National Health Insurance
Last UpdateJuly 18, 2008
Health Insurance System
Japan has a universal health insurance system under which all residents of Japan subscribe to some kind of public health insurance. Public health insurance can be divided into employee health insurance, to which those who are employed by a company are automatically subscribed through their employer, and national health insurance for self-employed people and other local residents. The national health insurance program is managed by Japan's municipal governments.
Who is Eligible?
All registered foreign residents living in Japan are required to subscribe, except: (1) those who are already subscribed to employee health insurance at their workplace and their dependent relatives; (2) individuals who are receiving public welfare assistance; (3) tourists who are only in Japan temporarily. Registered foreign residents who will be in Japan for less than one year generally cannot subscribe, but those whose certificate of employment or student registration certificate shows that they will be in Japan for more than one year can subscribe.
When to Subscribe, When to Cancel
When any of the following conditions apply, please visit the Health and Pension Section within 14 days to complete the necessary paperwork.
When to Subscribe
- When moving to Nishitokyo City (from another city or another country)
- When you have canceled your employer-sponsored health insurance policy
- When you give birth
- When you are no longer receiving public welfare assistance
When to Cancel
- When you plan to leave Nishitokyo City (leave the country), unless you plan to re-enter
- When you enroll in an employer-sponsored health insurance program
- Upon your death
- When you begin receiving public welfare assistance
* You may not cancel National Health Insurance because you are unable to pay the insurance premiums or because you do not use the insurance.
Other
- When you have a change of address or change in the number of household members
- To report changes made to information on your Foreign Resident Registration Card
Insurance Premium Reductions and Exemptions
If you experience financial difficulties due to a disaster or other circumstances, you may be eligible for an insurance premium reduction or exemption.
How to Pay Insurance Premiums
Annual insurance bills are sent out every year in mid-July. Payments should be made at your nearest bank or other financial institution, a city office or a city branch office by the due date. You can also sign up to have your premiums automatically withdrawn from your bank or postal savings account by the due date. To sign up for this service, bring your payment slip along with the seal registered for your account to your financial institution.
Insurance Benefits
Be sure to show your insurance card to the registration desk of your medical institution when obtaining treatment. National health insurance covers 70% to 90% of your medical expenses. The patient is responsible for paying the remaining 10% to 30%. National Health Insurance does not cover: (1) medical practices not covered by the insurance; (2) routine medical checkups; (3) immunizations; (4) cosmetic surgery; (5) normal childbirth; (6) teeth straightening; (7) terminations of pregnancy and sterilizations performed for economic reasons.
Excessive Medical Treatment Costs
If the amount that a patient is responsible for paying to a medical institution for an illness or injury in a single month exceeds a certain threshold, any amount paid over and above that threshold constitutes excessive medical treatment costs. Patients may apply for a reimbursement of this amount.
When a Child is Born
When a National Health Insurance subscriber gives birth, they will receive a per-child lump-sum newborn care benefit. The same benefit will be paid in the case of a stillbirth or miscarriage if a woman is pregnant for 85 days (12 weeks) or longer.
When an Insurance Subscriber Dies
A funeral expense benefit will be disbursed to the person who handles the funeral arrangements.
Inquiries: Health and Pension Section
Tel: 042-464-1311 (ext. 1472-1473, 1481-1484)
