Japan offers one of the world's best healthcare systems — and international students get full access through the affordable National Health Insurance.
Last updated: February 2026
Best for: All international students on a Student visa (3+ months)
Mandatory government insurance. Covers 70% of hospital, doctor visits, prescriptions, surgery, and mental health. Managed by your local city/ward office. Students with low income pay minimal premiums.
Learn moreBest for: Supplementary accident and liability coverage
Optional but recommended. Covers accidents, personal liability, and some situations NHI doesn't cover (e.g., sports injuries, damage to rental property). Offered through universities.
Learn moreBest for: Students wanting extended accident coverage
Offered by university co-ops. Covers accidental injuries, hospitalization lump sums, and liability. Often bundled with JASSO for comprehensive protection.
Learn moreBest for: Students wanting English-language support and global coverage
Optional top-up. Provides English-speaking assistance, coverage for pre-existing conditions, dental, and repatriation. Not a substitute for mandatory NHI.
Learn more| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| NHI (Student, Low Income) | ¥12,000–24,000/year (~€75–150) | Income-based calculation. Students with minimal income pay the lowest tier. Varies by municipality. |
| JASSO Gakkensai | ~¥1,000/year | Accident and liability insurance. Highly recommended supplement to NHI. |
| 30% Co-pay (Typical Doctor Visit) | ¥1,000–3,000 per visit (~€6–19) | You pay 30% of the actual cost. A typical clinic visit costs ¥3,000–10,000 total. |
| High-Cost Medical Expense Limit | ~¥35,400/month max for students | Japan caps monthly medical expenses. If costs exceed the threshold, NHI reimburses the excess. |
| Private Supplement (optional) | ¥60,000–180,000/year | For English-language support, dental, vision, and pre-existing conditions. |
NHI (Student, Low Income)
¥12,000–24,000/year (~€75–150)
Income-based calculation. Students with minimal income pay the lowest tier. Varies by municipality.
JASSO Gakkensai
~¥1,000/year
Accident and liability insurance. Highly recommended supplement to NHI.
30% Co-pay (Typical Doctor Visit)
¥1,000–3,000 per visit (~€6–19)
You pay 30% of the actual cost. A typical clinic visit costs ¥3,000–10,000 total.
High-Cost Medical Expense Limit
~¥35,400/month max for students
Japan caps monthly medical expenses. If costs exceed the threshold, NHI reimburses the excess.
Private Supplement (optional)
¥60,000–180,000/year
For English-language support, dental, vision, and pre-existing conditions.
Obtain your Certificate of Eligibility from your Japanese university, then apply for your Student visa at the Japanese embassy/consulate.
Within 14 days of moving in, register your address at the local city/ward office (市区町村役場). You'll receive your Residence Card and be enrolled in NHI.
Your NHI insurance card (保険証) will be issued within 1–2 weeks. Keep it with you at all times — present it at every medical visit.
Premium notices arrive by mail. Pay at convenience stores, banks, or set up automatic withdrawal. Students typically pay ¥1,000–2,000/month.
Enroll in JASSO Gakkensai through your university for accident and liability coverage — it costs just ~¥1,000/year and fills NHI gaps.
Japan welcomes over 300,000 international students annually, attracted by world-class universities like the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and Waseda. Japan’s healthcare system consistently ranks among the best globally — and the remarkable thing is that international students get full access at extremely affordable rates.
Japan’s National Health Insurance (国民健康保険, NHI or “Kokuho”) is mandatory for all residents staying 3+ months. For students, this is overwhelmingly good news:
This makes Japan one of the most affordable countries in the world for student health insurance. A doctor’s visit might cost you just ¥1,000–3,000 out of pocket (€6–19).
You enroll at your local city/ward office within 14 days of registering your address. Premium notices arrive monthly or quarterly. You can pay at convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart), banks, or set up auto-debit. Present your NHI card at any clinic or hospital in Japan.
If you’re on a MEXT (Monbukagakusho) scholarship, your scholarship may include insurance benefits or subsidies. Check with your university’s international office, but you’ll still need to enroll in NHI.
NHI premiums are income-based. Students with little or no income in Japan typically pay ¥1,000–2,000/month (~€6–13). Many municipalities offer further reductions for students. This makes Japan one of the most affordable countries for student health insurance.
NHI covers 70% of medically necessary treatments including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, prescriptions, mental health care, maternity care, and rehabilitation. You pay a 30% co-pay. Dental is partially covered (basic treatments).
NHI is legally mandatory. If you skip enrollment, you'll pay 100% of all medical costs out of pocket. When you eventually enroll, you may owe back-premiums from your arrival date. It can also affect your visa renewal.
Yes. Japan's High-Cost Medical Expense system (高額療養費) limits monthly out-of-pocket costs. For low-income residents (including most students), the cap is approximately ¥35,400/month. Anything above that is reimbursed.
NHI provides excellent coverage. However, it doesn't cover dental beyond basics, vision, or services at private/international clinics. If you want English-speaking doctors or broader coverage, a private supplement can help. JASSO Gakkensai (~¥1,000/year) is highly recommended for accident coverage.
Understand Japan's NHI system and find supplementary coverage for your studies. Be prepared before you arrive.
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