Japanese Health Insurance - What Foreigners Need to Know

Japan's Health Insurance System is renowned for its ease of access to medical care.
Foreigners staying in Japan for more than three months must enroll in this Health Insurance plan.
 
However, the Health Insurance System is complex and may be a bit difficult for foreigners.
Understand the system to ensure that you receive medical services when you need them.
 
In this article you will know more about:

• Types of Health Insurance
• How to Join
• What can I use my Health Insurance for?

This article presents a wide range of useful information for those already working in Japan and for those planning to move to Japan.

*Information as of February 2024.

Types of Health Insurance in Japan

There are various systems, but let's first learn about "Social Insurance" and "National Health Insurance".

社会保険（Social Insurance）

Those who work for the company are covered by social insurance.
Social insurance includes Health Insurance and unemployment insurance.
Premiums are paid automatically from your monthly paycheck.
Also called Employee Insurance or “Hiyosha Hoken”.

国民健康保険（National Health Insurance）

Students, people who are self-employed, retired from a company, or work for a company with less than 5 employees are eligible.
Premiums vary depending on where you live and your income.
 (Source: 日本の医療保険制度の仕組み)

Can foreigners be enrolled on a Health Insurance?

Health Insurance coverage is mandatory.

All residents of Japan, including foreigners, are required to have Health Insurance.
This is a unique system in the world.
With Health Insurance, you can live safely with peace of mind.
For example, you can go to the hospital for immediate treatment and not have to pay expensive medical bills.
More information about medical expenses is presented later.

Procedures for enrollment in Japanese Health Insurance

Foreign nationals who have a valid residence card and will stay in Japan for more than 3 months are required to enroll in Health Insurance.

What can the Health Insurance System be used for?

Health Insurance coverage includes

• Medical examination (having a doctor check your symptoms)
• Examination
• Medications to be used during the examination
• Hospitalization costs
• Treatment costs
• Cost of doctor-prescribed medicines, etc.

Depending on your insurance and the treatment you have, it may not be covered by your insurance, so be sure to check!

Inability to use Health Insurance

Although we mentioned that Health Insurance can be used for medical examinations and hospitalization, there are some things that cannot be covered by Health Insurance.
Examples: cosmetic treatments such as skin care, surgery to improve eyesight, etc.

Co-payments for Health Insurance

The co-payment amount for Health Insurance is 30%. (This is different for children and those over 70 years of age.)
To explain in more detail, when you receive treatment at a hospital, you do not pay for all the costs incurred, but only 30% of the cost.
That is why Japan is known for its affordable healthcare.
 
In addition, when medical expenses are high, there is a system called the "high-cost medical care cost system.
This system can be used when medical expenses per month exceed the maximum amount.

*The maximum amount varies depending on age and income.
Source: 厚生労働省「高額療養費制度を利用される皆さまへ」

Remembering that such a system exists, will give you a bit of comfort when you need treatment, because you will worry a little less about money regarding medical costs when you need it.

Conclusion

Japanese Health Insurance is a system that allows foreigners to enjoy life in Japan comfortably and safe.
Not only Japanese but also foreigners are obliged to join Health Insurance.
Because of the Health Insurance System, it is possible to get medical treatment in a very affordable cost.
 
Insurance programs are subject to change.
When there is a system change, it will be covered widely in the news, so be sure to keep your eyes on Japanese news on a regular basis to be up to date.