My Number Switch: Former Health Insurance Cards Expire in Japan

A New Way to Access Care

Previously standard national health insurance cards will expire in Japan as of the end of December 1, 2025, as Japan makes its transition to the use of My Number cards incorporating health insurance information. From December 2, people receiving services at health institutions should present either this kind of My Number card or a certificate of eligibility (shikaku kakuninsho).

However, to prevent confusion, the government has said that medical institutions may accept expired health insurance cards until March 2026.

Action to Take if You Do Not Have a My Number Card with Health Insurance Information

Example 1

Do not have My Number card OR

Have My Number card, but do not wish to incorporate health insurance information

It is possible to use a certificate of eligibility (shikaku kakuninsho) issued by insurers instead. This does not require an application, and should have arrived for insured people and dependents by mid-November. People who do not have it for some reason should contact their insurers.

Example 2

Have My Number card, and do wish to incorporate health insurance information

There is no separate My Number health insurance card. A standard My Number card just needs to be registered to incorporate insurance information.

Here are three ways to register.

• Simply place the My Number card on a registration terminal at a medical institution or pharmacy. Registration is completed via facial recognition to confirm identity.
• At a Seven Bank ATM (often in Seven Eleven convenience stores), press the Other Services button and follow the instructions. Convenience stores are open 24 hours. (My Number card and PIN number required.)
• Log in to the My Number portal (Mynaportal) via smartphone or desktop computer and complete the procedure.

Dedicated terminals at medical institutions and pharmacies can be used to register. (© Pixta)

Example 3

Do not have My Number card, but want to apply now

A My Number card application form with a QR code for online application was mailed out from summer to autumn 2022. There are three ways to apply.

The envelope with My Number card details looks like this. (© Pixta)

• Postal application
  Forms can be downloaded in multiple languages.
• Computer or smartphone application (Japanese language only)
• Application via some photo booths

Contact your municipality if you do not know your My Number or cannot find your application form.

Data Sources

• Information on what My Number card with health insurance is and how to use it, a quick guide, and how to receive medical care without it (all in Japanese) from the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare.

(Translated from Japanese. Banner photo © Pixta.)