Job Discussion Forums

[ionix-]

Hello,
I am currently on the market for a health insurance. I narrowed down to 3 options:
1) Viator (Canadian travel insurance. 13 months contract + 100% coverage)
2) AIU
3) Shakai Hoken

I will be in Japan for at least 13 months on a Working visa working for Peppy Kids Club. I am confused about what insurance I should take. The 1st options sounds nice but it's a Canadian company and it doesn't help declaring non-residency. I am not very familiar with the 2nd option and I read the other threads and other EFL schools use it. The 3rd option seems to have drawback such at 75% coverage, very high premium the 2nd year and that pension plan that I will not use.
The 50% payout by the employer for the Shakai Hoken is not an issue here since Peppy's is being very honest and will pay 50% of the insurance I will pickup. So it is totaly up to me. What do you guys suggest? This is the last step before having all my paperwork in order and start doing the fun stuff, aka buying things for Japan!
Thank you!

[Iwantmyrightsnow]

Go with shakai hoken. You will get quite a large refund of the pension. If you stay 13 months you get 80% of one month's salary as a refund.

[ionix-]

Great, what about if I stay longer? will premiums be 10x higher and be more expensive than traditional insurance? My contract is a minimum of 13 months but I have a strong desire to stay longer.

[Celeste]

I believe you can get up to 3 years premiums back from Shakai Hoken when you leave Japan.