All international students residing in Japan with “Student” status of residence are required to enroll in the National Health Insurance. Medical expenses incurred as a result of treatment for illnesses, injuries, dental cavity, etc., are reduced to 30% by joining the National Health Insurance program. If treatment costs borne by an insured member exceed a certain amount in a given month, the excess is, in principle, reimbursed by the municipality under the High-cost Medical Care Benefit policy.

Where to Apply

When you register yourself at your local municipal office, you can also apply for the National Health Insurance. Please bring your passport and residence card.
*You must notify your municipal office of your new address within 14 days of your move-in date.

Insurance Premiums

The amount of your annual health insurance premium is calculated based on your previous year’s income and it varies from municipality to municipality. International students who claim can receive reasonable rates for their insurance premiums. For further information, please ask the department in charge of health insurance at your municipal office. (The amount of scholarship received is not considered income.)
Once your registration is complete, you will receive a payment slip for the premiums. You can make your payment at a bank, post office, convenience store, or your local municipal office.

When You Change Your Place of Residence

You must notify your municipality of your change of address within 14 days of moving. Please visit your local municipal office with your National Health Insurance Card.

My Number Card (Individual Number Card) as your Health Insurance Certificate

Previously, a “Health Insurance Card” was issued after joining the National Health Insurance. However, starting from December 2, 2024, the health insurance card will no longer be issued, and the system is transitioning to using the My Number Card (12-digit individual number card) as the health insurance card: the My Number Health Insurance Card. After obtaining your My Number Card, you need to register it yourself for use as a health insurance card.
(Reference) MHLW “My Number Card as your Health Insurance Certificate
(Information for Foreign Residents)
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/newpage_51604.html

Those who do not have a My Number Card, or have not registered their My Number Card for use as a health insurance card, should bring the ‘Eligibility Verification Certificate’ (資格確認書) issued by your local municipal office when visiting medical institutions or pharmacies.
(Reference) MHLW Regarding Eligibility Verification Certificate’ (資格確認書)
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/newpage_45470.html (Japanese)

When You Leave Japan

When you leave Japan after completion of your studies, you need to complete cancellation procedures and return your health insurance card at your local municipal office. If you have overpaid your insurance premiums, you can claim a refund. Applications for cancellation are accepted at your municipal office up to two weeks prior to your return date. If you do not complete the necessary procedures, you will be billed for the premiums even after you return to your home country. Therefore, please make sure to complete the procedures together with the notification of moving out.

[References]

• National Health Insurance (Taito-ku, Tokyo)
• Guide to National Health Insurance (Matsudo-shi, Chiba)
• National Health Insurance (Toride-shi, Ibaraki)
• National Health Insurance Procedures (Adachi-ku, Tokyo) *Japanese
• National Health Insurance Procedures (Yokohama-She, Kanagawa) *Japanese