Introduction
When you live in Japan, you must enroll in Japan’s health insurance system. Health insurance helps you pay less when you visit the hospital. Japan has this system so that everyone can go to the hospital with peace of mind. In this article, I will explain how Japan’s health insurance system works and how to enroll in it in a simple way.
Japan's Health Insurance System
In Japan, there are two main types of health insurance:
Company Health Insurance
If you work for a company, you will likely be enrolled in the company's health insurance. A small amount is taken from your salary each month to pay for the insurance. This payment is called the "insurance premium."
National Health Insurance
If you are self-employed or do not work for a company, you will enroll in the National Health Insurance. You need to go to the city office to apply. You pay a fixed amount every month to stay enrolled.
What You Can Do with Health Insurance
Once you are enrolled in health insurance, you will pay less at the hospital. In Japan, you only have to pay 30% of the total hospital bill, and the remaining 70% is covered by insurance. For example, if the total cost is 10,000 yen, you only need to pay 3,000 yen.
How to Enroll in Health Insurance
Now, let’s explain how to enroll in health insurance.
If you enroll through your company
If you work for a company, the company will handle the process for you. You only need to fill out the necessary forms, and the company will take care of the rest.
If you enroll in National Health Insurance
If you do not work for a company, you must go to the city office to enroll. You will need:
- Your passport
- Your residence card
- Proof of residence
Go to the city office and say, "I want to enroll in National Health Insurance." The staff will help you through the process. Once finished, you will receive a health insurance card, which you will show when you go to the hospital.
Conclusion
Living in Japan means you must enroll in health insurance. With health insurance, you pay less at the hospital, making life in Japan more secure. If you work for a company, they will handle your enrollment. If not, you can enroll at the city office for National Health Insurance. Either way, the process is simple, and with insurance, you can enjoy a worry-free life in Japan.
