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.
医療費が高くて困っています。
I'm struggling with high medical expenses.
確定申告で医療費控除を申請します。
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.
この治療費は保険がききますか？
Is this treatment covered by insurance?
The actual bill you receive after a visit, often paid at the counter.
Commonly used for the fee paid for a medical consultation or treatment at a clinic or hospital. More casual than 医療費.
診療代はいくらですか？
How much is the consultation fee?
Colloquial term for hospital bills, often used in everyday speech.
病院代が思ったより安かった。
The hospital bill was cheaper than I expected.
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.
高額療養費制度を使えば、自己負担額が減ります。
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.
Medical expenses covered by insurance. Often used when asking if a treatment is covered.
この治療は保険適用の医療費ですか？
Is this treatment covered by insurance?
A more conversational way to say 'expenses covered by insurance'.
保険がきく費用と、きかない費用があります。
There are expenses that are covered by insurance and those that are not.
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.
医療費の領収書を保管しなければなりません。
I need to keep receipts for medical expenses.
彼女の医療費は保険でカバーされました。
Her medical expenses were covered by insurance.
This medication will be at your own expense.