Health insurance policy for foreign residents of Japan
Japan's Immigration Bureau has recently announced that as of April 1st, 2010 foreign nationals applying for either a new visa or an extension to their existing visa will be required to present proof of enrollment in one of the government-managed health insurance systems. The only exceptions are Working Holiday Visa and SOFA* holders.
The requirement that residents of Japan be enrolled in a government-managed health insurance system has existed for some time. However, the requirement for foreign nationals applying for a visa to provide proof of insurance represents a significant change to the Immigration Bureau's policy.
Gaba is encouraging all of its existing instructors who are not presently enrolled to contact their city offices and make the proper arrangements in order to register.
We extend this encouragement to all foreign nationals currently residing in Japan. Although not presently a requirement to apply at Gaba, both employees and instructors alike are expected to be compliant with the rules and regulations governing the country.
Visit your local ward or city office for more details.
*Status of Forces Agreement issued to persons affiliated with the US Military
