fbpx

Travel Insurance for Japan

Travelling to Japan for a much-needed holiday? Compare your travel insurance options with Savvy. 

Written by 
Savvy Editorial Team
Savvy's content writing team are professionals with a wide and diverse range of industry experience and topic knowledge. We write across a broad spectrum of finance-related topics to provide our readers with informative resources to help them learn more about a certain area or enable them to decide on which product is best for their needs with careful comparison. Meet the team behind the operation here. Visit our authors page to meet Savvy's expert writing team, committed to delivering informative and engaging content to help you make informed financial decisions.
Our authors
, updated on September 4th, 2023       

Fact checked

At Savvy, we are committed to providing accurate information. Our content undergoes a rigorous process of fact-checking before it is published. Learn more about our editorial policy.

Compare Travel Insurance Quotes in 30 Seconds

Whether you’re planning to take in the beauty and scale of Mt Fuji or tour the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, it’s always important to have peace of mind when you’re travelling to Japan. If you’re searching for the right travel insurance cover for your next international journey, Savvy can point you in the right direction.

By comparing with us, you can find a policy which offers you the right protection, whether your flights are delayed, your luggage goes missing or you fall ill while overseas. We provide instant quotes from our partners, so you can consider their pros and cons and compare the cost of each policy. Before you take off overseas, compare your travel insurance options with Savvy today.

Do I need travel insurance for a holiday to Japan?

You don’t necessarily ‘need’ travel insurance if you’re taking a trip to Japan. However, it’s strongly recommended that you purchase a policy before you jet off to walk the grounds of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park or stroll around historic Kyoto.

While a holiday in Japan allows you to lap up the pristine surrounds and soak up the rich culture of one of the world’s oldest civilisations, it also has its share of risks for visitors, which is why it’s important to compare with Savvy and get the right travel insurance for your holiday to the island country.

If you’re travelling to Asia to experience all of what Japan has to offer, some of the incidentals to watch out for include:

  • Winter sports: Japan is known for having heavy snowfall during the winter months, so if you’re skiing or taking part in another winter sport, it’s a good idea to purchase good protective equipment and only ski or snowboard in the areas marked safe by local authorities, as well as adequate cover for doing so.
  • Natural disasters: tsunamis, typhoons and earthquakes aren’t uncommon in Japan, so it pays to know where your evacuation points are in case one strikes during your holiday. Remember that typhoon season runs from May to November, so pay attention to government warnings and local media reports.
  • Petty crimes: small-time crimes such as pickpocketing and tourist attractions, are pretty low across Japan. However, it’s a good idea to remain vigilant when you’re out enjoying the nightlife. The Australian government says drink spiking, assaults and credit card fraud are among some of the petty crimes that often take place in nightclubs and bars.
  • Regional relationships: tensions between North Korea and Japan have shown little improvement over the years and they can intensify at any moment. Pay close attention to the Australian government’s travel advice and trusted global news outlets.
  • Japanese encephalitis: this is a serious disease spread to humans via mosquitoes and is more commonly found in rural and remote areas. If you’re heading to Japan, make sure you visit your GP and receive a vaccine against the virus and, while you’re over there, do your best not to be bitten.

What’s covered by my travel insurance for my holiday to Japan?

Depending on the policy and level of protection, travel insurance can help if you become ill or injured while travelling, lose your things, or suffer airline cancellations or delays. Some travel insurance benefits are:

  1. Overseas medical bills: Japan’s healthcare system is top-of-the-line and comes with a price tag to match. If you don’t have travel insurance, you’ll have to cover the full cost of your treatment which can soar into the tens of thousands of dollars.
  2. Evacuation or repatriation: if you're critically ill and your insurance company's physicians say you need to return home, they'll pay for your evacuation and repatriation. This includes if you need to leave your ship on a trip, which may cost up to $100,000 without insurance.
  3. Cancellation: many travel insurance carriers may refund pre-paid deposits on hotels, flights, or excursions if you cancel your trip due to a covered occurrence. Illness, injury, or a sick or dying family member are among the valid reasons for cancelling a trip.
  4. Lost, stolen or damaged bags: most insurance providers will compensate or replace lost, stolen, or damaged baggage up to an agreed claim amount, which can reach up to $15,000.
  5. Individual items: taking a phone or laptop on your overseas or domestic getaway? Many insurance plans offer sub-limits for lost, damaged, or stolen property. For example, some may allow you to claim up to $3,000 for lost or damaged computers, mobile phones and cameras.
  6. Travel delays: most travel insurance cover hotel, food, and other expenses if your flight is delayed longer than 24 hours. This includes delayed luggage owing to a delayed airliner.
  7. Personal liability: legal issues abroad may be costly. If you're held directly accountable for damage or injury, your insurance company may pay up to $5 million.
  8. Accidental death: if you die overseas in a covered accident, your insurance company can repatriate your remains. They may pay up to $25,000 for funeral or cremation fees.
  9. Optional extras: Scuba diving off the Amami Islands or canyoning down the Northern Alps? Most travel insurance plans don't cover these activities automatically but offer supplementary coverage for an added premium.

However, most travel insurance companies won’t cover you for the following incidentals:

  1. Unapproved pre-existing medical conditions
  2. Lost possessions left unattended
  3. Breaking local laws and road rules
  4. Accidents caused by drug or alcohol use
  5. Travelling to a country against Australian government advice
  6. Travelling for medical tourism 

What factors should I consider before buying travel insurance for a trip to Japan?

It might be difficult to figure out which policy provides the most beneficial coverage for your next trip to Japan. However, by comparing with Savvy, you may be able to make the experience of searching for the perfect policy a whole lot easier.

Premium cost

It is, of course, in your best interest to keep your insurance premium costs to a minimum. To avoid overpaying for your travel insurance, it is crucial to shop around and get the best possible policy at a price that works for you.

The type of policy you need

Numerous options exist for travel insurance, whether you're looking for single-trip, annual or one-way cover, so it’s important to consider your travel requirements. For example, if you’ll be taking multiple international trips across the year, an annual policy may be more suited to you than single-trip. Take a look at your itinerary, think about how often you’ll be flying and compare it with Savvy so you can get the best insurance for your trip.

What you’re doing in Japan

Carefully consider which insurance company provides the greatest value and level of protection if you’re looking to partake in high-risk pursuits before signing up. If you’re planning to carve up the slopes at the Zao Onsen ski resort or motorcycling through Osaka, make sure you get a policy that covers you.

Claim limits

In most cases, the amount you may claim from your overseas travel insurance policy will be capped. Check if these limits are enough for your trip and the items you want to take with you by doing a side-by-side comparison of several brands with Savvy.

Inclusions and exclusions

When searching for the best international policy for your trip to Japan make sure you opt for a policy that best suits your needs. Before settling on one choice, do your homework and weigh what's included and what isn't. For example, a pre-existing condition you suffer from may not be automatically included under one policy, while it could be covered by a competitor.

Types of travel insurance

Why compare travel insurance with Savvy?

Top tips for saving on your travel insurance to Japan

Combine policies

You can get group policies from providers covering you, your partner, your extended family, and even your grandchildren. Most providers allow you to include up to 25 people under the same policies, which, if the costs are divided among the travellers, can save you money.

Consider increasing your excess

You can pay less for your travel insurance by increasing the excess you're willing to pay if you need to file a claim. A higher excess can help you save money in the long term, but it shouldn't be so high that it causes you financial hardship to pay it.

Only pay for what you need

There's no point paying for cover you're not going to use on your holiday. Before you purchase a policy, read the PDS and make sure you aren’t paying extra for add-ons such as rental car hire or cruise coverage if you don't have any intentions of either hiring a car or sailing across the seas.

Compare your travel insurance options

Using Savvy to help you decide lets you easily see which provider gives you the best coverage for the lowest price. You can compare policies side by side so you can weigh what's included, what's not included, the price of your premium, and any other essential factors.

Frequently asked questions about travel insurance for Japan

Does travel insurance for Japan cover me for COVID-19-related costs?

Yes – most travel insurance policies cover any COVID-19-related expenses, such as medical treatment while you’re in Japan and the need to cancel your holiday if you test positive before you leave. However, cancellation due to COVID-19 isn’t usually available on basic policies. The risk of testing positive for COVID-19 is still quite high if you’re travelling to Japan as of September 2022, so it’s best to wear a mask when possible if you’re worried about contracting the disease.

Can I take out travel insurance if I’m already in Japan?

Yes – you can buy travel insurance if you’re already wheels up and headed to Japan for your holiday. You’ll be afforded the exact coverage you would usually get if you purchased before departure. However, these policies have waiting periods of between 48 and 96 hours. This means, if you suffer a claimable incident inside this period, you won’t be able to make a claim.

When is the best time to buy travel insurance for Japan?

Most people in the know will tell you the best time to purchase your travel insurance is when you know your travel dates. That allows you to be covered for the maximum amount of pre-paid bookings, such as those for hotels or tours if something unforeseen happens and you need to call off your holiday. There are also often sales on around holiday periods, such as Easter, Christmas and the End of the Financial Year, which means you could snap up a policy at a discount.

How do I make a claim on my travel insurance if I’m in Japan?

When you do it online, claiming on your travel insurance is a pretty easy process. When you go to your insurance company's website, enter your policy number and the email address that goes with it. From there, you can do the following:

  • Fill out your claim form with plenty of detail
  • Attach any documents, such as receipts, medical evidence, or proof of purchase
  • Submit your claim

 
The majority of the time, you should hear back from your insurance company within about ten business days. It's best to quickly answer any requests for more information to avoid slowing down the process.

How much will my travel insurance to Japan cost?

The cost of your travel insurance to Japan will be determined by a range of interchangeable variables, including:

  • Your age
  • The length of your trip and destinations
  • Whether you suffer any pre-existing conditions
  • If you need optional extras
  • The insurer you’ve chosen
  • The level of cover you have purchased
  • What part of Japan (for example, you may not be able to receive cover if you’re travelling somewhere experiencing a natural disaster or increased risk of radiation)

Helpful travel insurance guides

Travel Insurance Banner - Group of happy people drinking together poolside while on holiday.

Best Domestic Travel Insurance

Compare and find the best domestic travel insurance policy for your next Australian holiday. Compare Travel Insurance Quotes in 30...

Travel Insurance Banner - Father pointing out the window at the airport with his son.

What is Travel Insurance?

Compare with Savvy and find out more about what travel insurance is today. Compare Travel Insurance Quotes in 30 Seconds...

Travel Insurance Banner - Young couple smiling in a meeting with a travel insurance broker.

Travel Insurance Broker

Find out how a broker may be able to help you and compare travel insurance options with Savvy. Compare Travel...

Travel Insurance Banner - Woman sitting on a luggage trolley being pushed by her partner with her arm in the air.

Benefits of Travel Insurance

Understand more about the benefits of travel insurance by comparing your options with Savvy. Compare Travel Insurance Quotes in 30...

Travel Insurance Banner - Young couple sitting on fold-out chairs next to their caravan.

Cheap Domestic Travel Insurance

Compare with Savvy and find a cheap travel insurance deal for your next domestic holiday. Compare Travel Insurance Quotes in...

Disclaimer:
We do not compare all travel insurance brands currently operating in the market. Any advice presented above or on other pages is general in nature and does not consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an insurance policy.

Savvy earns a commission from our partners each time a customer buys a travel insurance policy via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased from these brands directly, as all purchases are conducted via their websites.

Before purchasing your policy, we recommend you refer to the provider’s PDS for any further information on the terms, inclusions and exclusions.

We'd love to chat, how can we help?

By clicking "Submit", you agree to be contacted by a Savvy broker and to receive communications from Savvy which you can unsubscribe from at any time. Read our Privacy Policy.