Job Discussion Forums

DoctorPayne · Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 2:49 am Post subject: Medical Insurance

What is the best deal on Medical Insurance in Japan? I've been told to look at around 80,000 yen per year, would that be considered a good plan? I think that's the national coverage.

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

Please cross-reference to an old thread on this topic:

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=7999&highlight=health+insurance

Alternatively, "Search" for the keyword "insurance" or "health insurance" or "medical insurance" in the Japan forum. This topic comes and goes every so often.

JD

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

In addition to the info in that thread, the deal with national health insurance is this.

First year, the government doesn't have any record of what you made in Japan. So, you get billed about 2500 yen/month (12 months coverage for 10 payments).

Next years are different. Payment is based on what you made previously, how many dependents you have, and where you live (not only what city, but where within the city). Expect a tenfold increase after the first year.

Moreover, if you work without NHI, then decide to sign up with it, you are obligated to pay all of the back payments. So, if you don't sign up for 6 months, you will have to pay for 6 months of coverage, even if you had other insurance at that time.