How to Enroll in Medical Insurance (Health Insurance)

Medical insurance is a system that collects premiums (money) from everyone and helps people who go to medical facilities due to illness or injury.
People living in Japan are required to enroll in medical insurance. Foreigners are also required to enroll in medical insurance when residing in Japan for three months or longer.

When you enroll in “medical insurance,” you can reduce the amount you have to pay yourself when you go to hospitals and clinics, or get prescriptions.
When using “health insurance,” show your “My Number Card,” which you have registered as a Health Insurance Certificate, or your Qualification Confirmation Certificate (Shikaku Kakuninsho) at the check-in counter at hospitals, clinics, or pharmacies.

 

• Health Insurance
• National Health Insurance

“Health insurance” is a type of insurance that people who work for companies and other organizations may join. You pay 50% of the insurance premiums, and your employer pays the other 50%. How much you pay is determined by your salary.

Your company handles the enrollment procedures for “health insurance.” Your insurance premiums are deducted from your salary by your company each month.

“National Health Insurance” is an insurance program for people who do not work for a company or similar employer. Insurance premiums are determined based on the combined income of your household.

To enroll in the “National Health Insurance” program, visit the “National Health Insurance” reception desk at your local municipal office. Insurance premiums are automatically deducted from your bank account each month (i.e., direct debit) or paid using the “payment slip” sent by your municipal office.