Pension & Insurance You Must Pay as a Foreign Student in Japan

If you're studying in Japan, there are two important systems you need to join, just like Japanese residents:

National Health Insurance (国民健康保険 / Kokumin Kenkō Hoken)
All students staying in Japan for more than 3 months must enroll.
It covers most medical costs — you usually pay only 30% at the hospital or clinic.

How to register:
At your local ward/city office when you register your address.

Cost:
Around ¥1,500–¥3,000 per month, depending on your city and income.
Many students get a discount since they have no income.

National Pension (国民年金 / Kokumin Nenkin)
Required for everyone aged 20 or above living in Japan — including foreign students.

Good news:
Students can apply for the Student Special Payment System (学生納付特例 / Gakusei Tokurei) so they don’t have to pay while studying.
You still stay registered, but payments are postponed.

How to apply:

At the ward office

Bring your student ID & residence card

Why this matters

Health insurance protects you from expensive medical bills.

Pension registration is required by law.

Proper registration helps future visa applications and part-time job paperwork.