National Health Insurance / National Pension

People enrolled in the National Health Insurance (NHI) program pay health insurance premiums based on their income. In return, the program helps cover medical costs for illness, injury, and other treatment-related expenses.

Foreigners with a visa status of "College Student" or those planning to stay in Japan for more than three months are required to enroll in National Health Insurance.

Please note that program does not cover certain medical procedures, including health examinations, orthodontics, expensive dentures, and childbirth.

Registry Procedures

Apply at the municipal office (National Health Insurance Section, National Health Insurance and Pension Division, Ikoma City Office, for individuals living in Ikoma City) according to the area in which you live. You will be issued a Health Insurance Confirmation Certificate after completing the registration.

Required documents

1. Passport
2. Residence Card

Insurance Premiums

Insurance premiums are paid monthly after registration. Premiums are determined based on your income. They also vary by municipality. In Ikoma City, students enrolling in university as of April pay the premiums in eight installments from July through February of the following year, while students enrolling in university as of October pay four installments from November through February of the following year. For international students, general insurance premiums are reduced in part if the student declares upon enrollment that they have no income. Please be aware that late fees are assessed on delayed premium payments. When you leave Japan, be sure to complete the procedures required for withdrawal from National Health Insurance, and return your insurance certificate.

Medical Care Payments

When you show your insurance certificate at a hospital, your payments will usually be 30% of the medical treatment cost plus the cost of medicine.

●National Pension

All people who are registered to reside in Japan and aged between 20 and 59, irrespective of their nationality, must be covered by the National Pension system by law and must pay contributions. However, students can apply for exemption (for research students) or postponement (full-time master's/doctral students) of payment.

Registry Procedures

Apply at the municipal office (National Pension Section, National Health Insurance and Pension Division, Ikoma City Office, for individuals living in Ikoma City) according to the area in which you live. You can also apply for the exemption or postponement at the same time. After the completion of the procedure, Pension Handbook will be sent to you by post.

Required documents

1. Passport
2. Residence Card
3. Student ID Card (for postponement application)