Insurance

All JET participants are covered with four types of insurance. Three of these are compulsory insurances set by the Japanese government. The fourth type is a special private policy for JET Programme participants. Public insurances, compulsory according to the Japanese Law: (1) National Health Insurance (2) Pension Insurance (3) Employment Insurance Private Insurance (for JET participants only): (4) JET Programme Accident Insurance.

We strongly recommend that you thoroughly read the insurance policy information available and that you maintain health insurance in your home country, as these insurances may not cover you fully in all situations.

National Health Insurance

It is important to carry your National Health Insurance Card with you at all times. Insurance coverage may be refused if you are not carrying your insurance card. 70% of medical expenses are covered for illness and injuries.

Medical care benefits include:

  • Medical examination
  • Provision of medicines or medical care supplies
  • Emergency treatment
  • Surgery and other medical treatment
  • In-home medical care
  • Hospitalisation and nursing. 

Examples of treatment not covered by Social (Health) Insurance include:

  • Preventative medicine
  • Unnecessary physical check-ups
  • Cosmetic surgery
  • Unnecessary dental check-ups or cleaning (including gold-plating)
  • Unnecessary eye exams and eyewear
  • Exams and check-up for normal (without complications) pregnancies

Private Insurance (for JET participants only)

In the case that a JET participant is injured or becomes ill during the period of coverage, the JET Accident Insurance Policy allows JET participants to claim back medical costs incurred (minus a 5,000 deductible and within the limits of the policy). When receiving treatment, JETs should first make use of their Social (Health) Insurance and then claim remaining costs with the JET Accident Insurance. The JET Accident Insurance also provides coverage for death caused by accident or illness, disability, and treatment for injuries and illnesses that occur during travel or visits to the JET's home country. Medical costs incurred due to injuries or illnesses that happened before the start of the insurance policy are not covered. For coverage details, please see your copy of the JET Accident Insurance Policy Guide.

The contents of the policy are identical for all JET participants and there is no need for enrollment. The insurance premiums are paid entirely by the contracting organisation.

All JET participants are automatically enrolled in the JET Accident Insurance Policy. (Each JET participant must, however, submit the Insured's Confirmation of Agreement Form).

Pension Insurance

Enrolment in this policy is a legal requirement. It will provide for you or your family in the event that you are seriously injured or die during the period you are making payments into the policy. After leaving Japan, you are entitled to apply for a partial refund of the money you paid into the pension insurance.

Employment Insurance

JET participants working in Japan must enter the employment insurance scheme, regardless of nationality. It is possible for people who have joined this insurance policy and who fulfil the necessary requirements to receive unemployment benefits.