If you are worried about infertility, there is a financial aid system for couples to receive infertility treatment.

　When you submit notification of your pregnancy you will be entitled to a wide range of services.

Who to notify:
Public Health and welfare Division of the local ward office or your local Regional Public Health and Welfare Center or your local Public Health Center

　People who have submitted notification of pregnancy will be issued with a “Mother and Child Health Handbook”(boshi kenko techo)．The date to receive this will be announced in the “Ward Bulletin”(kudayori), but you will also be given a letter at the hospital with the date written. (This date will be the same as your Pregnancy Health Consultation date.) Your health during pregnancy, the progress of your baby’s growth and your baby’s immunizations will be recorded in this handbook. Along with this handbook, you will be given other materials including tickets for free medical checkups.

• General Prenatal Checkups
  　No-cost medical checkups are administered 14 times during pregnancy at designated medical institutions under contract with Niigata City. The tickets for these checkups are issued together with the Mother and Child Health Handbook. For those who have moved into the city, the handbooks can be picked up at any time at the Public Health and welfare Division of the ward office.
  　Please bring the Mother and Child Health Handbook.
• Classes
  　Free prenatal classes covering pregnancy are offered for pregnant women. For details, contact the Public Health and Welfare Division of the ward office.
• Medical care subsidies for pregnancies
  　When pregnant women experience injury or illness, a portion of the fees not covered by National Health Insurance will be subsidized.
  　Who is eligible: pregnant women in income tax- exempt households.

　There are many services to help insure the healthy growth of babies.

　The following regular checkups are provided to protect your baby’s health:

• Infants at the Ages of 3 Months and 10 Months
  　Medical checkups are provided at designated hospitals and clinics. The tickets for these checkups are issued with the Mother and Child Health Handbook. For those who have moved into the city, the tickets can be picked up at the Public Health and welfare Division of the ward office or at any of the Regional Public Health and Welfare Centers.
• Infants at the Age of 2 Months to 4 Months
  　A test of hip joints for two-month-olds to four-month-olds is given at the Regional Public Health and welfare Centers, etc. A fee of ¥2,800 is charged for this test.
• Infants at the Age of 12 Months
  　A dental examination is available at the Regional Public Health and Welfare Centers, etc.
  　A fee of ¥1,020 is charged for teeth topical fluoride application.
• Infants at the Ages of 18 Months and 3 Years
  　No-cost medical checkups are provided at Regional Public Health and Welfare Centers, etc. A fee of ¥1,020 is charged for teeth flouridization for those who want it.

　Children must receive various immunizations at certain ages. They are shown on the chart below. For information concerning days and locations, contact the Public Health and Sanitation Center.

　When children are sick or injured, a portion of the fees not covered by National Health Insurance will be subsidized. Elementary school students grades 4 through 6 will only receive aid for hospitalization fees.

Who is eligible:
Children residing in Niigata from age 0 until completion of elementary school.(There is an income limit for the guardians of children ages 1 and up.)

Amount you pay:
¥530 per visit (If you receive treatment in the same institution 5 times in a month, there is no charge after the 5th visit.)
¥1,200 per day if hospitalized

• Consultations Concerning the Health of Infants
  　Regional Public Health and Welfare Centers provide consultations and lectures on the growth, rearing, weaning and discipline of infants.
• For Babies Suffering from Specified Chronic Diseases
  　Children under age 18 who suffer from specified diseases as specified by the government can also receive medical treatment subsidies.
  　However, your specified disease must meet certain qualification criteria in order to be authorized.

• Home Visit by Public Health Nurses or Midwives
  　When the need arises, public health nurses visit the homes of pregnant women, new mothers, and infants to give advice or to answer questions. Midwives or public health nurses will pay visits and give consultations to newborn babies up to 28 days old and pregnant women.
• To Protect Milk Teeth
  　Various consultations concerning infants’ milk teeth are available, Children under the age of four who develop cavities can receive a dental exam and have their teeth fluoridated. In addition, various dental consultations are available, including the proper way to brush infants' milk teeth. Time and location for the mass checkup will be posted in your ward's informational newsletter "kudayori". Available at city-designated dentists.

• For Premature Babies
  　You can receive medical care subsidies if, due to premature birth, it is necessary for your infant to be hospitalized at a designated medical care facility.

• For Children with Disabilities
  　Disabled children under age 18 who receive treatment (such as surgery, etc.) for their disability at a designated medical facility are eligible for medical care subsidies.

• Child Support Allowance
  　Parents, who are registered in Niigata City with resident status (excluding short-term & entertainer visas), with children 12 years of age and under can receive a support allowance. Please note availability is subject to income levels.

The following assistance is available for single parent households:

• Child support allowance
• Subsidies for medical expenses
• Support facilities for single mothers
• Welfare funds for single mothers
  
• Domestic chores assistant
• Subsidy to help pay the membership fees to the Mutual Aid Fund for Victims of Traffic Accidents
• Present given to children when they enter elementary school
• Issuing of free bathing coupons
• Discounts for JR business commuter passes

　Consultants available for: The various problems that arise with children up until the age of eighteen years old, such as problems with raising children, delinquency, delayed development and child abuse, etc., will be handled by trained staff who will help you work out the most appropriate method of supporting your child. Children can also be taken into temporary care if necessary.

　Full confidentiality is guaranteed.
　Call us before arriving. Reservations must be made for all consulting services.