Planning a trip to Japan? From booking flights to making a ramen bucket list, there’s a lot to look forward to—but there’s one thing many travelers forget: travel insurance.
Do you really need it for Japan? What does it cover? And what do other travelers think about it? In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make a smart, informed decision.
📷 If your travels bring you to Kyoto consider booking a tour or photography session with us!
📘 What Is Travel Insurance, and What Does It Cover?
Travel insurance is a policy that protects you against unexpected problems that might happen before or during your trip. Depending on the plan, it may include:
- Medical coverage: If you get sick or injured abroad
- Trip cancellation or delay: Reimbursement for non-refundable costs
- Lost or stolen luggage: Or even passport/document protection
- Emergency evacuation: For accidents or natural disasters
Some plans are basic, some include adventure sports, and some even offer 24/7 travel assistance in English.
🇯🇵 Is Travel Insurance Required for Japan?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for entering Japan as a tourist. But it’s strongly recommended.
Here’s why:
- Japan’s medical care is excellent—but expensive for non-residents
- You must pay 100% of the cost up front (even at public hospitals)
- Natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons can delay travel
- Japan is very safe, but no place is risk-free
Many embassies (like the U.S. and U.K.) recommend purchasing travel insurance before visiting.
🙅♀️ Who Might Not Need Travel Insurance?
You might not need separate travel insurance if:
- Your credit card already includes travel insurance (check the fine print)
- You’re covered by an international health insurance plan
- You’re on a short, low-risk trip (e.g. 2–3 days, mostly in cities)
- You’re willing to take the risk of paying out-of-pocket in rare cases
Still, even “covered” travelers sometimes buy an extra policy for peace of mind.
✅ Who Should Definitely Get Travel Insurance?
For many travelers, insurance is a smart investment—especially if:
- 🏔️ You’re doing high-risk activities (skiing, hiking, biking, diving)
- 👵 You’re an older traveler or have a pre-existing condition
- 👨👩👧👦 You’re traveling with family or children
- 🌪️ You’re visiting during typhoon season (June–October)
- 📷 You carry expensive electronics or camera gear
It’s not about being paranoid. It’s about being prepared.
📊 How Many Travelers Buy Travel Insurance?
Here’s what travelers from different countries are doing:
- 🇺🇸 United States: About 50% of travelers have bought insurance before; only 15% get it every time
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom: Around 58% of Brits buy it when booking a trip
- 🇦🇺 Australia: 1 in 6 Australians go abroad without coverage—especially younger travelers
- 🇸🇬 Singapore: 64% have bought travel insurance before, and 91% of frequent travelers say they’ll keep using it
TL;DR: Most people don’t always get insurance—but more do when traveling far, especially to places with high medical costs like Japan.
💰 How Much Does Travel Insurance for Japan Cost?
It’s not as expensive as you might think. Here’s a quick estimate:
| Traveler Type | Trip Length | Basic Plan (USD) | Premium Plan (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo traveler | 1 week | $40–$70 | $90–$130 |
| Couple | 1 week | $70–$120 | $150–$200 |
| Family (2 adults + kids) | 1 week | $100–$180 | $220–$300 |
Typical cost: 4–10% of your total trip value
Premiums go up if you add coverage for extreme sports, electronics, or trip interruption
Popular providers include: World Nomads, SafetyWing, Allianz, AIG, and IMG.
🛒 Where to Buy & What to Check
You can buy travel insurance:
- Directly from insurance companies
- Through booking websites or airlines
- With credit cards (but check coverage carefully)
Before you buy, check:
- ✅ Medical coverage limits (aim for $100,000 USD minimum)
- ✅ COVID or infectious disease coverage
- ✅ 24/7 English-speaking assistance
- ✅ Simple, online claim process
- ✅ Coverage for Japan-specific risks (natural disasters, long hospital stays)
🤔 So… Do You Really Need It?
Ask yourself:
- Could you afford to pay $5,000+ out-of-pocket for a hospital visit in Tokyo?
- Are you visiting during typhoon season or skiing in Nagano?
- Are you traveling with kids, or bringing camera gear?
- Would your trip be stressful without it?
If you answered yes to any of the above, it’s probably worth it.
🧳 Final Thoughts
You might not need travel insurance for every trip—but for Japan, it’s worth serious consideration.
Peace of mind isn’t free—but it’s often cheaper than one visit to a Japanese ER.
Whether you’re a backpacker or a family of four, the right plan can save you time, money, and a lot of stress.
When in doubt? Get the policy. Then go enjoy Japan.
🎥For more travel tips and guides on all things Japan check out the PiQtour YouTube channel!
