Travel Insurance for Japan
Essential Travel Tools for Japan
Every trip starts with the basics. These tools are the backbone of traveling in Japan. From transport to internet, we’ve listed the essentials every visitor needs — with direct links to our in-depth guides.
Best SIM & eSIM Options in Japan
🔑 How to Buy Travel Insurance for Japan — Step by Step
Getting the right Japan travel insurance takes only a few minutes. Follow this flow to compare coverage, choose the limits you need (medical, trip cancellation, baggage), and buy your policy online before you fly.
1 List your trip details
- Enter destination Japan, travel dates, traveler ages, and total trip cost (for cancellation cover).
- If you’ll visit other countries, include them or select “worldwide (excluding home country)”.
2 Compare plans & coverage
- Medical expenses: aim for US $100k–$500k+; include emergency evacuation.
- Trip cancellation/interruption: up to your prepaid and non-refundable costs.
- Baggage & delay: useful for camera gear and checked luggage.
- 24/7 assistance: hotline for hospitals, direct billing, translations.
3 Add optional riders (if needed)
- Adventure sports (ski, snowboard, diving, hiking above altitude thresholds).
- “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) where available — highest flexibility.
- Pre-existing conditions waiver (buy soon after your first trip payment).
4 Review exclusions & limits
- Check country advisories, age limits, alcohol-related exclusions, and equipment value caps.
- Confirm cashless treatment / direct billing in Japan whenever possible.
5 Purchase & save documents
- Buy online; you’ll receive a digital policy and emergency contact card by email.
- Save the PDF on your phone and print a copy for immigration or hospital check-in.
6 If something happens, file a claim properly
- Contact the assistance line before treatment when possible.
- Keep receipts, medical reports, airline letters for delays, and police reports for loss/theft.
❓ Japan Travel Insurance — Frequently Asked Questions
What does Japan travel insurance cover?
Typically: medical treatment & hospitalization, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation & interruption, baggage loss, and travel delays. Read each policy’s benefits and exclusions.
How much does it cost?
Most travelers pay about 4–8% of the total trip cost. A 2-week Japan trip often ranges from US $25–60 per person, depending on age, coverage level, and add-ons like adventure sports or CFAR.
When should I buy it?
Buy shortly after your first trip payment to qualify for pre-existing condition waivers and cancellation protection. You can still purchase later, but some benefits may not apply.
Are skiing, snowboarding, or diving covered?
These are often excluded from standard plans. Add an adventure sports rider if you’ll ski in Hokkaido, dive in Okinawa, or hike at altitude.
Do I need cash at hospitals in Japan?
Some clinics may request payment upfront. Call the insurer’s 24/7 assistance to arrange direct billing whenever possible and keep all receipts for claims.
Does travel insurance cover visa requirements?
Tourists from visa-exempt countries usually don’t need proof of insurance to enter Japan, but coverage is strongly recommended to avoid costly medical bills.