Medical Insurance System Everyone who lives in Japan is required to enrol in one of the two public health insurance programs: Employee Health Insurance, in which company employees are enrolled or National Health Insurance for others. ●Portion of medical expenses to be borne by patient with public health insurance. 70 years old and over 10% or 30% 3 to 69 years old 30% Under the age of 2 years old 20% When you are hospitalized, a fee for meals is additionally required. ●Health Insurance Certificate You receive a health insurance card when your application is complete.  This card identifies the insured person(s), so you should keep it in a safe place.  You must present this card when seeking treatment at a hospital or clinic.  It is a good idea to carry this card with you when you travel within Japan. For further information, please contact Social Inssurance Office, Health Insurance Association or National Health Insurance and Pension Section of your local ward office. �@Health Insurance Those who are employed by their companies and their dependents are automatically enrolled in the Health Insurance Program.  The company for which you work handles the application procedures and automatically deducts the premium from your salary. �ANational Health Insurance Those who have registered as foreign residents and have obtained permission to live in Japan for at least one year, but who are not covered by the Health Insurance Program at their place of work, are also required to join the National Health Insurance Program. (Those with a temporary visitor visa are excluded.) If you initially obtained permission to live in Japan for one year or less but expect to live in Japan for more than one year, you are required to join the National Health Insurance Program. NOTE: In accordance with the Japan Social Security Agreement (issued 1st　October,　2005), those persons applicable under the United States Statute for Cost Reimbursement (Gasshukoku Hiyou Futan Horei) and are judged to be adequately insured against costs incurred by receiving medical care in Japan by the Social Security Administration of the United States, will not be covered by National Health Insurance. (Same agreement is made with Kingdom of Belgium from January 1st, 2007) (1)Application and payment of Premiums To enrol in the National Health Insurance Program, apply at the Insurance Section (Hoken-Tanto) of your Ward office.  You must present your Alien Registration Certificate when you apply.  If your permitted period of stay in Japan is less than 1 year, please present some form of documentation to prove that you will be staying in Japan for more than 1 year. Please use an automatic transfer service to pay your insurance premiums in Osaka City. If not, Osaka City staff bearing official National Health Insurance Collector Certification will call at your home to collect the premium. Be sure to check their certification before the paying. If using a payment slip, please pay at your nearest financial institution, post office, or Ward office. ●Changing residence / Moving to a different municipality /Enrolling in a different health insurance scheme You must complete the proper formalities at the Insurance Section of your Ward office within 14 days of the above changes. ＜Documents required＞ National Health Insurance Certificate, personal seal (if you have one), and Foreign Registration Card. ※Before returning to your home country, visit the insurance section of your Ward office with the required documents and your air ticket. �BHealth Care Insurance for the Elderly Those who 75 years old and over (or 65 years old and over with certain disabilities) are eligible to receive medical care according to the senior health care law.  If you are eligible, you are asked to apply for these services at the Insurance Section (Hoken-Tanto) of in your local Ward office. �CQualifying for Financial Assistance with Medical Bills If you are a person with a severe disability, or are between 65 and 69 years and fulfil certain prerequisites, or are a single parent family and all children are under 18 years of age and a pre-school age child receives healthcare services provided by health insurance, you can receive assistance in paying a part of medical expenses as covered by the National Health Insurance Program in cases where the parent’s income is under a certain level.You can apply for assistance at the Health and Welfare Section of your local ward office.   �DObtaining Refund on Medical Expenses If you receive medical treatment when you are not carrying your insurance card, you will be required to pay the entire amount of the bill (including the cases where you receive treatment while abroad) , however, you can file for a refund.  If you are covered by National Health Insurance, you can file a claim at the Insurance Section(Hoken Tanto)of your ward office.  If you are covered by Health Insurance, you can file a claim at the Social Insurance Office or Health Insurance Societies. You will be required to submit the reciept and documents detailing the medical treatment recieved and the corresponding expenses. Following a satisfactory investigation of your claim, you will be refunded the amount that your insurance would normally have covered. �EMedical Treatment Expense Refund for High Cost Those who have paid large amounts in the same month exceeding a certain ceiling are eligible for a refund.  Please go to Social Insurance Office or Health Insurance Society for Health Insurance; Insurance Section of your Ward office (Hoken-Tanto)for the National Health Insurance to apply. Make sure to bring insurance certificates and your personal seal with you.  Part of your expenses will be refunded after examination. �FLump Sum Birth Allowance �GAllowance for Funeral Expenses National Health Insurance provides an allowance for funeral expenses following the death of the insured person.  Please apply at the Insurance Section of your local Ward office. In the case you are insured by a Health Insurance Program offered by your company, you can apply at the Social Insurance Office or Health Insurance Association. �HCases where the Medical Insurance is not Applicable In principle, Health Insurance does not cover the following cases: （１）Medical treatment and drugs which are not covered by Health Insurance nor 　　　　　does the National Health Insurance cover extra charges incurred by a private 　　　　　patient’s room or non-essential dental treatment.  (2) Normal pregnancy and child birth. (3) Medical checkups, inoculation and vaccination (4) Cosmetic Surgery (5) Straightening of teeth back If You Become Sick top next Inquiry:Information Plaza Osaka TEL.06-6773-6533 Place: International House, Osaka