<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article relies too much on references to primary sources . Please improve this by adding secondary or tertiary sources . (January 2011) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article relies too much on references to primary sources . Please improve this by adding secondary or tertiary sources . (January 2011) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> National Health Insurance (国民 健康 保険, Kokumin - Kenkō - Hoken) is one of the two major types of insurance programs available in Japan . The other is Employees' Health Insurance (健康 保険, Kenkō - Hoken). National Health insurance is designed for people who are not eligible to be members of any employment - based health insurance program . Although private insurance is also available, all Japanese citizens, permanent residents, and any non-Japanese residing in Japan with a visa lasting three months or longer are required to be enrolled in either National Health Insurance or Employees' Health Insurance . On July 9, 2012, the alien registration system was abolished and foreigners are now able to apply as part of the Basic Resident Registration System . Foreigners who reside in Japan for more than three months need to register for national health insurance. REGISTRO CIVIL - 16KokuminKenkouHokenEn. pdf It is defined by the National Health Care Act of 1958 . </P> <P> Japan's first health insurance system was introduced in 1922 . It took effect in 1927 to cover laborers, and in 1938 was extended to cover farmers also . The system originated from labor unions representing workers in dangerous industries, and over time was gradually extended so that currently all Japanese citizens and residents should be covered . </P>

The two basic types of medical insurance in japan are