National Health Insurance
International students with a "Student" visa status must join the National Health Insurance. When you join the National Health Insurance, your out-of-pocket medical expenses will be 30% of the total. In addition, even if your out-of-pocket medical expenses for one month are high, there is a "High-cost Medical Expense Payment System" that sets a self-payment limit and reimburses any expenses that exceed that limit at a later date, and a "High-cost Medical Expense Loan System" that allows you to receive temporary advance payment if you are unable to pay your medical expenses due to long-term hospitalization, etc.
Joining procedure
This can be done at the National Health Insurance section of the city hall where you registered your residence . To apply, you will need your residence card , passport , My Number card or notification card . In principle, you will be enrolled in the National Health Insurance from the time you arrive in Japan. If you delay the enrollment procedure, you will have to pay insurance premiums retroactively from the month you became eligible for National Health Insurance.
Payment of premiums
Monthly insurance premiums vary slightly depending on the municipal office, and the more income you have from part-time work, the higher your payment. (Scholarships such as learning incentives for privately funded international students are generally not considered income.) However, there is a system for reducing insurance premiums if your income is recognized as being below a certain amount. For details, please inquire at the National Health Insurance Division. After you have completed the enrollment procedure, a payment slip will be sent to you by mail, so you can pay your premiums at a bank, post office, convenience store, municipal office, etc. Payment can also be made by direct debit.
Insurance card (National Health Insurance card)
It will be mailed to you at a later date. One card will be issued per household, or one card per insured person depending on the municipal office. Your insurance card is proof that you are insured, so please treat it with care. Do not entrust or lend it to others. Always present your insurance card when receiving medical treatment from a doctor.
Medical treatments not covered
Treatment not covered by insurance, private or double room fees, material costs, etc.
Health checkups and vaccinations (excluding certain vaccinations for those at risk of developing a disease)
Normal pregnancy and delivery (abnormal delivery is covered by insurance)
Elective abortion
Cosmetic surgery
Orthodontics
Change of address
Within 14 days of the change of address, you must complete the necessary procedures at the city hall of your new address, present your previous health insurance card at the counter of your new address, and receive your new health insurance card.
Withdrawal
If you are returning to your home country after your studies abroad, please go to the city office where you joined and return your insurance card before you return to your home country. Please note that you will not be terminated from the National Health Insurance unless you complete the withdrawal procedure.