Is this a bill? Do I have to pay?

No. This is an invitation to have a health check or screening, not a bill. Many are free or cost only a small amount, and there is nothing to pay right now.

Do I have to take part?

Screening is optional, and there is no penalty for skipping it. But because it is low-cost and helps catch disease early, eligible people are encouraged to go.

What's the difference between 特定健診 and がん検診?

The 特定健診 is a health check for lifestyle-disease risks (high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.). がん検診 looks for cancers of the stomach, colon, lung, breast, cervix and so on early. Check the notice for which apply to you.

Where can I go? Do I need to book?

You can go to a clinic or screening facility listed on the notice. Most require booking in advance, by phone or web at the contact given on the notice.

City hall

健康診査・がん検診: Japan Health Check & Cancer Screening Notice Explained

This is an invitation (お知らせ) from your municipality or health insurer for a 健康診査 / 特定健診 (health check) or がん検診 (cancer screening). It invites eligible people to a health check that catches lifestyle-related disease early, or screening that finds cancer early. ⛔ It is not a bill and does not ask for payment. Many of these checks are free or cost only a small amount. The usual flow is to book with a clinic or screening facility listed on the notice and go. Taking part is optional, but because it is low-cost and helps catch problems early, eligible people are encouraged to use it.

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Who receives it

The 特定健診 goes mainly to insured people and dependents above a certain age, from their insurer (協会けんぽ, a health union, or municipal 国民健康保険). がん検診 is often sent by the municipality to residents of the target ages. Which ages qualify and which screenings are offered (stomach, colon, lung, breast, cervical, etc.) vary by area and insurer. Nationality does not matter; if you are registered or insured and of the target age, you receive the notice.

What to do

1Check which screenings you're eligible for, which facilities you can use, and the cost (free or low) on the notice.
2Book the check you want with a clinic or screening facility listed on the notice, by phone or web.
3On the day, bring this notice (or the voucher/ticket if included) and your health-insurance card.
4If a coupon (クーポン券) or 受診券 is enclosed, show it at reception to get the check free or at reduced cost.
5If who qualifies, the cost or the location is unclear, ask the municipal or insurer contact printed on the notice.

About the deadline

Many screenings have a period during which you can be checked (e.g. within the fiscal year). After it passes, you may no longer get that round free or at reduced cost. ⛔ Always confirm the eligible period on your own notice. This is a deadline for booking and getting the check, not a payment deadline. Booking can get busy, so if you plan to go, booking early is safer.

Common misunderstandings

Is this a bill? Do I have to pay?: No. This is an invitation to have a health check or screening, not a bill. Many are free or cost only a small amount, and there is nothing to pay right now.
Do I have to take part?: Screening is optional, and there is no penalty for skipping it. But because it is low-cost and helps catch disease early, eligible people are encouraged to go.
What's the difference between 特定健診 and がん検診?: The 特定健診 is a health check for lifestyle-disease risks (high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.). がん検診 looks for cancers of the stomach, colon, lung, breast, cervix and so on early. Check the notice for which apply to you.
Where can I go? Do I need to book?: You can go to a clinic or screening facility listed on the notice. Most require booking in advance, by phone or web at the contact given on the notice.

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