GaijinPot

Everyone gets sick from time to time, but how can you have the insurance you’ll need and get the required treatment if anything does happen. And what about preventative medicine, what can you do to help limit those trips to the doctors? The health system in Japan is a little different from that experienced by many in their home countries, this gude is designed to help you navigate all the options available to foreign residents in Japan

Health Insurance

Health insurance is one of the greatest concerns for foreigners living and working in Japan. All residents of Japan are required to be enrolled in a Japanese insurance program.

Two Types

The two main types are Health Insurance are referred to as “Social Insurance” (KENKO-HOKEN) and National Health Insurance (KOKUMIN-KENKO-HOKEN). Generally, Social Insurance is for company employees and National Health Insurance is reserved for students and the self-employed. The National Health Insurance is the type of Japanese insurance most often used by foreigners. Premiums are based on taxable income, with the actual fees calculated using your previous years resident’s tax filing.

Other Types

Other types include Mutual Aid Associations (KYOSAI KUMIAI), which cover most public service and private school employees. Under Japanese insurance, you are generally required to pay about 30% of the medical expenses incurred.

Foreigners’ Choice

Many foreigners opt to take out insurance policies offered by foreign companies in Japan or by those located back in their home countries.

Some points to keep in mind:

• Health insurance is mandatory when living in Japan for one year or longer.
• Contrary to popular rumors circulating among the GAIJIN community, foreigners ARE NOT automatically covered by National Health Insurance.
• As National Health Insurance premiums are based on your PREVIOUS year’s income, the first year of coverage is relatively cheap (you pay the minimum required premium).

Customer Awareness Bulletin

Due to the growing concern of the Expat community regarding the legitimacy of some Expatriate Healthcare products we highly recommend if you are considering any of these products to check the following:

1. Underwriter of the product.
2. Standard and Poor’s rating.
3. Emergency Assistance Company.
4. Representative company of the product.

All of the above information should be available on the company’s website. If not request to receive in writing documentation stating the above information.