Countries

Japan: National Health Insurance for students

International students staying in Japan for more than three months must join the National Health Insurance scheme (kokumin kenko hoken).

Signing up

You join at your local city or ward office, usually when you register your address after arriving. The office will need your residence card. Premiums are paid monthly and are set by the municipality. Students with little income often pay a low rate.

What it covers

National Health Insurance pays 70 percent of the cost of most medical treatment, so you pay 30 percent at the clinic or hospital. It covers care in Japan only.

Extra cover

Many universities encourage students to join a student accident and liability scheme as well. Some students take out private insurance to cover the remaining 30 percent, belongings or travel home.

Leaving Japan

When you leave, tell the ward office so that your membership and premiums stop.

Universities

The Universities DB Japan page lists universities across the country.

This page is general information, last reviewed in October 2026. It is not advice, and rules change. Check the official source for your visa and your university's own guidance before you buy anything.