{"id":10067,"date":"2020-01-03T17:00:40","date_gmt":"2020-01-03T08:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/?p=10067"},"modified":"2020-02-14T14:33:32","modified_gmt":"2020-02-14T05:33:32","slug":"all-you-need-to-know-as-a-foreigner-about-the-national-health-insurance-in-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/en\/japan\/all-you-need-to-know-as-a-foreigner-about-the-national-health-insurance-in-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"All you need to know as a foreigner about the National Health Insurance in Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Your health is the most important resource you have. No matter your salary, location, or background, access to quality health care is one of the most important factors when choosing a country to live in. But this can vary widely across the globe and a sudden change in health can either be manageable or devastating. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Luckily for us, Japan\u2019s National Health Insurance service covers just about any malady and makes it easy to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. But as a foreigner, how do you get health insurance in Japan and what is National Health Insurance for foreign residents? Don\u2019t worry, we\u2019ve got you covered.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Other Related Articles<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/en\/everyday-living\/medical-care\/english-speaking-doctor-in-tokyo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">English Speaking Doctor in Tokyo<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_10126\" style=\"width: 2963px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10126\" class=\"wp-image-10126 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/12\/adhy-savala-zbpgmGe27p8-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of a hospital\" width=\"2953\" height=\"1847\" srcset=\"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/12\/adhy-savala-zbpgmGe27p8-unsplash.jpg 2953w, https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/12\/adhy-savala-zbpgmGe27p8-unsplash-576x360.jpg 576w, https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/12\/adhy-savala-zbpgmGe27p8-unsplash-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/12\/adhy-savala-zbpgmGe27p8-unsplash-1024x640.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2953px) 100vw, 2953px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-10126\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo from Unsplash by <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@adhy?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Adhy Savala<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<h2>What is National Health Insurance?<\/h2>\n<p>The current Japanese National Health Insurance system is a somewhat more complicated single-payer system born out of social welfare reforms after WW\u2161 as a way to ensure all citizens of Japan were not overly burdened by medical bills. <strong>All citizens not covered by their employer are covered by the National Health Insurance system and enrollment in some kind of insurance is mandatory.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Foreigners are eligible for National Health Insurance (NHI) if they are working in Japan with proper visa documentation and not covered by their place of work. Payment for the NHI is on a sliding income scale and maximum premiums encompass a wide range with the absolute top being \uffe5580,000 per year, with a co-pay ceiling of \uffe5150,000+[(Total Medical Expenses &#8211; \uffe5500,000) x1%]. This also covers both dental and vision-related medical expenses.<\/p>\n<p>By registering yourself with the municipality of your residence, your local government system pays for your medical fees. Failure to pay will result in penalties of a temporary card of having your wages garnished until the outstanding debt is paid for.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_10130\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10130\" class=\"wp-image-10130 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/12\/8697d652ac8ed3c5b5b8a82022107252_m.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of the National Health Insurance Card\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1281\" srcset=\"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/12\/8697d652ac8ed3c5b5b8a82022107252_m.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/12\/8697d652ac8ed3c5b5b8a82022107252_m-540x360.jpg 540w, https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/12\/8697d652ac8ed3c5b5b8a82022107252_m-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/12\/8697d652ac8ed3c5b5b8a82022107252_m-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/12\/8697d652ac8ed3c5b5b8a82022107252_m-900x600.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-10130\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo by Photo Ac by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.photo-ac.com\/profile\/1492438\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">uopictures<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<h2><strong>Who takes National Health Insurance in Japan:<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">All public doctors and hospitals take the NHI. Indeed, it would be far stranger to find a doctor who doesn\u2019t take it. The exception remains for some English-speaking doctors, often in areas where a high percentage of clients are diplomats or special-case short term residents who use their country\u2019s own care system rather than the NHI. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you aren\u2019t sure whether the English speaking doctor you\u2019re hoping to see takes NHI, a quick ring is always helpful if it\u2019s not stated on their website. This single universal system makes it easy to pick a doctor, dentist, and optometrist that\u2019s right for you, as well as any specialists you may require. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you\u2019re getting more than just primary care, there are a few medications or medicals services that the NHI does NOT cover, so check with your doctor or the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mhlw.go.jp\/english\/policy\/health-medical\/health-insurance\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> for more information.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_10148\" style=\"width: 6730px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10148\" class=\"wp-image-10148 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/12\/linkedin-sales-navigator-VfYvFDLIYQ0-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"Consulting a Doctor\" width=\"6720\" height=\"4480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/12\/linkedin-sales-navigator-VfYvFDLIYQ0-unsplash.jpg 6720w, https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/12\/linkedin-sales-navigator-VfYvFDLIYQ0-unsplash-540x360.jpg 540w, https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/12\/linkedin-sales-navigator-VfYvFDLIYQ0-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/12\/linkedin-sales-navigator-VfYvFDLIYQ0-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/12\/linkedin-sales-navigator-VfYvFDLIYQ0-unsplash-900x600.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 6720px) 100vw, 6720px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-10148\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo from Unsplash by <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@linkedinsalesnavigator\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LinkedIn Sales Navigator<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<h2><strong>How to get Public National Health Insurance:<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In Japanese, Public National Health Insurance is known as <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">kokumin kenkou hoken<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, quite literally, \u2018countryman\u2019s health insurance\u2019. This service can be received by going to your municipal or ward office and filling out a <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">kokumin kenkou hoken <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">form, which will either be given to you on the spot or (most often) mailed to you within a week. Note: If something happens to you in the interim of applying for your card and receiving it, you can tell the hospital and any overpayments will be returned to you. You will need to do this when you first move in, and also if you leave your municipality or return to your home country, so you won&#8217;t continue being charged. Everyone can get coverage, from seniors to babies, and you must always show your insurance card at the doctors in order to use your health insurance benefits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_10150\" style=\"width: 4625px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10150\" class=\"wp-image-10150 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/12\/jeremy-stenuit-3mErKfgolzM-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"Is everyone eligible for National Health Insurance? \" width=\"4615\" height=\"3264\" srcset=\"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/12\/jeremy-stenuit-3mErKfgolzM-unsplash.jpg 4615w, https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/12\/jeremy-stenuit-3mErKfgolzM-unsplash-509x360.jpg 509w, https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/12\/jeremy-stenuit-3mErKfgolzM-unsplash-768x543.jpg 768w, https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/12\/jeremy-stenuit-3mErKfgolzM-unsplash-1024x724.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 4615px) 100vw, 4615px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-10150\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo from Unsplash by <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@stenuitj?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">J\u00e9r\u00e9my Stenuit<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><strong>Are there other options besides NHI?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yes, there are! Tourists, for example (or residents under a four-month stay), can apply for private health insurance or travel insurance through outside companies. Some citizens also choose private insurance to help with conditions not covered through the NHI, as both can coexist for double coverage. These prices can range, but don\u2019t fret too much, as even under private insurance, costs are constantly reviewed by the Ministry of Health to ensure a fair and even rate across the board. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There is also what\u2019s known as just <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">kenkou hoken<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, or health insurance. This is paid by your employer, where they take care of the paperwork and pay your insurance premiums each month. Other than who pays, not much is different between the NHI and employees health insurance, as both will receive the same benefits and\/or co-pays on medical treatments and health services. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Kenkou hoken <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">and <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">kokumin kenkou hoken<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> cannot happen simultaneously&#8211;either you register and pay your premiums directly (often with a handy dandy packet you can take to a local convenience store), or your employer pays your premiums.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Overall, it\u2019s an easy system to navigate, and all residents of Japan (foreign or not) are required to have medical insurance. It\u2019s the simplest and often most efficient system, with just about every hospital or doctor you would like to see covered under one simple system. From crowns to chiropractors, the NHI has your back.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>So, what do you think about our article? For more articles follow us at <a href=\"https:\/\/metroresidences.com\/jp-en\/expat-life\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Expat Japan Life<\/a>! You can also follow us on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MetroResJP\/?ref=bookmarks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Fac<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MetroResJP\/?ref=bookmarks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/metroresidences_japan\/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Instagram<\/a>, and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Twitter<\/a>\u00a0for blog updates and information about living in Tokyo!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Your health is the most important resource you have. No matter your salary, location, or background, access to quality health care is one of the most important factors when choosing&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":10148,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[131,1,139],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10067","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-everyday-living","category-japan","category-medical-care"],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10067","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10067"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10067\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11125,"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10067\/revisions\/11125"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10148"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10067"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10067"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10067"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}