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EMERGENCY   DAILY LIFE   ADMIN PROCEDURES   MEDICAL INSURANCE   HEALTH CARE   PERSONAL TRANSPORT      

 

MEDICAL INSURANCE:

NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE:

ABOUT NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE:

National Health Insurance is for those expecting to live in Japan for one year or more, and who do not enter a health insurance scheme at their workplace.

Apply at the Insurance and Pension Division at Kochi City Office.

Necessary documents for applying:

  • Foreign Registration Card
  • Seal (If you do not have a seal, your signature is acceptable)
  • Proof in the form of certification of your intent to stay in Japan for one year or more. e.g. Certificate of enrollment at a school, research institution, certificate of employment etc.

INSURANCE COVERAGE:

At hospitals and other places of medical examination, show your health insurance card at the reception. This will allow you to undergo a medical examination for only 30% of the total amount incurred.

When giving birth, the insured may receive ¥240,000 for fees incurred.

In the event of death, the insurance provides ¥50,000 for funeral costs.

If, in the space of one month, the total amount of medical bills payed at the same hospital or clinic is more than ¥63,000, on application, the excess will be provided for as a "high medical treatment expenses payment".

INSURANCE PAYMENT:

Once entering an insurance scheme, it is important that you make the monthly payments by the appointed date, or you may risk losing your cover.

The amount payable is subject to change each year and varies with respect to family circumstances, income, property and other factors. For your own specifics, ask at the Insurance and Pension Division.

The most convenient way of making insurance payments is through automatic bank transfers, which ensures that the processs is completed on time. Where payments are not made by automatic bank transfer, a bill will be sent to you and you can make payments at your chosen financial institution or at the Insurance and Pensions Division by the due date.

HEALTH INSURANCE CERTIFICATE:

One insurance card is issued to each household. Show your insurance card without fail whenever you undergo medical treatment or consultation. Keep it safe: do not get it dirty or lose it.

The City Office Insurance and Pension Division must be notified in the following circumstances:

  • When joining or leaving the scheme
  • When joining another insurance scheme
  • When moving to or coming from another city or from overseas
  • When a child is born
  • On the death of an insurance holder
  • In the case of change to household members, their names or address
  • Upon turning 70 years of age, when you become eligible for medical treatment after retiring
  • On the loss of your Insurance Certificate

INSURANCE FOR THE RETIRED:

Those who have retired and fulfill the requirement of being on a fixed pension scheme may remain covered until qualifying under the Elderly Persons Policy.

Medical treatment fees payable by the retired insurance holder:

  • Insurance holder: 20% of consultation or hospitalisation costs
  • Dependent family member: 30% consultation, 20% hospitalisation

MEDICAL BENEFITS:

MEDICAL INSURANCE POLICY FOR THE ELDERLY:

Through their insurance, the elderly may pay lower fees when undergoing medical examination. To be eligible, it is necessary to have joined a health insurance policy and be over 70 years of age. Those 65-69 years of age, with disabilities recognised by the laws of Japan are also eligible and must show their medical treatment eligibility card along with their insurance card when undergoing medical treatment. The medical fees payable are as follows:

  • Doctor's consultation: ¥1,000 per day
  • Hospitalisation: ¥700 per day

OTHER MEDICAL FEE ASSISTANCE:

There are also special assistance schemes for children under the age of one year of age, those with serious physical or mental disabilities, and single mothers and their children.

Inquiries:

Public Welfare Division, Medical Assistance Section: 823-9440

EXCHANGE STUDENT MEDICAL FEE ASSISTANCE POLICY:

Overseas students studying in Japan must also join the national health insurance scheme. Under this insurance, the policy holder only pays 30% of the total cost of medical fees. Students are further assisted by the Japan Association of International Education (03-3467-3521), which pay 80% of the 30% that the student has paid. For more details, ask at your host institution.