National Health Insurance

National Health Insurance is a medical insurance system supported by the regular National Health Insurance tax (premium). All international students basically must enroll in the National Health Insurance.

Procedures for Enrollment

Place :

your local municipal / ward office

Necessary documents :

Identification such as passport or Residence Card.

*You need to report any changes (e.g. change of address, name, or etc) at your local municipal / ward office within 14 days.

*When you go back to your home country, you need to return your Insurance Card and pay off the insurance premium at your local municipal / ward office.

Health Insurance Card

Upon completion of the application form, a Health Insurance Card is issued to you.
The National Health Insurance scheme reduces the amount you pay for treatment at a hospital or general practitioner by 70 percent. Please note that the scheme does not cover birth, vaccinations, or general check-ups. The government reissues the card annually in August and sends it to your registered address in late July.
*The current insurance card will be discontinued on and after December 2, 2024. (Insurance cards that have already been issued can be used until the expiration date.) Those who have not registered their Individual Number Card for use as an insurance card will receive a “Notice of Eligibility Confirmation”, and those who have registered for use will receive a “Notice of Eligibility Information”.

Health Insurance Premium

When you join the National Health Insurance scheme, the annual premium is calculated based on your income. In the case you have no income in Japan during the previous year, the premium will be ¥20,000 for singles or ¥30,000 for couples. If your income increases due to a part-time job, the health insurance premium may increase. The premium will be reassessed every year. The premium and the date of payments are notified by payment slips sent from the municipal / ward office every year. If you fail to pay the premium, your property may be seized, or your period of stay may not be extended, therefore, please make your payment by deadline. Direct transfer from your bank account is a convenient way to pay the premium. You can also pay the premium at your local municipal / ward office, nearest financial institution or convenience store or Smartphone payment. The premium amount is recalculated every year in June. Please ask your local municipal / ward office for details.

High Cost Medical Care Benefits・Lump Sum Birth Allowance

When the medical expense paid by the insured member is large, a part of the payment may be reimbursed. Please refer to page “Expenses in the Case of Illness” for further details. If you give birth, you will receive a “lump sum birth allowance” (you need to register your pregnancy). Please contact your local municipal / ward office for further details.