In Japan, when people become ill or get injured they can receive medical treatment
and need pay only a portion of the medical expenses incurred if they have already
joined a health insurance scheme. Not only the insured individual but also his
or her family can receive adequate treatment.
There are two types of health insurance schemes; one is the Kenko Hoken (Corporate
Health Insurance), the other the Kokomin Kenko Hoken (National Health Insurance).
The Kenko Hoken can be entered by corporate workers and their families. Companies
are responsible for the insurance entry procedures of their employees. If you
are a corporate employee and have not yet entered the scheme, contact your company’s
person in charge. The insurance premiums vary according to one’s income.
The number of children does not affect the amount of premiums to be paid. Regarding
medical expenses incurred at hospitals and clinics, the insured individual must
pay 20% and a family member 30% of the total cost.
If you are a student studying in Japan, or an employee of a small shop or business
and you have a foreign registration card and you have stayed in Japan for more
than one year, or you can certify that your stay has been for more than one
year, you can enter the Kokumin Kenko Hoken (National Health Insurance). To
join the Kokumin Kenko Hoken, you should apply at the Kokumin Kenko Hoken-ka
at the ward or municipal office where you are registered as a foreign resident.
Foreigners with short-stay visas cannot enter this insurance system. Those in
the Kokumin Kenko Hoken system must pay 30% of the total medical expenses incurred
at hospitals etc. The expense varies according to your income and the number
of family members.
If you have any questions regarding medical services, contact AMDA International
Medical Information Center. English and Spanish consultations are available
Monday through Friday, Portuguese and Chinese are available sometimes. Telephone
06-4395-0555.