General10 min read
Health Insurance in Japan for Foreigners: Complete Guide
Understanding Japan's health insurance system as a foreigner. National Health Insurance vs company insurance, enrollment, costs, and coverage.
Published: 1/11/2026•Updated: 1/16/2026
Key Takeaways
- Health insurance is mandatory for stays over 3 months
- You pay only 30% of medical costs
- Two types: National (NHI) or Employee insurance
- Cost based on income
- Covers most medical treatments
Japan's Health Insurance System for Foreigners
Japan has universal healthcare. As a foreigner staying more than 3 months, you MUST enroll in health insurance. There are two main types:
• National Health Insurance (NHI) - 国民健康保険 For self-employed, students, unemployed
• Employee Health Insurance (Shakai Hoken) - 社会保険 For company employees (mandatory if working 30+ hours/week) Both cover 70% of medical costs - you pay only 30%.
• National Health Insurance (NHI) - 国民健康保険 For self-employed, students, unemployed
• Employee Health Insurance (Shakai Hoken) - 社会保険 For company employees (mandatory if working 30+ hours/week) Both cover 70% of medical costs - you pay only 30%.
How to Enroll in National Health Insurance
Steps to Enroll:
1. Go to your local city/ward office
2. Bring: Residence card, My Number card (if available)
3. Fill out enrollment form
4. Receive your insurance card within 1-2 weeks
Cost:
• Based on previous year's income
• Average: ¥15,000-¥50,000/month
• Students/low income: ¥2,000-¥5,000/month
• Maximum: ~¥80,000/month
• Based on previous year's income
• Average: ¥15,000-¥50,000/month
• Students/low income: ¥2,000-¥5,000/month
• Maximum: ~¥80,000/month
What Does Health Insurance Cover?
Covered (70% paid by insurance):
• Doctor visits and consultations
• Hospital stays
• Prescription medications
• Surgery
• Mental health treatment
• Maternity care (partial) NOT Covered:
• Dental (cosmetic)
• Vision/glasses
• Most vaccinations
• Health checkups (unless employer provides)
• Alternative medicine
• Doctor visits and consultations
• Hospital stays
• Prescription medications
• Surgery
• Mental health treatment
• Maternity care (partial) NOT Covered:
• Dental (cosmetic)
• Vision/glasses
• Most vaccinations
• Health checkups (unless employer provides)
• Alternative medicine
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It's illegal. You may be charged back-premiums for up to 2 years, face fines, and have difficulty renewing your visa.
Travel insurance can be used short-term but is not a substitute. You must enroll in Japanese health insurance for stays over 3 months.
You can apply for a reduction at your city office. Students and low-income individuals often qualify for 50-70% reductions.
Last updated: January 16, 2026