Public medical insurance is a mutual-aid system to reduce the burden of medical bills on the sick or injured through cost sharing, and everyone living in Japan is obliged to enroll.
There are two public medical insurance programs: Employee Health Insurance, in which company employees are enrolled, and National Health Insurance, which applies to those not eligible for Employee Health Insurance. Under both systems, the insured party pays only 30% or less of medical expenses at the hospital where treatment for illness/injury is sought.
Those employed by companies are enrolled in this health insurance program. The company handles the application procedure and automatically deducts premiums from salaries.
Showing an insurance card at the hospital allows the bearer to pay just 10 to 30% of the medical expenses incurred.
Those who have lived in Japan for a year or more and are not covered by the Employee Health Insurance Program are obliged to enroll in the National Health Insurance Program.
The relevant procedures can be completed at ward offices, and require an alien registration card and passport. If your address changes or you have a new baby, you must complete the related procedures regarding insurance at the ward office within 14 days.
Premiums are calculated based on the number of family members and the insured party’s annual income. Payment of premiums for the year is made in 10 installments. There are two ways to pay: automatic remittance using the account transfer systems provided by financial institutions, and direct payment to a collector who makes specific visits for this purpose.
One health insurance card is issued per household. Showing the card at the hospital allows the bearer to pay just 10 to 30% of the medical expenses incurred. However, medical examinations, preventive shots, cosmetic surgery, normal childbirth and other cases not defined as medical treatment of illness/injury are not covered by this insurance, and must be paid in full.
Benefits are provided if the insured party gives birth, dies or incurs large medical bills due to hospitalization or for other reasons.