Does anyone have any experience getting off of kokumin kenkou hoken with international insurance? I was assured (twice) at the Shibuya Kuyakusho that I just had to show proof of insurance from some date, with a list of my dependants covered, and I was golden. What I got, however, was more like a golden shower. Through various verbals fistings, I was referred to this page which states for Americans, we have to apply for some form through one of three sites: Social Security website, IRS website, or the Japanese embassy. Ass sphincter says what? I tried to explain many times what I had been told, that I had proof of insurance (call the company asshole?) but then I had a moment of satori and remembered what cuntry I was in, so shut up.
My company is offering this to me, but I've been here on this visa for over 5 years now, not as their employee... they have no branch here. Technically I switched cumpanies in January as our group broke off from the terrorists (right wing gun nuts) who we were partners with. I've been covered ever since under this new company.
I don't want to, but if push came to shove (no fucking way I'm paying insurance I don't use twice) I can always "leave" Japan I assume. I have PR... I assume there is a way to leave (say, being sent abroad for a 2 year stretch) and being removed from said insurance program. Just don't know the particulars, and I'm sure I'd get stuck for January through April's insurance coverage (boo). I asked the guy at the counter what people do in that situation and he replied, "Oh, you can always just apply to keep your Japanese insurance and not get any coverage overseas". My immediate thought was, "I"m going to have to talk to your supervisor" but again, enlightenment got the best of me and I just did a facepalm and said, "I really don't think so..." and went on.
Advice? Really dry humor?