Yokohama

1. Overview of Health Insurance in Japan

Japan has a universal healthcare system, meaning all residents, including foreigners living in Yokohama, are required by law to enroll in a health insurance program. The system ensures access to high-quality medical care at affordable costs. There are two main types of health insurance:

a. National Health Insurance (NHI - 国民健康保険, Kokumin Kenkō Hoken)

• Designed for self-employed individuals, students, part-time workers, and those not covered by employer-sponsored insurance.
• Managed by the local city or ward office (in this case, Yokohama City).

b. Employee Health Insurance (EHI - 社会保険, Shakai Hoken)

• Provided through employers for full-time employees.
• Includes additional benefits such as maternity leave coverage and pension contributions.

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2. Enrollment Procedures

The process for enrolling in health insurance depends on your employment status and residency in Yokohama.

a. National Health Insurance (NHI) Enrollment

1. Who Should Enroll?

   • Foreign residents staying in Japan for more than 3 months who are not covered by employer-sponsored insurance.
   • Examples: students, freelancers, or dependents of workers.

2. Where to Enroll?

   • At your local ward office (区役所, kuyakusho) in Yokohama. Yokohama is divided into 18 wards, so you’ll need to visit the office corresponding to your residential address.

3. Required Documents:

   • Residence Card (在留カード, Zairyū Kādo).
   • Passport.
   • My Number Card (マイナンバーカード) or Notification of My Number.
   • Proof of address (e.g., Certificate of Residence, 住民票, Jūminhyō).

4. Procedure:

   • Visit the ward office and go to the National Health Insurance counter.
   • Fill out the application form with assistance from staff if needed.
   • You will receive your NHI card (保険証, Hokenshō) on the spot or by mail.

b. Employee Health Insurance (EHI) Enrollment

1. Who Should Enroll?

   • Full-time employees working for a company in Yokohama.

2. Where to Enroll?

   • Your employer will handle the enrollment process on your behalf.

3. Required Documents:

   • Your employer will request necessary documents, such as your Residence Card and My Number.

4. Procedure:

   • Once enrolled, you will receive an insurance card from your employer.

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3. Associated Costs

The cost of health insurance in Yokohama depends on your income and the type of insurance.

a. National Health Insurance (NHI)

• Premiums: Calculated based on your previous year’s income, number of dependents, and the ward you live in.
  • For newcomers with no prior income in Japan, the premium is initially set at a lower rate (around ¥10,000–¥20,000 per month) and adjusted in subsequent years.
• Payment: Monthly bills are sent to your registered address. Payments can be made at convenience stores, banks, or via automatic bank transfer.

b. Employee Health Insurance (EHI)

• Premiums: Typically 7–10% of your monthly salary, with your employer covering an additional portion.
• Payment: Deducted directly from your paycheck.

c. Out-of-Pocket Costs for Medical Services

• With either insurance type, you pay 30% of medical costs at clinics and hospitals. The remaining 70% is covered by insurance.
• Children under 6 and seniors over 70 may pay less.

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4. Specific Local Considerations in Yokohama

Yokohama, as a major city, has a well-organized healthcare system. Here are some local tips:

a. Multilingual Support

• Many hospitals and clinics in Yokohama offer multilingual services, but it’s advisable to confirm in advance.
• The Yokohama City website provides a list of medical institutions with English-speaking staff.

b. Health Checkups

• Residents enrolled in NHI are eligible for free or subsidized annual health checkups (特定健康診査, Tokutei Kenkō Shinsa). Check with your ward office for details.

c. Ward Office Assistance

• Staff at ward offices are accustomed to assisting foreigners and may provide interpretation services or multilingual forms.

d. Emergency Medical Services

• Dial 119 for ambulance services in case of emergencies. Ambulances are free, but you will be charged for medical treatment at the hospital.

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5. Cultural Aspects to Be Aware Of

Understanding cultural norms can help you navigate the healthcare system more effectively:

a. Respect for Procedures

• Japan places a strong emphasis on following procedures. Ensure you have all required documents and complete forms accurately when enrolling.

b. Punctuality

• Be punctual for medical appointments. Arriving late may result in rescheduling.

c. Politeness

• Medical staff are highly professional and expect polite communication. Use basic Japanese phrases like "Arigatou gozaimasu" (Thank you) to show appreciation.

d. Privacy

• Japanese culture values privacy. Medical staff will handle your information discreetly, and you should do the same when discussing health matters.

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6. Additional Resources

• Yokohama City Website: Offers detailed information on health insurance and healthcare services in multiple languages.
• Kanagawa International Foundation: Provides support for foreign residents, including healthcare guidance.
• Multilingual Medical Information: Websites like "Japan Healthcare Info" and "Tokyo English Lifeline" can help you find English-speaking doctors in Yokohama.

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By following this guide, you should be well-prepared to navigate the health insurance system in Yokohama. If you have further questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local ward office or community support organizations.