ABOUT THE HEALTH INSURANCE SYSTEM
PUBLIC MEDICAL INSURANCE
Japan's public medical insurance is divided into two main programs, "employee's health insurance" and "national health insurance." If you live in Japan you must have one of these types of insurance. When you go for treatment the first time or the first time of the month, you need to submit your health insurance certificate to the reception desk of the medical institution.
PUBLIC MEDICAL INSURANCE
The insurance premiums are paid by you and your employer. The insured pays 30% of medical costs to the cashier of the hospital, clinic or other medical institution. Ask your employer for more details when you start work.
National Health Insurance
If you are not covered by an employee's insurance plan, then you must register for national health insurance. (Once you have applied, you cannot cancel at a later time.)
Application Procedure
Go and complete the application procedures at the Non-Japanese (Alien) Registration Office of your ward office. Your Non-Japanese (Alien) Registration card and passport is required for the application.
Notification of Change in Circumstances
You must report the following changes to the Alien (Foreign) Registration Office or Health Insurance and Pension Section near you:
- moving to another city, town or village
- going back to your country
- joining an employee's insurance scheme
- changing your name or address
Payment of Medical Expenses
You pay 30% of medical costs to the cashier of the hospital.
Payment of Insurance Premiums
Insurance premiums are a very important source of funds for national health insurance. When you receive a payment slip, you can pay it at most banks or at your ward office. This must be done by the due date. Alternatively you can also choose to have it automatically deducted from your bank account (furikomi). Insurance premiums are calculated based on the number of persons in the household covered by insurance, income and other factors that may change year to year.
Request for Reduction of Insurance Premiums
Our insurance premium is determined by last year's income. Only your income in Japan will be considered, therefore if you are a newcomer to Japan or a student, you can ask for a reduction in your premium. However, if you do not specially request it, you cannot get this reduction. For detailed information about national health insurance, please contact the Health Insurance and Pension Section of your ward office (You can obtain more explanatory materials at your Ward Office).