Population aging is reshaping health systems worldwide, creating pressures on financing, service delivery, and long-term care. Countries are responding through different institutional arrangements; however, evidence on how these models influence health outcomes remains limited. This study compares the health systems of Chile and Japan to examine how demographic context and system design shape responses to population aging and population health outcomes. Using data from sources such as the World Bank, the OECD, and the World Health Organization, the analysis evaluates key indicators including demographic structure, health system financing, primary care organization, healthcare resources, and selected health outcomes. Japan, one of the world’s most rapidly aging societies, operates a universal mandatory health insurance system supported by extensive healthcare infrastructure and strong financial protection. Chile, while demographically younger, is undergoing a significant demographic transition characterized by a rapidly increasing proportion of older adults. Its health system combines a mixed public–private insurance model with a community-centered primary care network emphasizing prevention and family health services. The comparison suggests that Japan’s universal financing structure and healthcare capacity contribute to strong outcomes in life expectancy and mortality indicators, while Chile’s primary care model strengthens accessibility and community-based prevention. From a policy perspective, Chile may benefit from Japan’s experience in universal coverage and long-term care systems designed to support very aged populations. Japan could draw lessons from Chile’s community-centered primary care model and preventive programs aimed at promoting healthy aging and maintaining functional capacity among older adults.

Authors:
Camilo Ignacio Riquelme Rojas, CEMO Villa Sur - Municipalidad de PAC, Chile
Hoang-Nam Tran, Tokushima University, Japan

About the Presenter(s)
Hoang-Nam Tran, M.D., Ph.D. is an Associate Professor at Research Center for Higher Education, Tokushima University, Japan.

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