Jump to Another Job - Part 4: Health Insurance & Pension During Job Gaps
Jump to Another Job - Part 4: Health Insurance & Pension During Job Gaps
When changing jobs in Japan, you'll lose your company's social insurance (社会保険) immediately upon leaving. If there's a gap before starting your new job, here's what you need to do to maintain your health coverage and pension contributions.
Health Insurance & Pension During Employment Gaps
Understanding the Impact
You will lose company social insurance (社会保険) immediately when you resign. If you haven't started your new job yet, you must take immediate action to avoid gaps in coverage.
National Health Insurance (国民健康保険 - NHI)
Registration Requirements
- Register within 14 days of losing your company health insurance
- Visit your local ward/city office (区役所/市役所)
- Bring required documents (see below)
Required Documents
- Residence card (在留カード) or passport
- Health insurance disqualification certificate (健康保険資格喪失証明書) from your previous employer
- My Number card or notification card
- Bank account information for premium payments
Helpful Resources
English guides from local governments:
Premium Calculation
- NHI premiums are based on your previous year's income
- Premiums vary by municipality
- Payment can be monthly or annually
National Pension (国民年金)
Category Changes
When you leave company employment, you must switch your pension category:
From Category II (厚生年金加入者) to:
- Category I (国民年金第1号被保険者): If you're unemployed or self-employed
- Category III (国民年金第3号被保険者): If you're a dependent spouse of a Category II member
Registration Process
- Online registration available through My Number Portal (マイナポータル)
- Alternatively, visit your local pension office (年金事務所)
- Can be done simultaneously with NHI registration at city hall
Online Registration
My Number Portal process:
- Access マイナポータル
- Log in with your My Number card
- Navigate to pension services
- Complete the category change application
Official guide: National Pension Registration (Japanese)
Financial Considerations
Premium Relief Options
If you're experiencing temporary financial hardship:
National Pension exemptions/deferrals:
- Full exemption (全額免除): For very low income
- Partial exemption (一部免除): 1/4, 1/2, or 3/4 reduction
- Payment deferral (納付猶予): For those under 50 with low income
Where to apply:
- Local pension office (年金事務所)
- City/ward office pension counter
- Online through My Number Portal
Important Deadlines
| Action | Deadline |
|---|---|
| NHI Registration | 14 days from loss of company insurance |
| Pension Category Change | As soon as possible |
| Premium Relief Application | Within 2 years of due date |
Transition Timeline
Week 1: Immediate Actions
- Obtain health insurance disqualification certificate from previous employer
- Register for National Health Insurance at city hall
- Submit pension category change application
Week 2-4: Follow-up
- Receive NHI insurance card
- Set up premium payment method
- Confirm pension registration completion
Pro Tips
Cost-saving strategies:
- Compare NHI premiums across different municipalities if you're moving
- Consider timing your resignation to minimize premium impact
- Research if your new company offers immediate insurance coverage
Documentation:
- Keep all insurance-related documents organized
- Take photos of important forms as backup
- Maintain a timeline of your insurance coverage for tax purposes
Key Takeaways:
- Act within 14 days to avoid insurance gaps
- Use online services when available for convenience
- Don't hesitate to ask for premium relief if needed
- Plan your transition timing strategically