Insurance
Japan is fast becoming one of the hottest destinations for international students with currently over 140,000 studying there each year. As an international student or traveler coming to live in Japan, they can take the facility of health insurance. It's a very big opportunity for reducing your costing if any health inconvenienced occur if you have health insurance.
National Health Insurance
Japan's National Health Insurance is a system under which the national government, local governments and individuals share medical expenses incurred in cases of illness or injury without worrying about excessive fees. International students are required to enroll in the National Health Insurance plan. It will reduce your cost approximate 70% of your total costing.
1. Enrollment procedures
You can enroll in the health insurance plan at the municipal or ward office in your municipality or ward of residence (where you are registered as a resident. When you enroll, you must show your Residence Card.
2. Insurance payments
Insurance payment amounts differ depending on the municipality or ward. The higher your income, the higher the amount will be. International students who had no income in Japan in the previous fiscal year can apply for reduction of their insurance payments. If they meet the requirements, their annual payment will be reduced to approximately 10,000 yen per year (in the case of Hachioji City).
3. Change of residence
If you move to a different municipality or ward, you must return your Health Insurance Card to the municipality or ward and enroll again in your new municipality or ward of residence.
Coverage
When receiving treatment for injuries or illnesses, you have to present your insurance card to be eligible for the discounted payment. Since 70% of the total medical cost is covered by the National Health Insurance, you will need to pay 30% of the total medical bill.
N: B The medical cost for treatments not covered by the insurance scheme has to be paid in full at your own expense.
Accident/property insurance and mutual aid
Some special injuries national health insurance won't bear your expenses. For that cases, there are some casualty insurance plans and personal liability insurance plans that international students can register for.
For example, the following cases would be covered:
- If the oil you are using to deep-fry foods catches fire and burns your kitchen, requiring the walls to be redone.
- If you ride a bicycle and injure someone else, and must pay for their medical expenses.
- If your room is burglarized while you are not there, and items, such as your personal computer or camera, are stolen.
Information on various types of insurance will be provided by your school. It is a good idea to take them into consideration.
This kind of insurance facility is provided by the Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES), and 96% of universities in Japan are associated. JEES also offers an additional insurance.
N: B: The service is not available at all schools, so please confirm with your school.
For more details
http://www.jees.or.jp/gakkensai/