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.
保険
insurance
Referring to the concept or system of insurance
The standard word for insurance. Used in compounds for specific types.
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'.
来月、生命保険に入るつもりです。
I plan to take out life insurance next month.
Literally 'apply insurance', used when insuring a specific item or person.
家に火災保険をかけました。
I insured my house against fire.
A more formal way to say 'join insurance' or 'enroll in insurance'.
当社の保険に加入しませんか？
Would you like to enroll in our insurance?
Referring to making a claim or receiving benefits
Literally 'use insurance', common in casual contexts.
病院で保険を使えますか？
Can I use my insurance at the hospital?
Means 'insurance is applicable/effective', often used to ask if something is covered.
この治療は保険がききますか？
Is this treatment covered by insurance?
Formal term for 'file an insurance claim'.
事故の後、保険金を請求した。
After the accident, I filed an insurance claim.
Referring to the contract or scope of insurance
Insurance policy document.
保険証券をなくさないでください。
Please don't lose your insurance policy.
Insurance card, commonly used for health insurance.
Coverage or compensation, often used in policy details.
Referring to the cost of insurance
Insurance premium.
保険料が高くなった。
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).
健康保険に入らなければなりません。
I need to get health insurance.
私の保険はこれをカバーしていますか？
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.
火災保険に入っていますか？
Do you have fire insurance?
海外旅行の前に旅行保険に入った。
I took out travel insurance before my overseas trip.
病院で保険証を見せてください。
Please show your insurance card at the hospital.
Please check the coverage details of this insurance.