The
law stipulates that international students staying in Japan for
a year or longer should enroll in the National Health Insurance
system. Subscribers to the National Health Insurance system have
to pay only 20% to 30% of medical expenses for any treatment covered
by the insurance. Expenses for medical treatment not covered by
the insurance must be paid in full. Enrollment procedures are carried
out at the local ward or municipal office, and payments are made
monthly. The premium varies by area, and students without a source
of income while in Japan usually pay a reduced premium.
The AIEJ International Student Medical Expenses Reimbursement
Program offers an additional refund (maximum 80%) of part of the
medical expenses incurred (excluding expenses for medical treatment
not covered by the National Health Insurance system). Accordingly,
using the National Health Insurance system and AIEJ's reimbursement
program, an international student will only have to pay a minimum
of 6% of a medical bill for any treatment covered by the insurance.
Should a student have to see a doctor as an outpatient,
the charge for prescribed medicine will be covered by AIEJ's International
Student Medical Fee Reimbursement. |
7. Expenses for medical treatment
