[Answer]
Normal pregnancy is not an illness and therefore regular medical checkup
for expecting mothers and delivery are not covered by National Health Insurance
or other public health insurance. Please consult with your city office if you
are unable to come up with the up-front money to cover the expenses for your
hospital stay. Here are support programs related to childbirth.
① Lump sum
birth allowance: Subscribers to the National Health Insurance are entitled to
the allowance worth 420,000 yen (per child) by applying at National Ｈealth Insurance section
of their city office.
② Childbirth
with Hospitalization Assistance Policy System: Households with income below a
predetermined amount can have their cost for delivery covered at a designated
medical institution by applying at a welfare section of the city office.
③ Lump sum
birth allowance payment delegate system allows a hospital to receive up to
420,000 yen from the allowance directly from an insurer to cover the cost of
child delivery of its subscriber. This system eliminates the need for the
subscriber to prepare large amount of money up front. To apply for the system,
contact National Health Insurance Section of the city office.
As for unemployment benefits, those who left their workplace due
to child birth can apply for an extension of benefit-receivable period for up
to three years, instead of the normal one year. More information is available
at Hello Work.