Healthcare & medicine
Can I keep Japanese health insurance after leaving my job?
You cannot simply keep using your former employer's employee health insurance unchanged after losing eligibility. Typical options are voluntary continuation, National Health Insurance, or becoming a dependent under a family member's plan.
VerifiedPrimary topic verifiedLast checked: 18 Aug 2026
What you need to know
Requirements & exceptions
- For Kyokai Kenpo voluntary continuation, you generally need at least 2 continuous months of prior coverage and must apply within 20 days after loss of eligibility.
- Voluntary continuation can last up to 2 years.
- If you do not use voluntary continuation or another employer/family plan, contact your municipality about National 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.