Easy registration in about 3 minutes!

YOLO ID:

My page

Sign Out

You have unfinished applications.
Column / 2023.08.07

Your Guide to the Health Insurance Card in Japan

In Japan, a Health Insurance Card is a card given to people who are enrolled in a health insurance plan. When you show it at hospitals or pharmacies, you can reduce your medical costs.

Foreign residents in Japan are also required to join a health insurance plan. But you might wonder: Which insurance should I join? How do I apply? What happens if I don’t have a card?

This page explains the purpose, types, usage, and important points of Japan’s Health Insurance Card in simple English. Read on to make your life in Japan easier and more secure.

 


Table of Contents

Why Do You Need a Health Insurance Card?
Types of Health Insurance in Japan
How to Use the Health Insurance Card & Precautions
How to Pay Insurance Premiums
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Want More Useful Information About Life in Japan?

 


■ Why Do You Need a Health Insurance Card?

A Health Insurance Card is very important when visiting hospitals or pharmacies in Japan.

If you do not have this card, you will need to pay 100% of the medical costs yourself. Medical care and medicine in Japan can be very expensive, so joining health insurance is essential.

Foreign residents are legally required to join a health insurance plan. Once you enroll, you will receive a Health Insurance Card.

■ Types of Health Insurance in Japan

There are several types of health insurance in Japan. The type you join depends on your job and age.

① Social Insurance (Shakai Hoken)

This insurance is for people who work for a company. Part-time workers can also join if they meet certain conditions:

・Work 20 hours or more per week
・Work for at least 2 consecutive months
・Monthly salary of 88,000 yen or more
・Not a student

② National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken)

This is for people who are not enrolled in company insurance. You need to apply at your local city or ward office. Bring your passport and residence card.

③ Medical Care for the Elderly

This insurance is for people aged 75 and older. At age 75, the city office will automatically send you a new health insurance card. 90% of your medical costs will be covered by the government.

■ How to Use the Health Insurance Card & Precautions

In Japan, show your Health Insurance Card when you go to a hospital or pharmacy. This reduces your medical costs.

[How to Use]

・Show it at the hospital reception when you arrive.
・Show it at the pharmacy when you pick up medicine.
・Write your address on the back of the card when you receive it.

[Important Precautions]

・Never lend your card to someone else.
・Using someone else’s card is a crime.

・Insurance does not cover some treatments, such as cosmetic surgery.
・Without a Health Insurance Card, you must pay 100% of the medical costs.

>> Click here for more details about visiting a hospital

■ How to Pay Insurance Premiums

When you join health insurance, you must pay an insurance premium. The amount depends on your salary and age.

[If you have Social Insurance]

The premium will be deducted automatically from your salary.

[If you have National Health Insurance]

・You will receive a payment slip from your city office.
・You can pay at a bank or convenience store.

■ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Do foreign residents need a Health Insurance Card in Japan?

A1. Yes. Everyone living in Japan must join a health insurance plan. Once you join, you will receive a Health Insurance Card.

Q2. Can I go to the hospital without a Health Insurance Card?

A2. Yes, but you must pay 100% of the medical costs. It is very expensive, so make sure you have insurance.

Q3. Where can I apply for a Health Insurance Card?

A3. If you work for a company, your employer will handle it. If not, go to your local city office to join National Health Insurance.

Q4. How much is the insurance premium?

A4. It depends on your salary and age. Check with your employer or city office for details.

■ Want More Useful Information About Life in Japan?

To live safely and comfortably in Japan, you need more than health insurance—you also need information about jobs, housing, and daily life.

By registering with YOLO JAPAN, you can get all this information for free:

・Essential tips for living in Japan
・Special offers and campaigns for foreign residents
・Job opportunities for those who want to work in Japan

Registration is free and takes just 3 minutes.
Make your life in Japan safer and easier.
Register Now