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"non-residents": Did you mean non-citizens? Else, I do not understand the context of this term. Clearly, the OP was talking about living/working in Japan. That would imply residence. Yes, there is national health care. For working age people, it costs about 10-20k yen per month (many factors can change the final cost). Co-pay is 30%.

> Co-pay is 30%

It's actually better in practice because the state puts maximum prices on all kinds of procedures, and IIRC there is also a maximum annual amount that you can be charged. IOW it's easy to ensure your care costs are bounded.

Great point! First, I didn't know that the national gov't is actively involved in medical pricing. I guess it makes sense when you have national health care. Second, to state the obvious, 30% would be insane co-pay for someone in the United States. However, in Japan, it is quite reasonable. Elderly only pay 10%, and most children pay nothing.

Laugh cries inconsolably in American...

I’ve never had to pay more than a fixed copay. (I use public insurance)