Sick pay in Japan (2026)
Last reviewed: 7 November 2026
In short: Insured employees receive a sickness allowance from their health insurer. It is two thirds of the daily standard remuneration, paid after three days of incapacity for up to one year and six months for the same illness. The claim needs a doctor’s opinion.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Who pays sick payBeing ill and unable to work | The insurer of the employee’s health insurance scheme pays a sickness allowance (傷病手当金) to insured employees who cannot work because of illness or injury. [1] |
| Sick pay rateBeing ill and unable to work | Two thirds of one thirtieth of the average standard monthly remuneration over the latest 12 consecutive months, for each day. [1] |
| Maximum durationBeing ill and unable to work | For the same illness or injury, the allowance is paid for a total of one year and six months counted from the day payment began. [1] |
| Waiting daysBeing ill and unable to work | The allowance is paid for the period of incapacity after three days have passed from the day the person could no longer work. [1] |
| Medical certificateBeing ill and unable to work | The claim to the insurer must include a doctor’s or dentist’s opinion on the illness and the period of incapacity, and an employer’s certification. [2] |
Notes
- The Health Insurance Act allowance was read. Whether employers must also pay wages during illness was not checked.
Sources
- デジタル庁 e-Gov法令検索 (e-Gov Law API): 健康保険法 (大正十一年法律第七十号), 2026-10-01 施行版 (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
- デジタル庁 e-Gov法令検索 (e-Gov Law API): 健康保険法施行規則 (大正十五年内務省令第三十六号), 更新 2026-10-16 (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.