Is Quit-Smoking Treatment Covered by Insurance in Japan? (2026)
Table of contents
Scope and disclaimer
This is a third-party summary of publicly available information from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (https://www.mhlw.go.jp/) and its health information site e-Health Net (https://kennet.mhlw.go.jp/), as of July 2026. This article introduces public information for general reference only and is not medical advice. Whether treatment is appropriate for you, and which approach to take, should be discussed with a medical institution or a qualified professional. Note also that public health insurance in Japan generally applies to people enrolled in the Japanese system; short-term visitors should check their own coverage.
The four eligibility requirements
- 1. A score of 5 or higher on the Tobacco Dependence Screener (TDS), administered at the clinic
- 2. For people aged 35 or older, a Brinkman Index (cigarettes per day multiplied by years of smoking) of 200 or higher. This requirement was removed for people under 35 from April 2020
- 3. Wishing to stop smoking immediately, and giving written consent to treatment following the standard protocol
- 4. Not having received insurance-covered smoking-cessation treatment within the past year
The final judgement on eligibility is made by the medical institution you visit. If you are unsure whether you qualify, ask the clinic before your appointment.
What TDS and the Brinkman Index mean
The TDS is a questionnaire-based screening tool used at clinics to assess nicotine dependence; it is administered at the first consultation, and you do not need to score yourself in advance. The Brinkman Index is calculated as cigarettes smoked per day multiplied by years of smoking — for example, 20 cigarettes a day for 10 years gives 20 x 10 = 200. Writing down your daily cigarette count and how many years you have smoked before your appointment makes the first consultation easier.
The standard schedule: five visits over 12 weeks
Insurance-covered smoking-cessation treatment follows a standard schedule of five consultations across 12 weeks. Intervals and exact dates vary by clinic. It is worth checking in advance whether a 12-week course of visits fits around your work and family commitments.
Estimated cost
With the standard 30% co-payment under public health insurance, the total across the 12-week, five-visit course is estimated at roughly 13,000-20,000 yen. This is an estimate only: the actual amount depends on the medication used, the number of consultations and the clinic. Confirm the cost directly with the medical institution you plan to visit.
About medication
Depending on the physician’s judgement, treatment may involve nicotine replacement products (patches, gum) or oral medication. Which option is suitable, and whether it can be used at all, depends on individual factors such as your medical history and any medication you are already taking. This article does not name specific products or brands. Please consult a doctor or pharmacist about medication. Outcomes of treatment vary between individuals, and this article does not guarantee any particular method or result.
If you use heated tobacco products
Under the revised Health Promotion Act, heated tobacco products are regulated in the same way as cigarettes (source: https://jyudokitsuen.mhlw.go.jp/). Whether and how smoking-cessation treatment applies if you use heated tobacco is a question for your medical institution. For the rules on where smoking is allowed, see our guide to the revised Health Promotion Act, and for product categories see the heated tobacco basics guide.
Other options exist
A clinic is not the only route. See what options exist for quitting smoking for an overview, and what to prepare before your first clinic visit. Which approach suits you is a question for a doctor or pharmacist.
Rules and fee schedules can be revised. Please check the latest information with a medical institution or the official sites. This article introduces public information for general reference only and is not medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Can anyone get insurance coverage for a quit-smoking clinic in Japan?
A.No — there are conditions. You must (1) score 5 or higher on the Tobacco Dependence Screener, (2) if aged 35 or older, have a Brinkman Index of 200 or higher, (3) wish to stop smoking immediately and give written consent to standard-protocol treatment, and (4) not have received insurance-covered smoking-cessation treatment in the past year. The clinic makes the final judgement.
Q.What if I am under 35?
A.From April 2020, the Brinkman Index requirement of 200 or higher no longer applies to people under 35. The other requirements still apply. Check the details with your medical institution.
Q.How much does it cost?
A.With 30% co-payment, roughly 13,000-20,000 yen in total for the 12-week, five-visit course is the commonly cited estimate. The actual amount varies by medication and clinic, so confirm with the clinic directly.
Q.What medication is used?
A.Depending on the physician’s judgement, nicotine replacement products (patches, gum) or oral medication may be used. Suitability depends on individual factors and outcomes vary between individuals. Please consult a doctor or pharmacist. This article is not medical advice.