From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the powdery ski slopes of Niseko, Japan is a land of many delights. However, unexpected illness, injury, or natural disasters can turn your dream holiday into a financially devastating nightmare. That’s why a comprehensive travel insurance policy is a must if you’re travelling to Japan.
This guide sets out what travel insurance for Japan covers, what to look for in a travel insurance policy, and how to protect yourself from financial risks.
Key points:
Medicare and Australian private health insurance likely won’t help cover unexpected medical costs while you’re in Japan.
You’ll typically need to take out an extra travel insurance policy to cover costs associated with medical bills, cancellations, delays, and other emergencies.
Standard travel insurance policies may exclude certain high-risk activities like skiing and other snow sports. So it pays to compare travel insurance policies to ensure you know what you’re getting.
Do I need travel insurance for Japan?
While you’re not required to have travel insurance to enter Japan, the Australian government strongly recommends you take out travel insurance before travelling to Japan.
Travel insurance for medical costs
Japan doesn’t have a reciprocal health care agreement (RHCA) with Australia, which means Medicare likely won’t help to cover any of your medical costs while in the country.
And even if you hold private health insurance in Australia, it probably won’t cover you for overseas medical treatments.
Travel insurance for emergencies
Travel insurance can also provide financial protection for things like cancelled flights, luggage loss, extreme weather events, and other emergencies.
ALERT! The Australian government will not pay your medical bills if you fall ill or get injured in Japan – including hospital stays, emergency surgery, ambulance transfers, and medical evacuation.
Source: Smart Traveller
What should my Japan travel insurance cover?
Travel insurance policies usually come in three tiers: Basic, Essential, and Comprehensive.
Basic travel insurance: Basic travel insurance plans typically only cover medical expenses while you’re in Japan.
Essential travel insurance: Essential travel insurance plans typically cover medical expenses, plus trip cancellation and loss of luggage up to a certain value.
Comprehensive travel insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance plans typically cover everything essential travel insurance covers but to a higher value.
PRO TIP!
Coverage for optional extras like adventure sports or snow activities can be added to some plans for an extra premium. Always check the policy limits for each benefit.
Source: Cover-More
How much does travel insurance for Japan cost?
The cost of travel insurance generally varies between insurers, coverage level, your age, and the length of your trip.
However, some insurers may allow you to increase your excess to reduce the premiums you pay.
What is travel insurance excess? Excess is the amount you agree to pay towards the cost of a claim before your insurer pays the rest.
What are travel insurance premiums? Premiums are the payment or payments you make to purchase the travel insurance policy.
What if I forget to buy travel insurance before leaving Australia?
Some providers allow you to buy travel insurance after you’ve already left Australia.
This can typically be done through official Japanese channels like the Japan Tourism Agency’s insurance portal.
However, this type of policy may come with a 72-hour no-claims waiting period and limited cover for pre-existing conditions.
So it’s always better to buy before you depart, to ensure you’re fully covered from the moment you arrive in Japan.
What activities need extra cover in Japan?
Adventure sports like skiing, hiking, cycling, and activities associated with motorised vehicles (like go-karts or scooters) may not be covered in standard policies.
You may need to purchase add-on adventure sports policies (also known as optional activity cover) to cover these types of activities.
Liam’s Story
Liam booked a snowboarding trip in Niseko. He added snow sports cover but didn’t realise it only covered on-piste skiing.
After venturing off-piste and injuring his ankle, he discovered his insurer would not cover the $12,000 evacuation and hospital bill.
He assumed “snow sports” meant everything. It didn’t. The optional Snow Sports+ upgrade was required for off-piste cover.
What’s not covered by most Japan travel insurance policies?
Exclusions typically vary between insurers and policy types, so it's critical to understand policy exclusions when comparing travel insurance for Japan.
Common travel insurance exclusions*
Luggage left unattended in public places
Pre-existing medical conditioning not previously declared
Travel to areas under ‘do not travel’ warnings
Alcohol or drug-related incidents
Professional or competitive sports
*These are general guidelines only. Actual policy exclusions vary between insurers and policies.
What seasonal weather risks should I be aware of while I’m in Japan?
Seasonal weather events can disrupt transport, affect outdoor plans, or in some cases lead to serious safety concerns.
Travel insurance may cover delays, cancellations or medical costs linked to these conditions.
Common seasonal weather risks in Japan
Season | Weather Event | What to Know |
May-Nov | Typhoons | Severe weather can cause flight delays and cancellations. |
Jun-Jul | Rainy season | Floods and landslides may disrupt domestic rail and road travel. |
Dec-Feb | Snow storms | Heavy snow or blizzards can cause road closures in alpine areas. |
Year-round | Earthquakes/tsunamis | Earthquakes are common in Japan. Know your nearest evacuation point. |
Year-round | Volcanic activity | Follow Smartraveller updates about active volcano activity. |
PRO TIP! Always check the latest advice at smartraveller.gov.au before and during your trip to Japan. Buying insurance after a natural disaster or advisory is issued may exclude cover for that event. Source: smartraveller.gov.au
Need travel insurance for Japan? The experts at Compare Club can help you compare travel insurance policies to find the right cover for you.
[SOURCES]
Japan National Tourism OrganisationBudget Direct
Disclaimer:
Compare Club Australia Pty Ltd ABN 29 634 600 007 of 222 Pitt Street Sydney (Ph: 1300 904 624) owns and operates compareclub.com.au and its associated websites. The information contained in this email is of general nature only and has been prepared without taking into consideration your objectives, needs and financial situation. We compare selected products from a panel of trusted insurers. We do not compare all products in the market.
