Living in Japan - New Regulations

According to a source within the Japanese Immigration Bureau it has been decided to reinforce an existing regulation regarding visa applications for all foreign nationals currently resident in Japan.

As of the first of April 2010 it shall become necessary for everyone applying for 12 month [or longer] visa to show proof that they have signed up to the Japanese National Health Insurance System.

This will not take away from the coverage enjoyed by users of International Medical Insurance, provided through their employer or through their own means, but is intended to streamline the entire system, which has been under strain due to the recent economic downturn.

The previous situation had been described as a "grey zone" for expatriates as they could in reside in Japan using the state system without being registered, although they were already contributing through their personal health insurance.

Posted in: International Health Insurance,Japan,living abroad,Visa