Insurance Guide for Language School Students in Japan: What You Need to Know

If you’re planning to study at a language school in Japan, insurance might not be the first thing on your mind—but it’s super important. Medical care in Japan is high-quality, but without the right coverage, it can get expensive fast. Whether you’re staying for a few months or a year, here’s a breakdown of the essential types of insurance you need as a language student in Japan.

🏥 1. National Health Insurance (NHI)

If you’re staying in Japan for more than 3 months, you’re required to enroll in the National Health Insurance (NHI) system. Once you register your address at your local city hall, you can sign up for NHI. It covers 70% of most medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions—you just pay the remaining 30%.

NHI is also affordable, with monthly premiums for students typically ranging from ¥1,500 to ¥2,500, depending on where you live and your income level.

📌 If your stay is shorter than 90 days, you’re not eligible for NHI and will need private insurance instead.

✈️ 2. Private Health or Travel Insurance

For short-term students (less than 3 months), private insurance is a must. Most language schools require proof of insurance when you enroll. These plans cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and sometimes things like lost luggage or trip cancellations. You can purchase a plan from your home country or from providers in Japan like Sompo Japan or Tokio Marine.

💥 3. Personal Liability Insurance

This often-overlooked insurance protects you if you accidentally injure someone or damage property—for example, a bicycle accident or a water leak in your apartment. Some private insurance plans include this, but if not, it’s worth getting separately..🧍 4. Accident Insurance

While university students have access to Gakkensai (school accident insurance), some language schools offer similar options or partner with insurers to provide low-cost accident coverage. These plans cover you during school activities or commuting.

🎒 5. Bundled Student Plans

Some language schools offer comprehensive insurance packages that include medical, accident, and liability coverage all in one. These are convenient and often come with English support, making things easier if you need help filing a claim.

KCP provides students with minor medical and accident coverage which begins the day after arrival in Japan and continues through the last day of the program. However, KCP coverage is a supplemental or “top up” policy of health insurance for study abroad in Japan.

Don’t wait for a crisis to happen—getting insured is a small investment that brings big peace of mind during your stay in Japan.