I am covered through work
Start with your employer or insurer for employee health insurance, dependents, certificates, and changes connected to employment.
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.
Official sources, reviewed by Sollo. Source corpus updated 2026-06-24.
Choose your situation
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
This reviewed shortlist provides official starting points. Use the complete filtered directory for more sources.
MHLW health insurance guidance
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) official document related to health insurance, living in japan, job loss.
Open official documentEdogawa City Health Insurance Guide - English
Edogawa City
Edogawa City official document related to health insurance, living in japan, job loss.
Open official documentOta City Health Insurance Guide - English
Ota City
Ota City official document related to health insurance, living in japan, job loss.
Open official documentMeguro City Health Insurance Guide - English
Meguro City
Meguro City official document related to health insurance, living in japan, job loss.
Open official documentChuo City Health Insurance Guide - English
Chuo City
Chuo City official document related to health insurance, living in japan, job loss.
Open official documentMHLW health insurance policy information
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) official document related to health insurance, living in japan, job loss.
Open official documentShinjuku City Health Insurance Guide
Shinjuku City
Shinjuku City official document related to health insurance, living in japan, job loss.
Open official documentShibuya City Health Insurance Guide
Shibuya City
Shibuya City official document related to health insurance, living in japan, job loss.
Open official documentCommon 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.