Step 2 of 4
Manage health insurance
Understand which public health-insurance system covers you and keep your enrollment information current.
Overview
Japan has different public health-insurance arrangements depending on circumstances. People covered through applicable employment generally use Employees' Health Insurance. Residents who are not covered by Employees' Health Insurance or another applicable exclusion may need to enroll in National Health Insurance through their municipality.
Requirements
- Confirm whether you have employee health-insurance coverageIf you are employed, confirm with your employer whether you are enrolled in Employees' Health Insurance and when that coverage begins or ends.
- Confirm whether National Health Insurance appliesIf you are not covered by Employees' Health Insurance, confirm your National Health Insurance status with the municipality where you live. Eligibility depends on your circumstances and statutory exclusions.
- Keep enrollment information currentChanges such as starting or leaving employment, moving to another municipality, or entering another health-insurance system can require an enrollment or withdrawal procedure.
Documents and items
- Identity and residence informationKeep the identity and residence documents requested by your municipality, employer, or insurer available when completing health-insurance procedures.
- Information about existing or previous coverageWhen changing insurance systems, keep documents showing your current or previous health-insurance status when requested.
- Employment information where applicableIf your health-insurance status is connected to employment, keep relevant information from your employer concerning the start or end of coverage.
- Insurance-related noticesKeep enrollment notices, premium information, eligibility documents, and other communications issued by your insurer or municipality.
Actions
- Confirm your current coverageDetermine whether you are covered through an employer or whether you need to complete a National Health Insurance procedure with your municipality.
- Complete National Health Insurance procedures when requiredIf you become eligible for National Health Insurance, complete the applicable procedure with your municipality. MHLW guidance states that the required notification is generally made within 14 days after becoming insured.
- Withdraw when another system takes overIf you join Employees' Health Insurance or otherwise cease to qualify for National Health Insurance, complete the applicable withdrawal procedure rather than assuming it happens automatically.
- Update coverage when you moveWhen moving to another municipality, check the National Health Insurance procedures required by the municipality you are leaving and the municipality you are entering.
- Check premium and payment informationReview notices from your municipality or insurer and follow the applicable instructions for premiums and payment.
Practical notes
- Do not assume that all foreign residents use National Health Insurance. Employment and other circumstances can place a person under a different public health-insurance arrangement.
- Foreign residents are subject to specific National Health Insurance eligibility rules and exceptions, including rules related to residence status and expected period of stay.
- National Health Insurance procedures are handled by the relevant municipal office. Required documents and application methods should be confirmed with that municipality.
- National Health Insurance premiums are determined under the applicable system and can depend on household, income, and other circumstances.
- JMNET should not determine a user's legal eligibility or insurance category. When uncertain, users should confirm their status with their employer, municipality, or health insurer.