How to Join National Health Insurance
Learn how National Health Insurance works and how to enroll if you are not covered by employer insurance.
In Japan, all residents are expected to join some form of health insurance. If your employer enrolls you in employee health insurance, that takes priority. Otherwise, many freelancers, spouses on dependent-related visas, and students join National Health Insurance.
When to enroll
You can usually handle enrollment on the same day as address registration at your local city or ward office.
What to bring
- Residence card
- Passport
- My Number if available
Insurance card
After enrollment, you receive a health insurance card or equivalent coverage information. When you show it at a clinic, hospital, or dentist, you usually pay only 30 percent of the cost.
Premium cost
The premium is based on the previous year’s income. If you have just moved to Japan and had no prior Japanese income, the first year’s premium is often relatively low.
Where you can use it
National Health Insurance is accepted at almost all clinics, hospitals, and dental offices in Japan. You do not need to worry about provider networks in the way many Americans do.
High-cost medical care system
If your medical costs become high because of surgery or hospitalization, there is a monthly cap on what you have to pay out of pocket. If you apply in advance for a ceiling certificate, you can reduce the payment required at the counter.
What is not covered
- Some dental treatments such as orthodontics or cosmetic work
- Vision correction
- Some vaccinations, though subsidies may exist in some cases