National Health Insurance & Pension
Update date: November 1, 2024
National Health Insurance
The National Health Insurance System in Japan is designed to help reduce an individual’s medical expenses.
*In some cases, those who have established an employment relationship with Hokkaido University may sign up for health insurance through the university. Please contact your department for more information.
Procedures for Enrollment
Place: your local municipal/ward office
Necessary documents: Identification such as a passport or Residence Card.
*You need to report any changes (e.g., change of address, name, etc.) at your local municipal/ward office within 14 days.
*When returning to your home country, you will need to return your Health Insurance Card and pay off your insurance premium at your local municipal/ward office.
Health Insurance Card
A Health Insurance Card will be issued to you upon completion of the application form.
The National Health Insurance scheme reduces the amount you pay for treatment at a hospital or general practitioner by 70 % of the original cost. Please note that the scheme does not cover birth, vaccinations, or general check-ups. The government reissues the card annually in August and sends it to your registered address in late July.
Health Insurance Premium
When you join the National Health Insurance Scheme, the annual premium is calculated based on your income. In the case of no income earned in Japan during the previous year, the premium will be ¥20,000 for singles or ¥30,000 for couples. If your income increases due to a part-time job, the health insurance premium may increase. The premium will be reassessed every year. The premium and the date of payments are notified by payment slips sent from the municipal/ward office every year. If you fail to pay the premium, your property may be seized, or your period of stay in Japan may not be extended, therefore, be sure to make your payment by the deadline. A direct transfer from your bank account is a convenient way to pay the premium. You can also pay the premium at your local municipal/ward office, nearest financial institution, or a convenience store. The premium amount is recalculated every year in June. Please ask your local municipal/ward office for details.
High Medical Care Expense Benefits and Lump-Sum Benefit for Childbirth and Childcare
When the medical expenses paid by the insured member are substantial, a part of the payment may be reimbursed. Please refer to the page “Medical Expenses” for further details. If you give birth, you will receive a “Lump-sum Benefit for Childbirth and Childcare” (you must register your pregnancy). Please contact your local municipal/ward office for further details.
National Pension
Regardless of nationality, all registered residents of Japan aged 20 to 59 years old are required to enroll in the National Pension Scheme at your local municipal/ward office.
*If you have established an employment relationship with Hokkaido University, this procedure will be carried out through the university. Please contact your department for more information.