Kyoto

๐Ÿฅ

Health Insurance

Overview of the National Health Insurance system and private health insurance options for residents.

Sections

1. Overview of Health Insurance in Japan

Japan has a universal healthcare system, meaning all residents, including foreign nationals living in Japan for more than three months, are required by law to enroll in health insurance. There are two main types of health insurance:

A. National Health Insurance (NHI) - ๅ›ฝๆฐ‘ๅฅๅบทไฟ้™บ (Kokumin Kenkล Hoken)

  • Who is eligible?
    • Self-employed individuals, students, part-time workers, retirees, and anyone not covered by employer-sponsored insurance.
    • Foreign residents staying in Japan for more than three months.
  • Coverage:
    • Covers 70% of medical costs (patients pay 30% out-of-pocket at clinics and hospitals).
    • Includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, maternity care, and some dental care.
  • Cost:
    • Premiums are based on your income and household size.
    • For low-income individuals, subsidies may be available.
    • Average monthly premiums in Kyoto range from ยฅ2,000 to ยฅ30,000 per person, depending on income.

B. Employee Health Insurance (EHI) - ็คพไผšไฟ้™บ (Shakai Hoken)

  • Who is eligible?
    • Full-time employees of companies or organizations.
    • Employers are required to enroll their employees in this insurance.
  • Coverage:
    • Similar to NHI, covering 70% of medical costs.
    • Includes additional benefits such as paid sick leave, maternity leave, and family coverage.
  • Cost:
    • Premiums are shared between the employer and employee, typically around 10% of your salary (split equally).
    • The exact percentage varies depending on the company and region.

2. Costs and Payment

  • Out-of-Pocket Costs:
    • Patients pay 30% of medical costs at the point of service.
    • Children under 6 and seniors over 70 pay reduced rates (20% or 10%).
  • Annual Cap on Out-of-Pocket Expenses:
    • There is a cap on how much you pay out-of-pocket annually, depending on your income. For example, low-income households may have a cap of around ยฅ35,400 per month.

3. How to Apply for Health Insurance in Kyoto

The application process depends on the type of insurance you are eligible for:

A. Applying for National Health Insurance (NHI)

  1. Visit the Ward Office (ๅŒบๅฝนๆ‰€ - Kuyakusho):
    • Kyoto is divided into several wards (e.g., Nakagyo-ku, Fushimi-ku). Visit the ward office where you reside.
    • Bring the required documents:
      • Residence Card (ๅœจ็•™ใ‚ซใƒผใƒ‰ - Zairyลซ Kฤdo)
      • Passport
      • My Number Card (ใƒžใ‚คใƒŠใƒณใƒใƒผใ‚ซใƒผใƒ‰) or Notification Card
      • Proof of address (e.g., rental contract or utility bill)
    • If you are a student, bring proof of enrollment.
  2. Fill out the Application Form:
    • Staff will assist you in completing the form.
  3. Receive Your Insurance Card:
    • You will receive your NHI card (ไฟ้™บ่จผ - Hokenshล) on the spot or by mail within a few days.
  4. Start Paying Premiums:
    • Premiums can be paid monthly at convenience stores, banks, or through automatic bank transfers.

B. Enrolling in Employee Health Insurance (EHI)

  1. Through Your Employer:
    • Your employer will handle the enrollment process.
    • Provide your Residence Card and My Number Card to your HR department.
  2. Receive Your Insurance Card:
    • Your employer will issue your insurance card, which you can use immediately.

4. Local Considerations in Kyoto

  • Language Support:
    • Many ward offices in Kyoto have English-speaking staff or translation services to assist foreign residents.
    • Kyoto City International Foundation (KCIF) offers support for foreign residents, including guidance on health insurance.
  • Hospitals and Clinics:
    • Kyoto has many hospitals and clinics that accept NHI and EHI. Some facilities, such as Kyoto University Hospital, have English-speaking staff.
    • For non-emergency medical advice, you can call the Kyoto Medical Interpreter Service (available in multiple languages).
  • Student-Specific Considerations:
    • If you are a student, you may qualify for reduced NHI premiums. Check with your university or ward office for details.
  • Short-Term Visitors:
    • If you are staying in Kyoto for less than three months, you are not eligible for NHI or EHI. Instead, you should purchase private travel insurance before arriving in Japan.

5. Additional Resources

  • Kyoto City International Foundation (KCIF):
  • National Health Insurance Helpline:
    • Available at your local ward office.
  • Kyoto Medical Interpreter Service:
    • Phone: 075-343-9666
    • Provides interpretation services for medical appointments.
  • Japan Healthcare Info (JHI):

6. Tips for Using Health Insurance in Kyoto

  • Always Carry Your Insurance Card:
    • You must present your insurance card at clinics and hospitals to receive the 70% coverage.
  • Know Your Local Ward Office:
    • Each ward office in Kyoto has slightly different procedures and resources. Familiarize yourself with your local office.
  • Emergency Numbers:
    • Ambulance and Emergency Services: Dial 119.
    • Kyoto City Medical Emergency Information Center: 075-694-5499 (for non-life-threatening emergencies).

By enrolling in the appropriate health insurance program and understanding how the system works, you can access affordable and high-quality healthcare in Kyoto. If you have specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!