Healthcare & medicine
Can I join National Health Insurance on a dependent visa?
Eligible foreign residents registered in Japan are generally covered by Japan's public health-insurance system unless they are enrolled in another applicable public scheme or fall within an exclusion.
VerifiedPrimary topic verifiedLast checked: 18 Aug 2026
What you need to know
Requirements & exceptions
- Eligibility depends on residence status and municipal registration.
- Employees may instead be enrolled in employees' health insurance.
Documents
- Passport/ID
- Insurance information if applicable
Likely cost
Depends on public-insurance coverage and provider. Insured treatment normally uses the statutory patient copayment; uninsured, elective and private services are charged at provider rates.
Where to act
Municipal office for National Health Insurance, or employer/health-insurance society for employee insurance.