1. Introduction
The Japan Health Insurance Association (Kyokai Kenpo) has stopped issuing new health insurance cards as of December 2, 2024.
Instead, the system is transitioning to the use of My Number Cards (known as MyNa Health Insurance Cards) as the standard form of identification for health insurance coverage.
For those who do not have a MyNa Health Insurance Card, it is still possible to receive medical care by presenting an Eligibility Certificate at medical institutions.
Kyokai Kenpo has announced that Eligibility Certificates will be sent to those who do not have a MyNa Health Insurance Card as of April 30, 2025.
*For employees enrolled in a Health Insurance Society (Kenko Hoken Kumiai), different procedures may apply. Please confirm with your respective society.
2. Who Will Receive the Certificate
The certificate will be sent to individuals (including dependents) who:
・ currently have a health insurance card, and
・ as of April 30, 2025, did not have a MyNa Health Insurance Card
・ were newly enrolled by November 29, 2024
3. Delivery Address
The certificates will be mailed directly to the employee’s home address, not to the company.
Prior to the mailing, employers will receive a list of employees who are eligible to receive the certificate.
If the certificate cannot be delivered due to an unknown address or similar reason, it will be sent to the company instead. In such cases, the employer will be responsible for ensuring that the employee receives it.
4. Delivery Timeline
The certificates will be sent out by region, between late July and late October of 2025.
5. Additional Information
According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, even if a person does not present their MyNa Health Insurance Card or an Eligibility Certificate, it will still be possible to receive medical care under health insurance until March 2026, provided their insurance status can be confirmed using their expired health insurance card. This is a temporary measure.
As this change is part of the ongoing transition to the new system, the Eligibility Certificate will serve as an important document to ensure continued access to medical care.
If you need any assistance, ARK Social Insurance and Advisors Corporation can help you.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Query on the phone+81-3-6821-9455