The following is medical assistance service offered in Japan in case of illness or injury.

The National Health Insurance (NHI) is a Japanese government health insurance system that will partly cover medical costs and help reduce the subscribers’ financial burden from illness and/or injury. It is compulsory for foreign residents in Japan to take out the NHI.

The system is run by the municipalities and the insurance premiums differ between the municipalities. As a reference, the annual premium (for unwaged person) in Hachioji city is approximately JPY10,000. However, reduction of the insurance premium by approximately 70% is available for international students when declaring no income upon subscription.

The NHI will cover 70% of total medical costs at medical institutions.