Expatriate Insurance Japan, and issues for Japanese nationals working abroad.
U.S. expatriates have been in Japan since 1945, and cultural issues still dictate whether and expatriate can complete a 3 year assignment in Japan. There is a lot to get used to for a foreigner.
International Medical Insurance in Japan
Japan's health care system for local national insurance is characterized by universal coverage, free choice of health care providers by patients, a multi-payer, employment-based system of financing, and a predominant role for private hospitals and fee-for-service practice.
Virtually all residents of Japan are covered without regard to any medical problems they may have (pre-existing conditions) or to their actuarial risk of succumbing to illness. Premiums are based on income and ability to pay. Although there is strong government regulation of health care financing and the operation of health insurance, control of the delivery of care is left largely to medical professionals and there appears to be no public concern about health care rationing.
Like the Australian, Canadian and many European health care systems, Japan's national health insurance program is compulsory.
Expatriate insurance in Japan
Anyone staying in Japan for more than a year and is not covered with the Employer's’ insurance, you are obliged to apply for the National Health Insurance and also to produce the Alien Registration Card. You are also required to do the same if you will be joining for an employees’ insurance scheme, going back to the country you belong, or moving to another town.
Beginning in early 2010, Japan is getting more strict on foreigners that enter the country without health insurance and are requiring that expatriates living in Japan enroll in the National Health Insurance plan in order to get or renew a work visa. The rule seems clear, however we expect that on a case by case basis, exceptions will be granted and expatriates will be able to renew work visas based on the fact that they have a good expatriate medical insurance plan in Japan. The "appeal" process will mean more time and aggravation for expatriates in Japan that do not enroll in the national health insurance system.
Our advice, why try to fight the system? Do what it takes to enroll in the National Insurance System of Japan but that does mean also carrying an expatriate medical insurance plan in Japan. The latter is always necessary. The former will be used to just stay in the country legally and other than that, probably will not be used at all. Will the Executive VP of Microsoft be shown the door if he/she does not enroll in the Japanese National Health Insurance System, probably not.
For foreigners who are planning to stay in Japan for over one year, health care is one major factor that should properly be discussed. Perhaps one concern is finding hospitals in Japan that have English-speaking medical staffs. As more and more foreigners are starting to emigrate in Japan, the Japanese government in turn, took its part in providing quality health care for these expatriates. Much to the relief of the emigrants, Japanese hospitals today have a staff of English-speaking medical professionals.
All residents of Japan are required to be enrolled in the National Health Insurance Program. The two main types of health insurance is KOKUMIN KENKO HOKEN (national health insurance) and KENKO KOKEN (social insurance). Generally social insurance is for company employees and National Health insurance is reserved for students and the self employed. The National Health Insurance is the type most often used by expatriates in Japan. Premiums are based on taxable income.
In the Employee Health Insurance System, the employer deducts premiums from employees paychecks. In general, employers pay one half of the employee's premium contributions although some companies contribute more.
Since the national social insurance system covers nearly all of the population, individuals purchase private health insurance to supplement patient shared costs and to cover medical expenses which are not covered by the government scheme.
All employers must insure their employees against occupational death, disability or disease through the Workers Accident Compensation Insurance system.
Health insurance for foreigners in Japan is mandatory for those living one year or longer in Japan.
HIV testing is free and anonymous at any Hokenjo (public health center) in Japan.
Expatriate Insurance Japan Needs Chart (1 to 10 with 10 being a critical need) Looks at the need for expatriate insurance vs. what can be obtained in the local market or what many not even be needed.
| Expatriate Medical Insurance in Japan | 8 |
| International Medical Evacuation in Japan (with assistance) | 3 |
| Expatriate Life Insurance in Japan | 8 |
| Expatriate Disability Insurance in Japan | 8 |
| Cross Cultural Training in Japan | 10 |
| International EAP in Japan | 8 |
| International Workers Compensation | 8 |
| Expatriate Property Insurance in Japan | 8 |
| Expatriate Liability Insurance in Japan | 10 |
| Kidnap and Ransom Insurance Japan | 2 |
| Emergency Security Planning / Evacuation Plan | 2 |
| Local Admitted Coverage Needed for Expatriates in Japan | 9 |
| Place Japanese Nationals under an offshore or U.S. expat plan | NEVER |
For those seeking earthquake insurance in Japan, either as a local national or expatriate living in Japan: In Japan, earthquake insurance coverage is not permitted as a stand-alone policy, and is only permitted as part of fire coverage on an owned dwelling.
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