Japan limits access to health insurance system 

Japan’s national health insurance system will generally only be available to employees and their dependents living there, under changes to the social security system that were recently enacted (Japanese) in Parliament. The reforms are aimed at stopping use of the system by foreigners.

Japanese residents who are temporarily living overseas for study or work continue to be eligible for health insurance coverage, regardless of their nationality. The health ministry will introduce ordinances stipulating who falls within these exceptions.

To access services, citizens and residents can present national ID cards, "My Number" cards, instead of the standard health insurance certificates issued by the state-run program.

Related Resources

• Information on Legislation (Japanese) (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)