Pregnancy Costs

Since pregnancy and childbirth are not considered illnesses, health insurance will not cover the cost of a normal delivery. The average cost of delivery is about 500,000 yen and will vary depending on the hospital. Persons who are insured under the health insurance system may receive a “lump sum birth allowance” after giving birth. (Persons insured under the National Health Insurance system in Saitama City will receive 420,000 or 408,000 yen.) This lump sum birth allowance can be paid directly to the relevant medical institutions (hospital, etc.) to cover your delivery costs (you do not have to prepare this money before giving birth). You can also borrow some of the lump sum birth allowance prior to giving birth. Applications for the lump sum birth allowance may also be made after childbirth.

There are birthing facilities available to expecting mothers who, despite the medical necessity, cannot afford the costs of giving birth at hospitals and other similar facilities. Please contact us if you are having financial difficulties.

Inquiries:

Assistance Division of your respective ward office

Childrearing Assistance Medical Fees Subsidy System （子育て支援医療費助成制度）

When your child is ill or injured, Saitama City will pay a part of the outpatient and hospitalization fees to the relevant medical institution on your behalf.
Please present the Health Insurance Card and Subsidy Eligibility Certificate, which proves the child’s entitlement to the subsidy, at the reception desk of hospitals in Saitama City. Applications are required for the Subsidy Eligibility Certificate.

Please register for the subsidy immediately after submitting the Notification of Childbirth or Notification of Moving-in (document informing Saitama City that you have moved to the city).

Eligibility

Children who satisfy all of the following conditions:
     ● Live in Saitama City
     ● Enrolled in a Japanese health insurance
     ● Are junior high school age or younger

Costs borne by Saitama City

Total cost of medical fees for outpatient treatment and hospitalization (patient-borne portion of medical fees) *In cases where you pay medical fees upfront, such as at medical institutions outside of Saitama City, you must apply at the relevant ward office to receive a refund.

 
    Subsidy Eligibility Certificate

Child Allowance （児童手当）

The City pays this allowance to persons raising children of junior high school age or younger for use in the healthy physical and mental upbringing of these children. Persons who are not registered residents do not qualify for this allowance.

Contact your respective ward’s Assistance Division for more information.
Please apply for the allowance within 15 days, counting from the day after giving birth or moving to Saitama City.

Allowance Amount Per Child：

    ● Newborn up to 2 years old: 15,000 yen/ month
    ● 3 years old to elementary school students (1st and 2nd Child): 10,000 yen/ month
    ● 3 years up to elementary school students (from 3rd Child): 15,000 yen/ month
    ● Junior high school students: 10,000 yen/month
    * Persons with a high income may only be eligible for 5, 000 yen per child.

The Papa and Mama Support Shop System （パパ・ママ応援ショップ）

Under the Papa and Mama Support Shop System, you receive various store services when you present the card displayed on the right below at any store which has the Papa and Mama Support Shop sticker shown below. This card can also be used at participating stores nationwide.

        
                Courtesy Card                             Participating shop sticker

Eligibility

Households with children who has not yet reached the first March 31 since his/her 18th birthday and households with pregnant women

Required Documents

Proof of child’s age and address such as a health insurance card or the Maternal and Child Health Handbook

Courtesy Card Service Counters

Child Welfare Section, Assistance Division, at your respective ward office.