⏱ Within 14 days
Health Insurance for Baby (National Health Insurance Enrollment)
If your household is enrolled in National Health Insurance (NHI / Kokumin Kenko Hoken), you need to register the newborn as a new NHI member within 14 days of birth. Visit your municipal office on the same day as birth registration if possible.
🔗 Related procedures
Child Medical Expense Subsidy (子ども医療費助成)
Your local municipality subsidizes out-of-pocket medical costs for children. Once the baby's health insurance card or Certificate of Qualification (資格確認書) arrives, apply as soon as possible to receive a 'Child Medical Certificate' (Kodomo Iryo-sho). Coverage age limits and benefit levels vary by municipality.
Lump-Sum Childbirth Benefit (出産育児一時金)
Health insurance - whether employer-based or National Health Insurance - pays a lump sum toward childbirth costs. For births from April 1, 2023, it is 500,000 yen per child when the birth is at 22 weeks or later at a hospital enrolled in the obstetric compensation scheme, and 488,000 yen otherwise. Most hospitals use the direct payment system, so you only settle the difference and the paperwork is minimal. Claims are due within 2 years of the birth.