Japan & Singapore Care Market Updates — 2026-06-13
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Japan is currently discussing special measures to sustain care services in depopulated areas following the June 2026 nursing care fee revisions, while Singapore is expanding mental health facilities and highlighting that long-term care needs are increasingly affecting those under 50.
Japan & Singapore Care Market Updates — 2026-06-13
Japan Care & Nursing Market Trends
1. Low utilization of non-insurance care services despite high future demand
In Japan, 77% of the market for care services outside of Kaigo Hoken (long-term care insurance) remains unused, yet 61% of respondents acknowledge the future necessity of these services. This suggests that the current insurance-covered system alone cannot meet total care demand.
2. Rising medical costs for the elderly following welfare revision
Following the April 2026 revision of the Seikatsu Hogo Jisshi Yoryo (Public Assistance Implementation Guidelines), the cap for late-stage elderly medical insurance premiums has been raised from 800,000 yen to 850,000 yen. This is expected to increase the financial burden on low-to-middle-income elderly individuals.
3. Survey on public perception of rising medical and care costs
A survey by the Kenpo-ren (National Federation of Health Insurance Societies) reveals anxiety among the working-age population regarding medical and nursing care insurance systems, while elderly individuals themselves are also bracing for increased costs.
4. Debates on relaxing staffing standards to maintain care services
The Kaigo Hoken Ho (Long-Term Care Insurance Act) amendment currently being deliberated in the Diet includes provisions to relax staffing requirements for providers in depopulated areas. However, concerns regarding a potential decline in service quality have been raised.
5. June 2026 implementation of nursing care fee revisions
The Kaigo Hoshu (nursing care fee) revisions began their interim implementation in June 2026. The updates impact various services, including resident care in designated facilities.
Singapore Care & Nursing Market Trends
1. Long-term care is not just for the elderly – Great Eastern data
Data from the insurer Great Eastern shows that 62% of long-term care insurance claimants are under 50, proving that long-term care is an issue independent of age. This highlights the need for preventive care services across all age groups.
2. Evolution of Singapore’s poverty reduction policy
Latest trends regarding SDG 1 in Singapore show that the PAP government’s efforts to reduce poverty are evolving beyond simple cash support into a more comprehensive social safety net.
3. Expansion of AIC’s Respite Care services
The Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) in Singapore provides short-term Respite Care to give family caregivers a break, which is particularly useful during the leave periods of Migrant Domestic Workers (MDW).
4. 2026 updates to the Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF)
The AIC has announced that 2026 subsidy levels for home medical equipment will be determined based on the 2025 Annual Value (AV). An online ordering system via the Vertis Health Marketplace is also in operation.
5. 2026 Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) criteria
The subsidy levels for the AIC’s Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) program for 2026 have been reset based on the 2025 Annual Value. For households without income, the Annual Value determined by IRAS (Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore) applies.
Policy and Market Implications
1. Deepening divide between insurance and non-insurance services
Japan: The 77% non-utilization rate for non-insurance services signifies substantial unmet demand that the current system cannot cover. Singapore: The AIC’s multi-layered support (Respite Care, SMF, HCG) uses tiered support based on an individual's financial capacity. Both nations face unmet demand that public insurance alone cannot address.
2. Expansion across all age groups and rising non-elderly care needs
Singapore: The Great Eastern data indicating that 62% of claims are from those under 50 challenges the traditional view of "elderly care." Japan: While the 2026 Kaigo Hoshu revisions are still elderly-focused, future policies will need to reflect care demand for non-elderly disability and chronic illness.
3. Tension between relaxing staffing standards and ensuring service quality
Japan: Relaxing staffing requirements in depopulated areas is an inevitable choice, but concerns regarding quality remain. Singapore: The AIC’s systematic subsidies and technical support (assistive devices, care certifications) reflect an approach aimed at maintaining service quality with limited personnel. Both countries urgently need structural reform to solve labor shortages.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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