Mandatory Coverage

If you work for a company or factory with 5 or more employees, or for a HOJIN corporation, you are required to be covered by the Employees' Health Insurance (EHI) and Employees' Pension Insurance (EPI). This mandate extends to foreign nationals who have the appropriate resident status, ensuring coverage regardless of nationality.

Part-Time Worker Coverage

Part-time workers must also be covered if their weekly work hours and monthly workdays are at least three-fourths of those of regular workers at the same workplace. Even if the work hours and days are less, coverage is still required if the following conditions are met:

1. Weekly work hours are 20 or more.

2. Employment is expected to last two months or longer.

3. Monthly wage is ¥88,000 or more.

4. The worker is not a student.

5. Employment is at a "specific covered workplace."

A "specific covered workplace" is defined as:

- A workplace expected to employ more than 100 workers annually.

- A workplace with 100 or fewer workers that applies for coverage through an agreement between employer and employees.

From October 2024, any workplace with over 50 employees will be classified as a "specific covered workplace."

Enrollment Procedure

Employers must submit the "Application to Enroll in Employees' Health Insurance / Employees' Pension Insurance" (SHIKAKU SHUTOKU TODOKE - KENKO HOKEN / KOSEI NENKIN HOKEN) within 5 days of employment to the Japan Pension Service (JPS) branch office or processing center covering the company.

   > Visit here: Application Form

Note 1:

If your company becomes subject to EHI and EPI coverage, the employer must submit the "Application for Workplace Coverage" (SHINKI TEKIYO TODOKE).

   > Visit here: Workplace Coverage Form

Note 2:

For voluntary and continuous EHI coverage after retirement, visit the Japan Health Insurance Association

Dependent Coverage

Your dependent family members can be covered if they are your immediate family or relatives and have registered their residence in Japan. They must be financially supported mainly by you. Dependents temporarily abroad, such as students or family members accompanying a worker overseas, may also be eligible.

To qualify:

- They must live with you and have an annual income below ¥1.3 million and less than half of your annual income.

- If not living with you, their annual income must be below ¥1.3 million and less than the financial support you provide.

Note: The income threshold is ¥1.8 million for those aged 60 or older or with certain disabilities.

Important: If a dependent's income exceeds half of yours, the Japan Pension Service may still approve coverage under certain conditions.

Reporting Changes for Dependents

When dependents become eligible or their coverage status changes, your employer must submit the "Report of Dependents (Change)" (HIFUYOSHA IDO TODOKE) within 5 days to the appropriate JPS branch office or processing center.

   > Visit here: Dependent Change Report Form

By understanding these requirements and processes, you can ensure you and your dependents are adequately covered under Japan’s Employees' Health Insurance and Employees' Pension Insurance systems.