Sorry if this is a silly question.
Can I use my health insurance card without issue in any prefecture? Say i’m registered in Chiba but want to continue visiting clinics i know from my old city in Tokyo, any issues?
I was told today that for children that isn’t always the case as some cities offer free care up through middle school others don’t. So may have to pay in full and get reimbursed later from own city.
But for adults?
Contexts: I’m moving out of Tokyo but developed good rapport and history with a few clinics i want to keep visiting, despite the long trek.
7 comments
The key is in the name: [National](https://detail.chiebukuro.yahoo.co.jp/qa/question_detail/q11256882046) Health Insurance.
Yes
Totally fine. I live in Tokyo but my dentist is in Kanagawa. No problem. Been to other clinics outside of Tokyo too. Never had an issue
Yes. I did that before where I lived in Kanagawa but doing my Dental appointments at Ibaraki cause I was always there during the weekends to visit my then girlfriend.
Very few things in Japan are only valid or applicable in particular prefectures. Your health insurance should be good everywhere.
Technically you pay your health insurance premium to your city. If you ever read your bills, it will state it there. However, most clinics are able to accept insurance from anyone as they have the resources to re coup money from other cities. For example if people are travelling domestically and fall ill, they will visit a local clinic.
Problems arise often when it comes to children, pregnancy or people on social welfare. Different cities cover different things and to different extents. For example in pregnancy, you are issued a coupon book from your city which will give you certain tests for free or you will get free care from a certain week.
Childcare costs come under health insurance and often different cities give you different discounts for the number of kids you have and your means tested benefits.
​
TL,DR: Regular treatment is OK anywhere.
Thanks to all who responded!