Enrol in public health insurance — required unless your employer enrols you in theirs.
Not verified yet
Drafted from general knowledge of national procedure. Not yet checked against the official source — confirm details with your city hall before relying on them.
Why it matters
Health insurance is mandatory in Japan, not optional. Without it you pay 100% of medical costs instead of 30%. Enrolment is also backdated: if you sign up late, you will be billed for the months you were not covered.
- Deadline
- Within 14 days of moving in
- Cost
- Set by your city
- Time
- 30–60 minutes
Do these first
What to bring
- Residence Card在留カード·zairyū kādo
- My Numberマイナンバー·mai nambā
If you have already received it
How it goes
- 1
Go to the insurance and pension desk
Usually in the same building as resident registration.
Say this
国民健康保険に加入したいのですが。
Kokumin kenkō hoken ni kanyū shitai no desu ga.
I would like to enrol in National Health Insurance.
- 2
Skip this if your employer covers you
If you are on a full-time contract your company most likely enrols you in employees’ health insurance (社会保険 / shakai hoken) instead. Ask HR before enrolling here — you should not be in both.
- 3
Receive your insurance card
Depending on the municipality you may receive it on the spot or by mail. Carry it whenever you see a doctor.