National Health Insurance
In Japan, everyone has health insurance. When you are enrolled in health insurance, it reduces the cost of medical expenses (hospital bills). Those unenrolled must pay the full cost of medical expenses themselves.
Health insurance is very important. People who work should be enrolled through their employers (their workplace). Those who are not covered through their workplace, please enroll in the National Health Insurance.
Foreign nationals must also enroll in the National Health Insurance.
Any foreign nationals who live in Japan for longer than 3 months must register as a resident at the city hall. Those who have registered should also enroll in the National Health Insurance.
However, the following persons are not eligible to enroll in the National Health Insurance:
- Those whose period of stay in Japan is less than 3 months.
- Those whose status of residence is “Designated Activities” and who have come to Japan for medical attention or to care for such a person.
- Those whose status of residence is “Designated Activities” who have come to Japan for sightseeing.
- People who have health insurance through their workplace.
- People who receive public assistance.
- People aged 75 and older (Enrolled in Medical Care System for Elderly People)
If you are enrolled in the National Health Insurance, make sure to always pay your insurance premiums.
If insurance premiums are not paid, you will not be able to use the National Health Insurance services. If you are having any difficulties with making the insurance premium payments, please consult with us at the National Health Insurance Section of the Health Insurance Division.
Inquiries:
Those up to 74 years old: National Health Insurance Section in the Health Insurance Division 072-924-8534
Those 75 years old and older: Elderly Health Care Section in the Health Insurance Division 072-924-3997