Japan is also called Nippon, and the Land of the Rising Sun. It boasts a dazzling array of modern amenities, as well as a glorious past, making it one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. 

Japan travel Insurance or travel medical insurance is highly recommended to anyone traveling to Japan, either for business meetings or tourism. Travel insurance or travel medical insurance can help protect your health and finances in case something unexpected occurs during your trip. 

Japan Entry Requirements

After effective being closed to most foreign travel for much of the pandemic, Japan has relaxed their entry requirements. However, they are subject to change at any time. All travelers should utilize the Visit Japan Web site prior to travel to find out the latest information. 

Travel Medical Insurance for Travelers in Japan – FAQs

Healthcare in Japan is excellent. Healthcare costs in Japan are not as high as in the United States, but they are still quite expensive, comparable to Canada or Australia. 

Therefore, it is critical to carry adequate travel health insurance in case you get sick or injured unexpectedly while visiting Japan. Having proper insurance can protect you from being surprised with an unaffordable bill. The best travel insurance for Japan to meet your needs will be the policy that provides the coverage that is important to you, at a price that suits your budget. 

Is Travel Medical Insurance Required for Japan?

Travel medical insurance is currently legally required to enter Japan as part of one if its limited tour groups, and this requirement may or may not continue with the further reopening of borders. But regardless of the requirement, it only takes one illness or injury before you are suddenly facing high medical costs. You can control how much these costs are able to affect you buy purchasing travel medical insurance. 

Why Buy Travel Medical Insurance Before Traveling to Japan?

Japan has a nationalized healthcare system for its residents, so most doctors and hospitals are used to dealing with the government to treat citizens. However, this does not include foreigners. Many doctors and hospitals are simply not used to treating foreigners and are not sure how they will get paid if they treat them. There have been many cases where tourists to Japan were refused treatment for this reason.

Please note that without proper travel medical insurance, you might be turned away from treatment, even in life-threatening medical situations. Simply having proof of travel medical insurance can be enough to overcome the reluctance to treat patients.

Trip Cancellation Insurance for Travelers in Japan – FAQs

In some cases, travel issues can arise before even reaching your destination. Personal health issues, travel lockdowns, natural disasters, or family emergencies can all leave you with no choice but to cancel that long-awaited trip to Japan. It is important to protect yourself financially in these instances with trip cancellation insurance.

Why Should I Get Trip Cancellation Insurance for My Japan Travel?

For most tourists and business travelers, a trip to Japan is not a last-minute affair. Airfare, hotels, events, and attractions are all booked and paid for far in advance. In many cases, these prepaid expenses are nonrefundable. This means that if you had to cancel your trip, you could be out all of the money you’ve already put towards it.

You can avoid this unenviable situation by purchasing trip cancellation insurance, also commonly referred to as travel insurance. A trip cancellation insurance plan can allow you to be fully or partially reimbursed for your prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses if your trip must be cancelled due to a reason covered by the policy.

What Can be Covered by Japan Trip Cancellation Insurance?

That largely depends upon the policy you choose. Travel insurance plans can cover trip cancellation, but they don’t stop there. Look for a policy that also covers the following common travel situations:

• Trip interruption
• Loss of baggage
• Baggage delays
• Emergency medical evacuation
• The option to cancel for any reason, if the feature is important to you. 

Travel Risks for International Travelers in Japan

Japan is one of the safest places in the world to visit, as the crime rate is low. However, there are certain risks all travelers should keep in mind.

Natural Disasters

Being an island nation, Japan can experience typhoons and tsunamis. The Japanese government has extensive safety protocols in place to help keep residents and visitors safe during these events. Heed the advice of local authorities at all times, and go to designated areas when instructed.

Extreme Traffic

With some of the largest cities in the world, it is no surprise that traffic in Japan can be intense. Though you can rely on public transport to get around, you must be extremely careful when crossing streets. Do not start walking across a busy road simply because you have the signal to do so. Always check in both directions to be sure it is clear.

Petty Crime

Though Japan is extremely safe from the perspective of crime, pickpocketing and purse-snatching can happen anywhere. Keep your bags secured to your body, and consider wearing your wallet in your front pocket. For additional security, you could also carry your cash and cards in a money belt. 

Japan’s Most Popular Cities for Travel

Tokyo

The world’s biggest metropolitan area is a place you could spend a lifetime exploring on its own. If you’re only visiting for a short time, make it a point to visit the incredible Imperial Palace, shrines and temples such as Meiji Jinju, and the sublimely beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. If you aren’t one to shy away from heights, take a trip up the Tokyo Skytree, the second-tallest structure in the world.

Kyoto

If you’re interested in Japanese culture, history, and art, a trip to Kyoto simply must be on your itinerary. This idyllic city in the hills of Honshu boasts over 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and more than a thousand temples. Visit the historic teahouses in the Gion District, bask in the opulence of the shrines at Fushimi Inari-Taisha, or seek out traditional foods, handicrafts and souvenirs at Nishiki Market. 

Osaka

Japan’s second-largest metropolitan area has something for everyone. Those interested in culture should certainly pay a visit to the world-famous Osaka Castle, as it is one of the country’s most famous landmarks. For a culinary adventure, head to Dotonbori; famous for its kuidaore cuisine, upscale bars, and unparalleled nightlife. For family-friendly fun, a trip to Universal Studios Japan simply must be on the docket. 

Before You Travel to Japan – Do This

• Visit your healthcare provider and make sure you are up-to-date on all of your vaccines. 
• Research your area of travel, and know what to do in an emergency. Japan can experience earthquakes, typhoons, volcanic eruptions, and landslides.
• Purchase travel medical insurance or international travel insurance to protect your finances in case of a health or travel-related calamity.

DISCLAIMER: The information within this article is intended as a broad summary of benefits and services and is meant for informational purposes only. The information does not describe all scenarios, coverages or exclusions of any insurance plan. The benefits and services of an insurance plan are subject to change. This is not your policy/certificate of insurance. If there is any discrepancy between the information in this article and the language of your policy/certificate wording, the language of the policy/certificate wording will prevail.

The insurance plans available on this website are not specifically targeted towards the destination mentioned in this article. They can provide coverage while traveling away from home, according to the terms and conditions and geographic restrictions applicable to the specific plan.