Health insurance status and survival among patients with head and neck cancer in Japan

Background Healthcare systems vary among countries, and in many countries, insurance and economic statuses significantly impact the mortality associated with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Japan prides itself on its unique healthcare and health insurance system, which provides equal coverage and healthcare access with low individual payments to most citizens. Additionally, citizens in poverty are covered by insurance for the poor (public assistance) and receive medical and other types of assistance. Hence, they have no barriers to healthcare services. This study aimed to determine the impact of health insurance status on mortality in Japanese patients with HNSCC.