Are You Familiar with National Health Insurance?

●What Is National Health Insurance?
Japan’s social security system includes health insurance. This health insurance program is broadly divided into workbased (company) insurance, regionally based National Health Insurance, and Latter-Term Elderly Medical Insurance for those who are seventy-five years of age or older. Those who live in Japan are required to join one of these health insurance plans. (However, eligibility requirements for enrollment must be fulfilled.) Japan’s National Health Insurance system is a mutual-aid program in which members pay insurance premiums based on their income, and to which both the national government and local municipalities also contribute.

● Those Who Can Enroll in National Health Insurance
Under seventy-five years of age who live in Shinagawa City and have completed resident registration can enroll. However, those to whom any of the following applies are not eligible to enroll.
• Those who are eligible to join another public health insurance program, such as company health insurance
• Those who are receiving public financial assistance for everyday living
• Those with an authorized period of stay of three months or less (including those who have not obtained the proper visa)
Note: In some cases, you may enroll if your visa is classified as “performance,” “specific skills,” “family stay” or “designated activities” and your period of stay is approved for over three months.

●Notification
You must be sure to file the designated notification form with the National Health Insurance and Pension Section within fourteen days of the following circumstances. Your individual number (My Number) is required for procedures.
Note: If someone else files an application on your behalf, he/she will need to present a proxy letter.
(1) To join the program
• When you enter Japan or move to Shinagawa City
• When you withdraw from the employee health insurance program
• When you give birth to a baby (if you cannot enroll in social insurance)
(2) To withdraw from the program
• When you move out of Shinagawa City or leave Japan
• When you join the employee health insurance program
• Death
Note: You can apply for funeral expenses.
(3) Other situations
• When you move within Shinagawa City
• Change in name
• Change in head of household
• Consolidation or dissolution of household(s)
• Your health insurance card is lost or damaged

Inquiries: Qualification Subsection, National Health Insurance and Pension Section
(Hon Chosha 4F, Tel: 03-5742-6676, Fax: 03-5742-6876)