Leaving Japan: insurance and pension checklist
Private-policy continuation, NHI withdrawal, pension withdrawal, claims, and contacts.
Before departure, confirm in writing whether each private policy can continue overseas, withdraw from NHI at your municipality, investigate the pension lump-sum, and settle claims and contact details by category.
Benefits may vary by: insurer · employment status · municipality · household
Get professional or administrator help: Notify the municipality, employer, pension office, and every insurer before you leave; keep written confirmations.
Review due: 2026-10-30
Key points
- There is no single rule for whether private policies continue abroad — ask each insurer.
- Withdraw from NHI and update pension status at the municipality.
- Decide on the pension lump-sum within the two-year window if eligible.
- Confirm how claims and notices will reach you overseas.
Ask each private insurer in writing
For every private policy, ask whether it can continue overseas, how premiums must be paid, where notices will be sent, how claims will be documented, and whether a Japanese address or bank account remains mandatory. Keep the written answers with your policy documents.
Who this is for
- Residents mapping protection before shopping for private insurance
What this is not
- A quote, policy ranking, or individualized recommendation
- Eligibility, contributions, waiting periods, exclusions, and benefit amounts can vary. Confirm your case with the administering insurer or authority before acting.