Translation guide
In Japanese, 'medical expenses' can be expressed in several ways depending on context—whether you're talking about general healthcare costs, hospital bills, insurance-covered amounts, or out-of-pocket payments. The most common and neutral term is 医療費 (いりょうひ).
Referring to overall medical expenses, such as those incurred for treatment, hospitalization, or medication, often in contexts like tax deductions or insurance claims.
The standard, neutral term for medical expenses. Used in official contexts, tax forms, and everyday conversation.
I'm struggling with high medical expenses.
I'll claim the medical expense deduction on my tax return.
Specifically refers to treatment costs, not including things like transportation or preventive care. Often used when discussing the cost of a particular medical procedure or therapy.
Is this treatment covered by insurance?
The actual bill you receive after a visit, often paid at the counter.
The portion of medical expenses not covered by insurance, paid directly by the patient.
Refers to the amount the patient must pay out-of-pocket, after insurance coverage. Used in formal and insurance contexts.
If you use the high-cost medical expense benefit system, your out-of-pocket costs will decrease.
Actual expenses paid by the individual, often used when insurance doesn't cover something or when you pay the full cost upfront.
The portion of medical expenses that is reimbursed or covered by health insurance.
医療費 is the broadest term for all medical expenses. 治療費 focuses on treatment costs. 診療代 is the fee for a specific consultation or visit. Use 医療費 for tax and insurance contexts, 治療費 when discussing a specific procedure, and 診療代 when asking about the bill at the counter.
In Japan, if your annual medical expenses exceed a certain threshold, you can claim a deduction (医療費控除). The term used is always 医療費.
I need to keep receipts for medical expenses.
Her medical expenses were covered by insurance.
この薬は実費になります。
This medication will be at your own expense.
There are expenses that are covered by insurance and those that are not.