Reception window

National Health Insurance Section

1st Floor, Urasoe City Hall

TEL: (098) 876-1234 (ext. 3723)

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Japan Has a Universal Health Insurance System

Everyone living in Japan is required to enroll in a medical insurance so they can receive medical treatment without worry (universal health system). National Health Insurance (NHI) is one of the medical insurances and is operated by prefectures and municipalities we live in. NHI is a mutual assistance system under which every insured person pays premiums. Let's unite and support NHI to maintain our health life.

 

Who joins NHI?

Everyone must enroll in NHI (Excluding those who are insured by a workplace health insurance program or the Older Senior Citizens' Medical System and who are living on welfare.)

Eligibility for enrollment

Foreigners of any nationality who are expected to stay in Japan for more than 3 months must enroll in NHI, except for those who are: Enrolled in a workplace health insurance program A dependent of a person enrolled in a workplace health insurance program Enrolled in the Older Senior Citizens' Medical System Living on welfare Staying in Japan with a medical visa and those who are attending the patient Staying in Japan with a tourist or recreational visa

 

Notification for NHI

Notification is required in the following cases.

Enrollment notification

1. When you change residence or enter Japan


2. When you withdraw from an employees' insurance, etc.
   
   (the following day you retired.)


3. When a child is born in your family


4. When you stop living on welfare

 

Withdrawal notification

1. When you leave Japan


2. When you move out


3. When you join a workplace health insurance program, etc.


4. Upon the death of an NHI member


5. When you start living on welfare

 

Keep your NHI card in a safe place

The National Health Insurance card certifies that you are insured by NHI. By presenting it at the counter of medical institutions, you can receive NHI benefits.

Handling your NHI card correctly

• When you receive your NHI card, check for any mistakes
  
  (Rewriting information without permission will invalidate your card.)


• Present your NHI card at the reception desk when you see the doctor


• Never lend or borrow an NHI card
  
  (Punishable by law.)


• A duplicated or expired NHI card is invalid


• Make sure to notify and return your NHI card to City Hall when withdrawing from NHI

 

National Health Insurance benefits

1) Medical treatment costs

When you get sick or injured, you can receive the following medical care for only a part of the medical costs by presenting your NHI card at the reception of medical institutions.

• Medical consultations


• Medical treatments


• Medication, injection, and other treatments


• Hospitalization and nursing
  
  (Excluding meals while hospitalized.)


• Home care (Home-visit by a regular doctor.) and nursing


• Home-visit nursing
  
  (If a doctor judged as necessary.)

 

Co-payment amount varies depending on age, etc.

Preschool Children 20%

School Children and Persons aged 69 or younger 30%

Persons aged 70 ~ 74 20% or 30%

Those born on or before April 1, 1944 will pay 10% as co-payment.

 

2) Third party injury coverage

You are still able to receive NHI benefits if you are injured due to an act by a third party, such as traffic accidents. However if you receive medical expenses from a person who caused the accident or settle it out of court, you may not receive NHI benefits. If you sustaing damage, be sure to consult us.

 

Paying insurance tax (premiums)

National insurance tax (premiums) is a valuable financial source allocated to your medical expenses. In preparation for unexpected illnesses or injuries, make sure to pay your insurance tax before the due date. Householders are responsible for the payment of insurance tax.

 

Determination of insurance tax (premiums)

Insurance tax (premiums) is determined per fiscal year and per household. When there are changes in the middle of a fiscal year, your insurance tax will be changed.

Your insurance tax is decided based on your income for the previous year and other factors. Please declare your income correctly.

 

When your NHI premiums fall into arrears

If your premiums are in arrears without any specific reason, or if you don't consult about premium payments, the following measures will be taken accordingly.

• You won't receive NHI benefits.


• You may be required to foreclose on personal assets, etc. due to delinquency.


• The validity of your NHI card will be shortened.


• You will be required to return your NHI card and bear all medical expenses.

 

If you have difficulties in paying your tax premiums, please consult the National Health Insurance Section as soon as possible. Households with situations that fall under established laws or regulations are eligible to start installment payments or file for an exemption.

 

Older Senior Citizens' Medical System

The Older Senior Citizens' Medical System clarifies the burden on senior citizens determining how society can support the elderly. All municipalities in every prefecture participates in the Older Senior Citizens' Medical Regional Union, and each municipality provides services at reception. Senior citizens over the age of 75 and certain persons with disabilities between 65 and 74 years old are eligible.

All insured individuals who will become members in the Older Senior Citizens' Medical System pay health premiums. When you become 75 (for certain persons with disabilities 65) years old, you are required to pay taxes for insurances that did not cover premiums (Health Insurance Society and Mutual Aid Association medical insurances), including insured dependents.