National Insurance
We are all enrolled in the national health insurance system of Japan. Prior to 2024, everyone received a pink or blue card. From December 2025, the system has shifted over to the My Number Card. If ever you need treatment, take it with you, and you will only have to pay 30% of the bill. Check beforehand that the hospital in question accepts the insurance for your particular treatment.
The national health insurance usually only applies to “illnesses and injuries”, so it’s often difficult to use it for health check-ups, routine dental cleanings, birth control, maternal care, etc.
The national health insurance also covers a portion of treatment given abroad. However, you may make a claim ONLY if treatment abroad is unavoidable. Also, the amount paid for by the national health insurance is (technically) calculated as 70% of what the same treatment would cost in Japan. The Japanese government employs some ridiculous way of calculating this, however, and the actual amount usually winds up being only 30-40% of expenses.
Medical Insurance provided by the Mutual Aid Association of Public School Teachers
In addition to the standard National Health Insurance, ALTs get enrolled into the Japan Mutual Aid Association of Public School Teachers. You can make a claim on these benefits on medical treatments beyond the standard illnesses and injuries, including maternity, bereavement, allowances and disasters. This also extend to your spouse/dependents.
Dependents
If you have a spouse or child that is “largely living dependent on your salary,” they are eligible to be covered under your insurance. A person is considered your dependent if:
- His/her income is less than 1,300,000 yen per year (1,800,000 if he/she is handicapped or over 60 years of age).
- His/her income is less than half of yours.
If your dependent’s income is more than half of yours, but still under 1,300,000 yen and less than your income, the insurance office will make a decision based on your individual situation.
JET Programme Accident Insurance (Tokyo Marine & Nichido)
As JETs we are also covered by JET Programme Accident Insurance, which is provided by the Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co. You should have received a book in Tokyo entitled “JET Programme Accident Insurance Policy Guide” that explains this insurance. Make sure you hold on to this book.
Accident insurance covers us for trips we make abroad (covers expenses for the medical treatment of illness or injury sustained in an accident that occurred during the period of coverage).
It also covers the remaining 30% deductible that we have to pay when we use our national health insurance card. However, dental and certain other types of medical treatment are not covered by the accident insurance. Also, it does not cover spouses or anyone other than the insured JET. Please consult the purple book to see what is and is not covered. If you need any assistance while processing a claim call their office: 0120-881-503 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) (03-5537-3590 outside of working hours).
