MoneyInJapan

Employee health and pension insurance

Employer-based enrollment, premiums, sickness allowance, maternity allowance, and dependants.

Direct answers

Eligible employees are enrolled through work in health insurance and Employees’ Pension; some health-insurance schemes also provide income benefits unavailable under municipal NHI.

Public coverage first · 2026 edition

Benefits may vary by: insurer · employment status · municipality · household

Get professional or administrator help: Ask HR and the health insurer when hours or contract status change, or before taking medical or maternity leave.

Review due: 2026-10-30

Key points

  • Employer and employee generally share social-insurance contributions.
  • Health-insurance dependants and pension Category 3 spouses have distinct tests.
  • Sickness and injury allowance may support eligible employees unable to work for non-work reasons.
  • Work injuries go to workers’ compensation, not ordinary sickness allowance.

Benefits beyond treatment

For qualifying inability to work, sickness allowance generally begins after a three-day waiting period and is calculated from standard remuneration under statutory rules. Maternity allowance is separate. Ask your health-insurance association for eligibility, coordination with pay, and the current calculation.

Who this is for

  • Residents mapping protection before shopping for private insurance

What this is not

  • A quote, policy ranking, or individualized recommendation
Important cautions
  • Eligibility, contributions, waiting periods, exclusions, and benefit amounts can vary. Confirm your case with the administering insurer or authority before acting.

Sources