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Everyone who lives in Japan is required to enroll in one of the following
public health insurance programs: Employee Health Insurance, in which company
employees are enrolled, National Health Insurance which applies to those
who are ineligible for Employee Health Insurance and Health Insurance System
for the Elderly for those aged 75 years or older (Those aged 65 or older
in certain disabilities).
●Portion of medical expenses to be borne by patient with public health insurance.
| 70 years old and over: |
20% or 30% |
| From April 1st if they are 6 years old to 69 years old: |
30% |
| 0 years old to before March 31st if they are under 6: |
20% |
When you are hospitalized, a fee for meals is additionally required.
* 70 years old and over should pay 20 % of the medical cost by law. Between
April 1st in 2008 and March 31st in 2009, the medical cost was 10% because
of government support.
●Health Insurance Certificate
You receive a health insurance card when your application for Helath Insurance
is completed and accepted. If you join the Health Insurance System for
the Elderly, you will receive a health insurance card once you reach a
certain age. This card identifies the insured person, so you should keep
it in a safe place. You must present this card when seeking treatment at
a hospital or clinic. It is recommended that you carry this card with you
when you travel within Japan. For more detailed information, please contact
the Social Insurance Office, Health Insurance Association or National Health
Insurance and Pension Section of your local ward office. |
①Health Insurance
Those who are employed by their companies and their dependents are automatically
enrolled in the Health Insurance Program. The company for which you work
handles the application procedures and automatically deducts the premium
from your salary.
②National Health Insurance
Those who have registered as foreign residents and have obtained permission
to live in Japan for at least one year, but who are not covered by the
Health Insurance Program at their place of work, are also required
to join the National Health Insurance Program. (Those with a temporary visitor
visa are excluded.)
If you initially obtained permission to live in Japan for one year or less
but expect to live in Japan for more than one year, you are required to
join the National Health Insurance Program.
NOTE: In accordance with the Japan Social Security Agreement (issued 1st October, 2005), those persons applicable under the United States Statute for Cost Reimbursement (Gasshukoku Hiyou Futan Horei) and are judged to be adequately insured against costs incurred by receiving medical care in Japan by the Social Security Administration of the United States, will not be covered by National Health Insurance. (Same agreement is made with Kingdom of Belgium from January 1st, 2007 the French Republic from June 1st, 2007)
(1)Application and payment of Premiums
TTo enroll in the National Health Insurance Program, apply at the National
Health
Insurance and Pension Section (National Health Insurance) of your
local Ward office. You must present your Foreign Registration Card when you
apply. If your permitted period of stay in Japan is less than 1 year, please
present some form of documentation to prove that you will be staying in Japan
for more than 1 year. Please use an automatic transfer service to pay your
insurance premiums in Osaka City. If not, Osaka City staff bearing official
National Health Insurance Collector Certification will call at your home to collect
the premium. Be sure to check their certification before the paying. If using a
payment slip, please pay at your nearest financial institution, post office, Ward
office or convenience store.
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●Changing residence / Moving to a different municipality /Enrolling in a
different health insurance scheme
You must complete the proper formalities at the National Health Insurance and
Pension Section (National Health Insurance) of your local Ward office
in your new address within 14 days of the above changes.
＜Documents required＞
National Health Insurance Certificate, personal seal (if you have one), Foreign Registration Card, Health Insurance Certificate given by your employer and Alternative Health Insurance Certificate if you are under a health insurance other than the National Health Insurance.
※Before returning to your home country, visit the National Health Insurance and Pension Section (National Health Insurance) of your Ward office with the required documents and your air ticket.
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④Qualifying for Financial Assistance with Medical Bills
If you are a person with a severe disability, or over 65 years old and fulfil certain prerequisites, or are a single parent family and all children are under 18 years of age and child (infant) receive healthcare services provided by health insurance, you can receive assistance in paying medical expenses as covered by the National Health Insurance Program in cases where the parent’s income is under a certain level. You can apply for assistance at the Public Health and Welfare Operation Section, Public Health and Welfare Center of your local Ward office. |
⑤Obtaining Refund on Medical Expenses
If you receive medical treatment when you are not carrying your insurance
card, you will be required to pay the entire amount of the bill (including
the cases where you receive treatment while abroad) , however, you can
file for a refund. If you are covered by National Health Insurance,
you can file a claim at the Insurance Section(Hoken Tanto)of your ward office. If you are covered by Health Insurance, you can file a claim at
the Social Insurance Office or Health Insurance Societies. You will be required to submit the reciept
and documents detailing the medical treatment recieved and the corresponding
expenses. Following a satisfactory investigation of your claim, you will
be refunded the amount that your insurance would normally have covered. |
⑥Medical Treatment Expense Refund for High Cost
Those who have paid large amounts in the same month exceeding a certain
ceiling are eligible for a refund. Please go to Social Insurance Office or Health Insurance Society for Health
Insurance; Insurance Section of your Ward office (Hoken-Tanto)for the National Health Insurance to apply. Make sure to bring insurance certificates and your personal seal
with you. Part of your expenses will be refunded after examination. |
⑨Cases where the Medical Insurance is not Applicable
In principle, Health Insurance does not cover the following
cases:
（１）Medical treatment and drugs
which are not covered by Health Insurance nor does the National Health Insurance cover extra charges incurred
by a private patient’s room or non-essential dental treatment.
(2) Normal
pregnancy and child birth.
(3) Medical checkups, inoculation
and vaccination
(4) Cosmetic Surgery
(5) Straightening of teeth
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