Health Insurance companies provide benefits when insured persons became sick, got injuries or died, and also when they had a childbirth. Benefits are also provided to their dependents whose entitlement has been approved. With law amendments enforced in April 2020, living in Japan becomes a requirement for non-working dependents.
[1] Dependent requirements
Following are the requirements for dependents.
1. The insured person’s lineal ascendants, spouse (including a partner in de facto marital relationship), children, grandchildren or siblings who are being financially supported mainly by the insured person.
2. The following persons who are being financially supported mainly by the insured person:
(1) Relatives within the third degree of kinship of the insured person, except for those prescribed in above 1.
(2) Parents or children of the insured person’s spouse (including a partner in de facto marital relationship)
(3) Parents or children of a deceased spouse (including a partner in de facto marital relationship) of the insured person.
Persons covered by the late-stage elderly medical care insurance are excluded, even if they correspond to the above conditions.
[2] Domestic residency requirement and exceptions
From April 2020, having a registered address in Japan will become a requirement for dependents. In applying for a dependent’s health insurance on or after April 1, 2020, proofs of his/her domestic residency will be required. However, dependents who fall under the following will be considered eligible by submitting necessary documents.
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Exceptions of domestic residency |
Required documents |
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a. Students studying abroad |
Copies of visa, student ID, school certificate, enrollment certificate, etc. |
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b. A person who accompanies the insured person transferred abroad |
Copies of visa, appointment letter, resident certificate issued by the destination country’s public organization |
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c. A person temporarily stays abroad for sightseeing, recuperation, volunteer activities or other non-work-related purposes |
Copies of visa, the volunteer organization’s certificate, a letter of intent to participate in volunteer activities, etc. |
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d. A person who came into family relationship with the insured person during his/her overseas assignment and is considered equivalent to above b |
Copies of birth or marriage certificate |
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e. Other persons deemed to have a living base in Japan, considering the purpose of their overseas stay |
To be checked individually |
With an increase in the number of foreign workers, more and more business operators will receive requests from their employees to apply for health insurance for their family members back home. It is essential that employers understand dependents’ requirements correctly before submitting application.
Reference (Japanese only)
Japan Health Insurance Association “Who can become dependents?”
https://www.kyoukaikenpo.or.jp/g3/cat320/sb3160/sbb3163/1959-230
Japan Health Insurance Association
The 99th Health Insurance Association Operational Committee Meeting materials
http://www.kyoukaikenpo.or.jp/home/g7/cat720/r1/dai99kaiunneiiinkai/310320
This information is based on laws and regulations as of the creation date.
