社会｜コンビニでの保険証利用が変化 / Society | Changes in the Use of Health Insurance Cards at Convenience Stores

Summary

As of December 1, 2025, the validity of the existing health insurance cards will end, and there will be a transition to the “My Insurance Card,” which is integrated with the My Number Card.

With this change, convenience stores will no longer accept health insurance cards as a form of identification for purchasing alcohol and tobacco. While opinions on this new system are divided, it is expected to improve convenience.

Dialogue

This dialogue is fictional and based on the article.

Log: Have you heard that the age verification process at convenience stores is changing?
Chako: Really? What’s happening?
Log: You won’t be able to use your health insurance card anymore. Starting in 2025, we’ll be switching to the My Number health insurance card, so the old card won’t be valid for identity verification.
Chako: That sounds like something out of a drama! Why is it changing like that?
Log: I think the new system will be convenient, but it’s going to confuse a lot of people since it’s such a sudden change.
Navi: This change is believed to be aimed at promoting the use of the My Number card.

Admin’s Note

This news really made me think about the future of identity verification. In particular, the fact that health insurance cards will no longer be usable will significantly impact many people. While we can’t fully grasp how convenient the My Number health insurance card will be until we actually use it, I feel it’s important for us to consider how we should adapt to the changes coming in society.