# Japan targets 2027 for free childbirth coverage

> Japan plans to start covering childbirth costs by 2027 to help families.
- Title: Japan targets 2027 for free childbirth coverage · Nikkei Asia
- Summary: Japan plans to start covering childbirth costs by 2027 to help families. Japan will begin providing free childbirth coverage for parents starting in 2027 to…
- Keywords: japan, childbirth, healthcare, childbirth coverage, fiscal 2027, family planning, news, business, world, targets, 2027, free
- Source: Nikkei Asia — https://asia.nikkei.com/business/health-care/japan-eyes-2027-start-for-childbirth-coverage-meant-to-encourage-bigger-families
- Published: 2026-10-15T21:37:27+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: japan, childbirth, healthcare, childbirth coverage, fiscal 2027, family planning, news, business, world
## Japan health ministry
Japan's health ministry began discussing details of a new benefit to cover childbirth costs starting in the second half of fiscal 2027.
## Childbirth coverage program
The program aims to reduce financial burden on parents by making childbirth effectively free of charge.
## 2027 start date
Japan hopes to implement the coverage program starting in the second half of fiscal 2027 to encourage larger families.
## Key takeaway

Japan will begin providing free childbirth coverage for parents starting in 2027 to encourage larger families.