Japan’s LDP proposes National Health Insurance prepayment rule for foreign residents

Currently, resident foreigners who stay in Japan for over 3 months must enrol in the system.

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has proposed a prepayment system to increase National Health Insurance (NHI) premium compliance amongst foreign residents.

The proposal, drafted on 21 May by the party’s special committee, aims to require foreign residents to pay a portion of their insurance premiums upon enrollment at local government offices, reported The Mainichi.

Under current rules, foreign nationals with residency status who stay in Japan for over three months must enrol in the NHI system. 

Premiums are typically paid after enrollment, following the receipt of a payment notice by mail. 

The proposed changes seek to improve payment compliance by introducing upfront payments at the time of registration. 

The draft also cites a lack of awareness amongst foreign residents about Japan’s tax and social insurance systems as a contributing factor to non-payment.