What is the National Health Insurance Program?

(1)Requirements for Enrollment

Each insured person pays a premium according to his/her income.

When you wish to enroll, you are required to apply to the insurance section at the municipal office of the city, town or village where you live. One certificate per household is given and carries the names of the householder and all the members of the family and their dates of birth.

The following is required to qualify for National Health Insurance.
*Registration as an alien.
*More than one year of residence in Japan.

When the present length of stay in Japan is less than one year, if a length of stay in Japan of more than one year is approved, you may be enrolled.

(2)Premium

The cost of the premium varies in each municipal office. It is assessed on the basis of the total preceding year's income and the number of persons in your household.

In case of no income with no dependents, the premium will be about ¥10,000-20,000-per year. The payments are available by transferring them from your bank account or by billing.

(3)Benefits

Upon your enrollment in NHI, you only pay 30% of all medical charges for each medical service at a hospital or clinic. If you pay the same hospital or clinic more than ¥63,000 in one month, the excess will be refunded to you later. A birth allowance of ¥240,000 may be obtained.