseen events.

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健康保険料   [kenkou hokenryou] - health insurance premium

健康保険料 (kenkou hokenryou) is a Japanese term that translates to "health insurance premium" in English. It refers to the amount of money that individuals or employers pay to a health insurance provider to maintain health insurance coverage.

In Japan, health insurance is mandatory, and premiums are typically deducted from employees' salaries. Employers often share the cost of these premiums with their employees. The premiums help cover the costs of medical services, treatments, and medications, ensuring that insured individuals have access to necessary healthcare without incurring significant out-of-pocket expenses.

The calculation of 健康保険料 is usually based on the insured person's income, with higher earners paying more in premiums. The collected premiums fund the health insurance system, allowing for the distribution of healthcare benefits to policyholders.

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保険金   [hokenkin] - insurance money or benefits paid out by an insurance company to a policyholder or beneficiary

保険金 (Hokenkin) refers to insurance money or benefits paid out by an insurance company to a policyholder or beneficiary. This payment is made under the terms of an insurance policy when a specified event, such as an accident, illness, death, or property damage, occurs. The purpose of hokenkin is to provide financial protection and support to individuals or businesses, helping them to recover from losses or unforeseen circumstances.

The amount and conditions of the insurance payout are determined by the policy agreement, which outlines the coverage details, premium payments, and claim procedures. Receiving hokenkin typically requires the policyholder to file a claim and provide necessary documentation to prove the occurrence and extent of the covered event. This concept is fundamental in risk management, offering peace of mind and financial stability by mitigating the impact of adverse events.

Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

社会保険 (shakai hoken) refers to social insurance in Japan. It is a comprehensive system designed to provide financial security and support for individuals and families in various situations, such as illness, injury, childbirth, retirement, and unemployment. The social insurance system in Japan is composed of several key programs.


Social insurance is 社会保険 (shakai hoken) in Japanese.




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