National Health Insurance Program

History of National Health Insurance Program

　After 5 years of activities, NVC began to expand its perspective to non-Japanese people living in our Niigata City. In 1995, NVC started a partnership with the Niigata City 　　International Exchange Foundation and started the Natural Health Insurance Program. The program aims to partially subsidize health insurance enrollment costs for international students who are studying at their own expense in Niigata City. Through this program, NVC expanded its role in to internationalizing the community. The money to be reimbursed comes from the Niigata City International Exchange Foundation, NVC, and donations made by many citizens of Niigata City. In the first year, only two students got the reimbursement, but the numbers of beneficiaries have been rising year after year, reaching 174 in 2000. Since 2000, with the implementation of insurance program for elders, the program started subsidizing insurances fees for foreign people who are from 40 to 64 years of age. We would like to expand this program in cooperation with various people in society, and help many international people live at ease in Niigata City.

How Much You Can Get Back

　You can get back HALF of your National Health Insurance costs!
　How much you can get back is depend on your income in Japan, numbers of dependents, and age. For example, for the 2002 Fiscal Year,
　　　1) If you had no income in Japan during April 2001 to March 2002, and living alone: \6,550
　　　2) If you had no income in Japan during April 2001 to March 2002, living with one dependent, and less 　 than 40 years old: \9,150.
　　　3) If you had no income in Japan during April 2001 to March 2002, living with two dependents, and less tan 40 years old: \11,750
The amount of reimbursed also depends on the length of your stay in Niigata City, and your insurance fees.

Applying is Easy!

　1.Fill in the application form. You can get the form by calling Niigata City International Exchange Foundation at 0252-226-2053.

　2. With the application form you need to submit the following documents.
　　　(a) A copy of your insurance card (both sides)
　　　(b) A copy of the page in your bankbook with your bank account number written on it.

　3. Submit these documents and the application form to the person in charge of exchange students of your respective university or school.


Sorry! The Following People Are Not Eligible for the Reimbursement:

• International students receiving funding from the national government, prefecture or overseas governments
• Those whose status of residence (visa status) is anything other than "College Student" or "Pre-college Student"
• Those who are not enrolled in Niigata City’s National Health Insurance
• Non-funded international students who had a certain amount of income in Japan.

For More Information

　Please call Niigata City International Exchange Foundation at 0252-226-2053, or visit its website at http://www.palf.co.jp/~nigtief/. Or ask the director of international students at your respective university or school.