Translation guide
The concept of insurance in Japanese is expressed primarily through the word 保険 (hoken). This guide covers how to talk about insurance policies, types of insurance, and related actions like buying or using insurance.
Referring to the concept or system of insurance
The standard word for insurance. Used in compounds for specific types.
to take out insurance
to insure something
Specifying a particular kind of insurance
Expressing the action of obtaining or possessing insurance
Literally 'enter insurance', the most common way to say 'take out insurance' or 'get insured'.
I plan to take out life insurance next month.
Literally 'apply insurance', used when insuring a specific item or person.
I insured my house against fire.
A more formal way to say 'join insurance' or 'enroll in insurance'.
Referring to making a claim or receiving benefits
Referring to the contract or scope of insurance
Referring to the cost of insurance
Insurance premium.
The insurance premium went up.
English uses 'insurance' metaphorically (e.g., 'as insurance against failure'). Japanese 保険 is rarely used this way. Instead, use 念のため (just in case) or 安全策 (safety measure).
I need to get health insurance.
Does my insurance cover this?
カバーする is a common loanword from English, but 保険がきく is more natural in many cases.
Do you have fire insurance?
I took out travel insurance before my overseas trip.
Would you like to enroll in our insurance?
Is this treatment covered by insurance?
After the accident, I filed an insurance claim.
病院で保険証を見せてください。
Please show your insurance card at the hospital.
この保険の補償内容を確認してください。
Please check the coverage details of this insurance.