National Health Insurance in Hiroshima: enrollment guide
A practical guide for foreign residents who need to check public health insurance after address registration.
Who should ask?
Hiroshima City’s Life in Hiroshima guide says people with permission to live in Japan for over three months must enroll in Hiroshima City’s National Health Insurance unless they are in an excluded category such as employer medical insurance or certain statuses.
Where to go
Visit the National Insurance and Pension Division of your local ward office or branch office. If you are unsure whether employer insurance covers you, bring employer documents and ask before assuming.
Bring and ask
| Bring | Ask | Japanese keywords |
|---|---|---|
| Residence Card, registered address, passport if useful. | Do I need National Health Insurance or am I covered by employer insurance? | 国民健康保険, 社会保険 |
| My Number Card / notification if available. | How will premiums be calculated and billed? | 保険料, 納付書 |
| Employer documents or student status if relevant. | When does coverage start and what card/document will I receive? | 資格確認書, 保険証 |
| Payment method information. | Can I pay by bank transfer, convenience store slip or other method? | 口座振替, コンビニ払い |
Common mistakes
- Assuming travel insurance replaces Japanese public health insurance for residence.
- Forgetting to update insurance when your address, job, household or visa status changes.
- Ignoring premium notices because you do not understand the Japanese letter.
- Not asking whether pension procedures also apply to your status.
Not medical or legal advice
This page helps you prepare questions. Eligibility, premiums and exceptions depend on your status and current law. Confirm at the ward office or with your employer.
Official checks
Use HiroshimaHub for plain-language planning, then confirm current rules, forms, offices and deadlines on official pages before submitting documents or making payments.
Last updated: June 14, 2026