The National Health Insurance (NHI) Program

Parties enrolled in the NHI program pay insurance premiums, and in return receive coverage when they require medical care.

Individuals and family members intending to reside in Japan for a period of one year or more, and who are not covered by company or other health insurance, are required to enroll in the NHI program.

If you are no longer eligible for your company insurance, e.g. for reasons such as having quit your job, you must enroll in the NHI program.

To enroll, bring your Alien Registration Certificate to the Benefits Desk (National Health Insurance and Pension Section) of the Asao Ward Office.
(If your reason for enrolling in NIH is that you have quit your company, bring a document showing that your benefits have been terminated, or a document stating that you have left your company).

You will receive a National Health Insurance Card upon enrolling in the program.

Benefits Desk
National Health Insurance and Pension Section
Health and Social Welfare Center
Asao Ward Office 2F
Tel: 965-5189

Insurance Premiums

To enroll in and utilize the NHI program, you are required to pay your insurance premiums.
Regardless of whether you visit medical facilities or not, you must pay the premiums.

You can pay by bank or postal account transfer, or you can have bills sent to your residence. The bills can be paid at a bank, post office, or convenience store.

You also have the option to pay at the Insurance Desk (National Health Insurance and Pension Section) of the ward office.

Ask about payment option details when you enroll.

Insurance Desk
National Health Insurance and Pension Section
Health and Social Welfare Center
Asao Ward Office 2F
Tel: 965-5152

Getting Seen by a Doctor

Be sure to bring your NHI card when you see a doctor.
In presenting the card, you are required to pay only 30% of the medical costs incurred.

Note that National Health Insurance does not cover certain costs. You are responsible for the full cost of services as follows:

Medical check-ups and immunizations
Medical charges incurred overseas
Where you fail to present your NHI card at a medical facility
(If you incurred medical costs while traveling and neglected to bring your card, inform the National Health Insurance and Pension Section of the ward office. You are eligible for a refund of 70% of the charges).
Normal child birth
(If you require surgical procedures related to childbirth, however, there are instances where National Health Insurance covers the costs).

For further information, contact the Benefits Desk (National Health Insurance and Pension Section) of the ward office.

Benefits Desk
National Health Insurance and Pension Section
Health and Social Welfare Center
Asao Ward Office 2F
Tel: 965-5189

Insurance Payouts

Insurance payouts are provided to enrollees under the following circumstances.
In addition to those listed below, there are also other instances where you may be eligible for payment. For details, contact the Benefits Desk (National Health Insurance and Pension Section) of the ward office.

High-Cost Medical Care
Where medical costs exceed the standard cost for a given procedure, you are eligible for a refund for any excess cost.
Eligible parties will receive a postcard within 2-3 months of the doctor visit.
Bring the postcard to the Benefits Desk (National Health Insurance and Pension Section) of the ward office.
Lump-Sum Birth Allowance
Insured parties are eligible for a lump-sum payment of \300,000 in instances of normal childbirth.
Stop by the Benefits Desk (National Health Insurance and Pension Section) when you come to the ward office to give notification of the birth.
Medical Costs Paid Overseas
Though National Health Insurance does not cover medical costs overseas, there are circumstances under which you may be eligible for payment.
Certain documents are required to receive said payment. For details, contact the Benefits Desk (National Health Insurance and Pension Section) prior to traveling overseas.

Benefits Desk
National Health Insurance and Pension Section
Health and Social Welfare Center
Asao Ward Office 2F
Tel: 965-5189

Quitting the National Health Insurance Program

Though you cannot quit the NHI program on your own, you become eligible to terminate enrollment under the following circumstances.
For further details, see the Benefits Desk (National Health Insurance and Pension Section) at the ward office.

When you join a company health insurance plan, or if you are designated a dependent in a family member’s pension plan
Bring your new health insurance card to the Benefits Desk (National Health Insurance and Pension Section).
Should you move to a location outside of Kawasaki City
Note that your Kawasaki City National Health Card becomes invalid.
Before you move, return the certificate to the Benefits Desk (National Health Insurance and Pension Section), and pay any back premiums.
Re-enroll in the NHI program at the municipal office of your new residence.

Benefits Desk
National Health Insurance and Pension Section
Health and Social Welfare Center
Asao Ward Office 2F
Tel: 965-5189