Social Insurance in Japan: What You Need to Know [YOLO JAPAN]

Planning to work in Japan?

Many companies in Japan enroll their workers in “social insurance.”

Here is a simple guide to the 4 types of social insurance, who must join, and how the payment works.

【What is 社会保険 (Social Insurance)?】

It is a public system to protect people who work in Japan — for sickness, injury, unemployment, and old age.

Full-time employees are usually automatically enrolled by the company, so you don’t have to apply by yourself.

🏥 Types of Social Insurance

There are four main programs:

・ 健康保険 (Health Insurance)
You usually pay only 30% at the hospital.
If you cannot work because of sickness or injury, you may get financial support.
The premium is deducted from your salary.

・ 厚生年金保険 (Employee’s Pension Insurance)
A pension for living in Japan after retirement.
The premium is deducted from your salary.

・ 雇用保険 (Employment Insurance)
You can receive unemployment benefits if you lose your job.
The premium is deducted from your salary.

・ 労災保険 (Workers’ Accident Compensation Insurance)
Covers medical costs and some income if you are injured or become sick because of work.
It applies to almost all workers.

👩‍💼 For part-time / arubaito workers

You must also join Health Insurance and Pension if you meet all of these:

・ Work 20 hours or more per week

・ Monthly salary is 88,000 yen or more

・ You will work for 2 months or longer

・ The company has 51 or more employees

💰 How the premiums are paid

・ Premiums are automatically deducted from your salary
・ You pay about half, and your company pays the other half
・ If it is hard to pay, ask about a temporary exemption

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

▶ Click to see the answer

Q1. How can I check if I am enrolled?

A. Look at your payslip. If you see “health insurance premium” or “pension insurance premium,” you are enrolled.

Q2. How do I join if I’m not enrolled?

A. Ask your company. If you meet the conditions, the company must do the procedure for you.

Q3. Is social insurance too expensive?

A. You pay every month, but it protects you in many situations (sickness, injury, unemployment, old age). It’s a very important system if you live and work in Japan.

🔑 Key Points

・ Social insurance = Health + Pension + Employment + Workers’ Accident

・ Part-time workers may also need to join, depending on conditions

・ Premiums are taken from your salary, and the company pays half

・ If payment is difficult, talk to the company or a public office

📚 References

・ MHLW | Social Insurance (Health & Pension)

・ MHLW | Employment Insurance

・ MHLW | Workers’ Accident Compensation Insurance

If you’re not sure, get support

If you think you should be enrolled in social insurance but you’re not, don’t keep it to yourself. Ask or consult.

・ Labor Standards Inspection Office

・ Consultation Desk for Foreign Workers (easy Japanese available)

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*This content is written to help foreign residents understand Japan’s social insurance system in an easy way. Please check the latest rules with your company or official organizations.