Health Insurance
health insurance systems
There are a total of eight health insurance systems in Japan which can be divided into three categories:
| a) Employee’s Health Insurance (kenko hoken) |
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|---|---|
| b) Health Insurance for Workers in Special Occupations |
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| c) National Health Insurance (kokumin kenko hoken) |
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Enrollment
If you fall into either category (a) or (b), your employer will provide the necessary enrollment form and deduct the monthly assessments.
If you are not eligible for either of the two categories, you may apply for membership of the national Health Insurance at Health Insurance Division in the main building of City Hall.
In either case, you will receive a health insurance card, which must be presented at the admissions desk of a hospital, clinic or practitioner's office in order to receive the benefits of the health insurance system.
It is advisable to carry the card with you at all times in case of an emergency.
Benefits
Category (a) and (b) systems at present cover 90% of the medical costs for a member, when treated as an out-patient.
In case of hospitalization of family members, 80% of medical costs are covered and 70%, if treated as an out-patient.
The National Health Insurance system covers members and their dependents for 70%.
There are exceptions where the coverage is higher.
Please contact the Health Insurance Division at City Hall for further details.
About National Health Insurance (category c)
Enrollment
Those who intend to stay in Japan for more than 1 year are required to enroll in health insurance plans.
Those who are not in social insurance or covered by union-managed health insurance can apply for National Health Insurance.
A Health Insurance card will be issued to you, and you are also required to pay taxes for the National Health Insurance from the day the card is issued.
Things you will need to apply for the National Health Insurance: a. Residence Card b. Personal seal (inkan) (signature is also acceptable)
Benefits
When you visit medical facilities to receive medical treatment, present your health insurance card and 70% of the medical expense will be covered.
If the medical expenses exceed a certain amount, you are required to pay for the exceed amount.
However, the amount for coverage differs in person.
Please inquire at the Health Insurance Division for more information.
Inquiry
Health Insurance Division Main City Hall, Tel:0994-31-1162(direct)