Health insurance

Health insurance in Japan

Use this guide to work out where to start with Japanese public health insurance. Your next step usually depends on whether you are covered through an employer, through National Health Insurance, or through another arrangement.

Updated 2026-09-01

Choose your situation

I am covered through work

Start with your employer or insurer for employee health insurance, dependents, certificates, and changes connected to employment.

I am not covered through work

Start with your city, ward, town, or village office for National Health Insurance enrolment, premiums, payment, and changes.

I left or changed my job

Check whether you need to move to National Health Insurance, continue previous coverage temporarily, or update dependent status. Confirm quickly because bills and coverage can be affected.

I received a premium bill I cannot afford

Check your municipality's reduction, exemption, or payment consultation information. Rules vary locally.

I moved to another municipality

Local National Health Insurance procedures may need to be updated when your registered address changes.

Official source map

MHLW health insurance information

National policy background and links across medical insurance systems.

Employer / insurer

Employee health insurance, workplace enrolment, dependents, certificates, and job-related updates.

Municipality

National Health Insurance enrolment, premiums, payment methods, reductions, and local notices.

Healthcare pages

Use healthcare sources for medical institutions, emergency care, checkups, vaccinations, and language support.

What to prepare

Prepare ID, address details, residence card if applicable, My Number information if requested, employer documents, proof of leaving a job if relevant, dependent information, income notices, and any premium bills.

Official sources

Showing 8 of 41 matching documents
JapaneseWardsMachida, Tokyo

Machida City National Health Insurance tax reduction after involuntary job loss

Machida City

Machida City official source tagged for health insurance, living in japan, foreign resident. Check the original page for its scope and current details.

Open official document
JapaneseWardsFuchu, Tokyo

Fuchu City National Health Insurance tax reduction after involuntary job loss

Fuchu City (Tokyo)

Fuchu City (Tokyo) official source tagged for health insurance, living in japan, foreign resident. Check the original page for its scope and current details.

Open official document
JapaneseNational

National Health Insurance eligibility and enrollment

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) official source tagged for health insurance, living in japan, job loss. Check the original page for its scope and current details.

Open official document
WardsHachioji, Tokyo

Hachioji City Health Insurance Guide

Hachioji City

Hachioji City official source tagged for health insurance, living in japan, foreign resident. Check the original page for its scope and current details.

Open official document
National

MHLW health insurance policy information

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) official source tagged for health insurance, living in japan, job loss. Check the original page for its scope and current details.

Open official document
WardsShinjuku, Tokyo

Shinjuku City Health Insurance Guide

Shinjuku City

Shinjuku City official source tagged for health insurance, living in japan, job loss. Check the original page for its scope and current details.

Open official document
WardsShibuya, Tokyo

Shibuya City Health Insurance Guide

Shibuya City

Shibuya City official source tagged for health insurance, living in japan, job loss. Check the original page for its scope and current details.

Open official document
WardsMinato, Tokyo

Minato City Health Insurance Guide

Minato City

Minato City official source tagged for health insurance, living in japan, job loss. Check the original page for its scope and current details.

Open official document

Common questions

Is health insurance handled nationally or locally?

Employee insurance is usually handled through the employer or insurer. National Health Insurance is usually handled by your local municipality.

What if I leave my job?

Check your options immediately. You may need to update coverage through your municipality or previous insurer depending on your situation.

Can premiums be reduced?

Some municipalities have reduction or payment consultation systems, especially after income changes. Check your local National Health Insurance page.

Is this the same as finding a doctor?

No. Health insurance is about coverage and payments. For medical care, use healthcare and emergency guidance sources.

Important note

Sollo helps you find and organize official public information. It does not decide eligibility, submit applications, or replace advice from a government office or qualified adviser. Official rules can change and may depend on your location, household, income, residence status, employment, and application timing. Always confirm details with the linked official source or the relevant office before acting.

How Sollo can help

Sollo helps you work out whether your insurance question belongs with your employer, municipality, national health policy, or a related welfare source.

Check health insurance sources

Check health insurance sources

Check health insurance sources