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National Health Insurance (Japan)


National Health Insurance (国民健康保険 Kokumin-Kenkō-Hoken?) is one of the two major types of insurance programs available in Japan. The other is Employees' Health Insurance (健康保険 Kenkō-Hoken?). National Health insurance is designed for people who are not eligible to be members of any employment-based health insurance program. Although private insurance is also available, all Japanese citizens, permanent residents, and any non-Japanese residing in Japan with a visa lasting three months or longer are required to be enrolled in either National Health Insurance or Employees' Health Insurance. On July 9, 2012, the alien registration system was abolished and foreigners are now able to apply as part of the Basic Resident Registration System. Foreigners who reside in Japan for more than three months need to register for national health insurance. REGISTRO CIVIL - 16KokuminKenkouHokenEn.pdf It is defined by the National Health Care Act of 1958.

Japan’s first health insurance system was introduced in 1922. It took effect in 1927 to cover laborers, and in 1938 was extended to cover farmers also. The system originated from labor unions representing workers in dangerous industries, and over time was gradually extended so that currently all Japanese citizens and residents should be covered.

The current NHI system, which is managed by local municipal governments, was introduced in 1961. The information in this article relates to Minato Ward in Tokyo, and NHI conditions in other municipalities may differ.

People are required to join the NHI within two weeks of becoming eligible. This is required if a person moves to the municipality from another municipality or overseas and isn’t covered by Employees' Health Insurance, withdraws from Employees' Health Insurance (for example, due to job loss), stops receiving public assistance, or is born (and not covered under parents Employees Health Insurance).


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