Company Health Insurance Help

[Zig31]

I apologize if this has been answered before, but I have been reading through past posts and still haven't found quite what I am looking for.

I have read a lot about how as a foreigner you can avoid the NHI and sign up with a third party insurer, however does the same apply for the Company Health Insurance Scheme??

I am currently in the process of finalizing a working contract with a fairly small Japanese company. When it comes to Health Insurance (and Pension), all of the other workers (Japanese) are under a Company Health Insurance plan. Before I join the same plan I wanted to find out is it compulsory for me to join or is there some way out of it like the NHI??

I realize with Company Health Insurance I may not have a choice, but just wanted to check as it seems like I will be losing a large chunk of my wage each month to this (in comparison to what I would pay if I joined an expat health insurance scheme).

Any help/info on the matter would be greatly appreciated.

Zig31

[Glenski]

Can't answer your question directly, but have you considered just how well your foreign health insurance scheme will work in Japan? Many hospitals and clinics won't accept them.

[swordfishtrombone]

It is possible to opt out of the company scheme, both for pension and insurance. Legally, you are required to have health insurance but that can be fulfilled with a third party insurer. Some are advertised on this website - most are reimbursement schemes so you have to pay the hospital, have the doctor fill out a form, submit it to the insurer, then wait for a bank payment/reimbursement.

The problem is that your company will not likely go along. Japanese companies don't like to make exceptions, especially HR people. If you talk to them about it, make sure to point out that it will save the company money as well (they would not have to pay your half of the insurance or pension). If you are a contract employee, you might have a shot.

As for pension, this has become a highly charged political issue now so your company probably won't want to let you 'opt' out of that either, unless you offer to sign something that says you will pay on your own. Legally you are required to pay though there is no effective enforcement mechanisms currently in place.

good luck!