About the NHI (国民健康保険)

In Japan, it is a law for all residents to enroll in a public health insurance program in order for each and every individual to be able to receive medical treatments at peace of mind.

Residents of Saitama City, including those of foreign nationals, must enroll in the Saitama City National Health Insurance program. However, exemption applies to those who are either enrolled in the workplace-based health insurance program (職場の健康保険), the medical care program for the elderly (後期高齢者医療制度) or those who are receiving public assistance (生活保護).

Enrollment in the NHI

(1)   Eligibility

 ·   Those staying in the country for a period of over 3 months and are registered as a resident of Saitama City.
 ·   Those who are not enrolled in any other public health insurance programs such as the workplace-based health insurance program.
 ·   Those who are not receiving public assistance.

* Those who are staying in Japan for the purpose of receiving medical treatment under the Designated Activities visa status are not eligible.
* Those who are staying in the country for a period of 3 months or less under a short-term visa of Entertainer, Trainee, Dependent, Official,or Designated Activities (excluding medical stays) are not eligible. However, those who qualify for a longer stay than 3 months may be eligible to enroll in the NHI provided with adequate documentation.
* Those who have been issued a certificate of exemption from a country that concludes a social security agreement with Japan are exempted from enrolling.
* Those who are already enrolled in a private health insurance program or travel insurance plan will still need to enroll in the NHI as long as they satisfy the requirements.

(2)   Enrollment procedures

Your NHI does not begin from the day you enroll but from the day you become eligible. Your NHI premium is levied from the month in which you become eligible for the NHI program whether you have become a resident of Saitama City, or lost the eligibility for workplace insurance program such as the company health insurance.

Please notify your ward office’s National Health Insurance and Pension Division within 14 days in the event of any of the following:

 ·   If you have registered as a resident of Saitama City.
 ·   If you have withdrawn from your workplace insurance program, or lost the eligibility of such health insurance program as a dependent family member.
 ·   If a child is born in your family.
 ·   If you are no longer eligible for public assistance.

(3)   Required documents for enrollment

 ·   Residence Card or Special Permanent Resident Certificate
 ·   Passport
 ·   Certificate of Loss of Eligibility for Health Insurance (資格喪失証明書) from your previous public health insurance program

Withdrawing from NHI

(1)   When to withdraw from NHI

You are not automatically withdrawn from the NHI. You will need to withdraw from the NHI if you joined a workplace-based health insurance, or when you leave the country. Please return you NHI card and notify the NHI and Pension Division at your ward office within 14 days in the event of any of the following:

 ·   When you move out of Saitama City.
 ·   When you have enrolled in a workplace-based health insurance.
 ·   In the case of death in your family.
 ·   When you start receiving public assistance.

(2) Required documents for withdrawal

 ·   Residence Card or Special Permanent Resident Certificate
 ·   Passport
 ·   NHI card (only those who have been issued a NHI card) 

About Your NHI Card (保険証)

The NHI card is issued to persons enrolled in the NHI program. It is a proof of the assured person is a member of the NHI program when visiting medical institutes. The NHI card is not transferable and must not be lent to others.

About Your NHI Premium (国保税)

Your NHI premium starts from the month you enrolled in the NHI program. You must pay your NHI premium by the due date. In order for us to correctly calculate your NHI premium, you must declare your income status regardless of whether you earn an income in Japan.

(1)   How is the NHI premium calculated?

The Saitama City NHI premium is calculated based on your previous year’s (January to December) income on an income levy and on a per capita levy. The NHI premium is made up of medical insurance, support contribution, and nursing care insurance.

(2)   Reduction of NHI premium for low income households

Per capita levy is reduced for persons whose household income falls below a fixed amount. All household members must declare their income in order to determine whether your household is eligible for a reduction.

(3)   Notification for NHI premiums

NHI premium statements are sent to the head of the household. Insurance premiums are determined on a per household basis, and the head of the household is responsible for payments for his or her household members whether or not he or she is a member of the NHI program.

How to Pay Your NHI Premiums

Please pay your NHI premiums by the due date by either of the following methods:

(1)   Service counters at your bank (for payment slips)

You can pay at:

 ·   Designated banks
 ·   Japan Post Bank or post offices
 ·   Saitama City Hall, ward offices, branch offices, or administrative service windows. 

(2)    Convenience stores (for payment slips)

You can pay at designated convenience stores throughout the country. Please see the back of the payment slips for designated convenience stores.

Please pay at your bank in case payments cannot be made at conveniences in the event of the following:

 ·   Payments beyond the payment deadline
 ·   Changes in the amount to be paid
 ·   Printing error on the barcode
 ·   Barcode cannot be read due to damages or tampering
 ·   The amount to be paid is over 300,000 yen for each payment slip

(3)   Automatic bank transfer

Premiums will be withdrawn on the due date from your registered bank account in 8 installments for members who have applied for automatic bank transfer.

Payments of the NHI premium may be exempted or postponed for those who suffer from financial difficulties due to natural disasters, sickness, or a layoff on the part of their employer. If this applies to you, please consult your ward office’s National Health Insurance and Pension Division as soon as possible.

* You will be asked to return your NHI card if your NHI premium is overdue without any justifiable reasons. You will be issued with either a short-term insurance card or a statement of eligibility when you return your NHI card. However, failure to pay the insurance premium may result in a seizure of assets.