Basics of health insurance in Japan
Japan has several public health insurance schemes. Your plan depends on your work and living situation. Check who insures you, where to complete procedures and what to show when visiting a doctor.
Last updated: October 9, 2026
Check these first
Ask your employer whether you qualify for its health insurance.
Check whether you can join as a dependent or need National Health Insurance.
Prepare your My Number health insurance card or eligibility certificate.
Check what identification and documents your specific procedure requires.
1. Company health insurance versus National Health Insurance
| Comparison | Company health insurance | National Health Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Who is covered | Employees and others who meet enrollment requirements | Self-employed people, students, unemployed people and those not covered by company insurance |
| Where to apply | Your employer | The municipality where you live |
| Premiums | Calculated mainly from salary; shared by employer and worker | Calculated according to income, household members and municipality |
| Family members | Eligible relatives may qualify as dependents | In principle, each family member is insured individually |
| Leaving employment | Coverage ends; consider National Health Insurance or voluntary continuation | When enrolled in company insurance, complete the procedure to leave NHI |
Actual enrollment requirements and premiums vary by employer, insurer and municipality.
2. Where should you ask about your insurance?
Check insurance provided by your employer
Check National Health Insurance or dependent coverage
Enrollment depends not only on residence status but also your registered address, employer, working conditions and other insurance coverage.
3. Notes for different residence and work situations
4. How do you enroll?
Company health insurance
Ask your employer
Confirm whether you qualify for enrollment.
Submit your details
Name, date of birth, address, My Number and other required information.
Employer submits notification
Your company completes the enrollment process.
Prepare to visit a clinic
Check your My Number health insurance card or eligibility certificate.
National Health Insurance
Register your residence
Complete the address registration procedure first.
Visit your municipality
As a general rule, report NHI enrollment or withdrawal within 14 days. Confirm deadlines and procedures.
Submit documents
Prepare your residence card, My Number details and, after leaving employment, a certificate of loss of previous insurance eligibility if required.
Check premiums
Also review payment methods, due dates and reductions or exemptions.
5. When visiting a hospital
Confirm insurance eligibility
Prepare your My Number health insurance card or eligibility certificate.
Find a medical facility
Check the department, language support and opening hours.
Reception and examination
Explain your symptoms, medicines and allergies.
Payment and medication
Pay your share and visit a pharmacy if necessary.
The validity period of traditional health insurance cards has ended. At medical facilities and pharmacies, eligibility is generally confirmed using your My Number health insurance card or eligibility certificate.
6. How much will you pay for care?
With covered medical care, the percentage you pay at the counter depends on age, income and other circumstances. A 30% copayment is common, but it does not apply to everyone.
| Situation | What to check |
|---|---|
| Routine visit | Copayment percentage and whether insurance applies |
| Expensive treatment | High-cost medical expense benefit, monthly ceilings and annual caps |
| Hospitalization | Uninsured charges such as private-room surcharges and meals |
| Childbirth and time off work | Eligibility for childbirth lump-sum allowance and sickness and injury allowance |
High-cost medical expense ceilings depend on age, income, treatment month and system changes. Ask your insurer for current terms.
7. When leaving a job, changing jobs or moving
If you are uncertain about enrollment:Company insurance eligibility depends on working hours, employment duration and whether the workplace is covered. National Health Insurance changes normally must be reported within 14 days, but ask your municipality about eligibility start dates, documents and late filings. After leaving a job, compare voluntary continuation deadlines and premiums with dependent coverage. If you must see a doctor before new coverage is confirmed, contact the hospital and insurer.
| Situation | Action to take |
|---|---|
| Leaving a company | Former coverage ends; consider NHI, voluntary continuation or dependent status |
| Changing jobs | Confirm termination of previous coverage and new employer enrollment |
| Joining company insurance from NHI | After joining employer insurance, ask your municipality how to withdraw from NHI |
| Moving to another municipality | If enrolled in NHI, check required procedures in the old and new municipality |
| Household changes | Check whether dependent coverage or NHI household details need updating |
8. What to do when problems occur
9. Helpful next articles
10. Check official information
Official information checked October 9, 2026. This article summarizes the system for foreign residents. Confirm final eligibility, premiums, documents and benefit conditions with your employer, insurer or municipality.