The National Health Insurance (国民健康保険, Kokumin Kenko Hoken) is one of the procedures you need to complete when you arrive in Japan with a student visa:

As a student with a student visa in Japan, you are not covered by health insurance through an employer, so you will need to enroll in the National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken). This insurance covers most medical expenses in Japan.

2. Go to the municipality where you live

The National Health Insurance is managed at the municipal level (city office, ward office, or town office), so you must go to your city hall to register.

3. Bring the necessary documents

To complete your registration, you will need to bring the following documents:

• Passport: to verify your identity and student visa.
• Certificate of residence (住民票, juminhyo): This document proves that you live in your municipal area. You can get it at the same municipality office.
• Residence card (在留カード, zairyū kādo): This is used to verify your immigration status.
• Registration form: Usually provided at the office or may be available online.

4. Fill out the registration form

The staff at the office will give you the insurance registration form. If you do not speak Japanese, it is recommended to bring someone who can translate or ask if they have English-speaking staff.

5. Payment of contributions

The insurance cost depends on your income and the region where you live. As a student, if you do not work, your contribution will be quite low. Insurance payments are normally made monthly

6. Receive the insurance card

Once the process is completed, you will receive a National Health Insurance card (健康保険証, kenkō hoken-shō). You will use this card when you visit a doctor or hospital. The insurance covers approximately 70% of medical expenses, and you pay only 30%.

7. If you work part-time

If you have a part-time job while studying, there might be an option to get insurance through your employer. However, in most student cases, the National Health Insurance is the main option.

Additional tips:

• Renewal: Make sure to renew your registration if your visa is extended or if you change your residence.
• Don’t forget your insurance card: Whenever you go to a doctor, hospital, or clinic, you need your card to get the discount on medical costs.