The long-term care insurance system was established in 2000 for the purpose of reducing the burden on family members and providing supportive care with the whole society. Long-term care insurance is a public insurance that pays the expenses for those who need nursing care. It is a system designed so that everyone bears the insurance premiums and pays them to those who need them most.
After one reaches the age of 40, the long-term care insurance premiums will begin to be withheld from their salary. When one has retired from their lifetime of work, these premiums will be withheld from their pension. Therefore, it means that after one reaches the age of 40 in Japan, they will continue to pay the long-term care insurance premiums throughout the term of their life.
The insured persons of long-term care insurance are divided into those who are 65 years old or older, and in addition, persons covered by medical insurance who are 40 to 64 years old. The former can receive long-term care services when they receive a certification of long-term care need or certification of needed support, regardless of the cause. The latter can receive long-term care services when they receive a certification of long-term care need (assistance) due to a disease associated with aging (specified diseases).
Considering the sobering reality that Japan continues to grow as a 'super-aging' country*1, it becomes exponentially important for them (and other super-aging countries) to sustain and strengthen premium systems like the above mentioned one to truly create comprehensive support to families and communities.
If you are interested in learning more about the long-term care insurance in Japan, you can check this;
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