New Visa Regulations

[JimR]

So, for all you expats here, I guess you're probably aware of the new Visa renewal regulations--In order to renew a visa, you must show proof of enrollment in a national health insurance program.

I'm all for it. I've been in Shakai Hoken for a few years now, since I was given the option as (ahem) a NOVA teacher, and I've found it rather nice. No calling insurance companies for pre-approval, no waiting for reimbursements that never seem to come, just smooth and easy health care. And since I live in Japan, benefit form Japanese social programs, and have a vested interest in the continuation of the system as it stands, I think it's about time that people be required to show that they're obeying the law!

Now, disregarding the fact that all long term residents are ALREADY required by law to enroll in national health insurance, what do you think about this? Is this a terrible burden and invasion into your private rights? Or is it about time that the government start putting some teeth into its laws?

I don't know, I guess I just think that shady non-insurance paying employers (GABA, I'm looking at you...) and under-the-radar English teachers should be held to some standards beyond just looking pretty for the 8 daily performances.

But maybe that's just me.

[avatar1999]

Do I understand correctly that foreigners working in Japan have to show proof of enrollment in a Japanese health insurance program?

If that's the case, I think it's a good idea. I know I wouldn't want people running around my country carrying diseases that they brought from other countries.

But let me ask this, are people in general required to enroll in insurance programs that live in Japan?

[JimR]

Do I understand correctly that foreigners working in Japan have to show proof of enrollment in a Japanese health insurance program?

If that's the case, I think it's a good idea. I know I wouldn't want people running around my country carrying diseases that they brought from other countries.

But let me ask this, are people in general required to enroll in insurance programs that live in Japan?

Yes, all foreigners working full-time in Japan have to be enrolled in national health insurance, as I understand it. Up until now, many have not, though--they have been enrolled in private insurance programs, or not at all. The government has mostly looked the other way, though NOVA (A major English teaching company, and at one time the largest employer of foreigners in Japan) did get smacked for not enrolling its full-time employees in the national health care/pension scheme...that was just the start of NOVA's woes, though.

And yes, I believe all people living in Japan (as opposed to just visiting) are required to be enrolled in insurance...it's fuzzy just WHAT insurance, though. Japanese laws like to be fuzzy, in my experience.