🏥 Japan’s Health Insurance System (for Foreign Residents)

 🏥 Japan’s Health Insurance System (for Foreign Residents)

If you live in Japan for more than one year, you are legally required to join the Japanese health insurance system. This ensures affordable access to hospitals and clinics when you need medical care.

1. Enrollment is Mandatory

  • Foreign residents staying over 1 year must join:

    • National Health Insurance (NHI / 国民健康保険)

    • Social Health Insurance (SHI / 社会保険)

  • Without insurance, you must pay 100% of medical costs out of pocket.

👉 Related: House Contracts in Japan: A Guide for Foreign Residents

2. Insurance Premiums

  • NHI (National Health Insurance):

    • Apply at your city or ward office.

    • Premiums vary depending on your income.

  • SHI (Social Health Insurance):

    • If employed, your company automatically enrolls you.

    • Premiums are deducted directly from your salary.

3. Medical Cost Coverage

  • With a valid insurance card (保険証), you only pay 30% of medical fees.

  • Children and elderly may pay even less.

👉 Example: A ¥10,000 doctor bill = you pay only ¥3,000.

4. What’s Covered

  • Doctor visits, tests, hospitalization, surgeries.

  • Additional benefits:

    • Childbirth lump-sum allowance (出産育児一時金)

    • High-cost medical expense reimbursement (高額療養費制度)

⚠️ Not covered: cosmetic surgery, orthodontics, routine checkups, and preventive care.

5. Common Issues for Foreign Residents

  • Late Enrollment: You may be charged retroactive premiums from the date you became eligible.

  • Misunderstanding Coverage: Many treatments (e.g., braces, cosmetic procedures) are not included.

  • Language Barriers: Some clinics have limited English support.

👉 Related: Public Etiquette in Japan: What Foreign Residents Should Know

✅ Summary

If you live in Japan, joining health insurance is mandatory and essential.
It reduces your financial burden, ensures access to quality healthcare, and gives you peace of mind in case of illness or injury.

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