Japan Travel Insurance: What You Need to Know Before You Go
Protect Your Japan Trip With The Best Trip Insurance From Redpoint
Many people dream of visiting the bustling cities of Tokyo and Kyoto, but there's also plenty of outdoor adventure to be had in Japan, from climbing Mount Fuji and skiing in Hokkaido to scuba diving in Okinawa.
While you're dreaming about how you’re going to explore this island nation, don't forget about travel insurance coverage for your adventures. It's wise to find a policy that can provide coverage for a range of scenarios, from trip interruption and delay to emergency medical treatment or emergency evacuation.
Let's take a close look at what you need to know before you visit Japan.
Health & Safety in Japan
Japan is a highly developed country with excellent safety standards, world-class infrastructure, and high-quality healthcare. As a destination, it has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, and most visitors have a safe trip without any major incidents.
Violent crime directed at tourists is extremely rare. While petty crime and theft can take place in tourist hotspots, travelers who take common-sense precautions shouldn’t have to worry too much about staying safe.
Japan doesn’t come with any novel or significant disease risks for foreign visitors. However, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) always recommends being up-to-date on routine vaccinations before international travel.
For travel tips and the most up-to-date information on Japan health and safety, always consult the U.S. Department of State’s country information page for Japan and the CDC’s country-specific guidance ahead of your trip.
Japan’s natural landscapes are varied and very popular with visitors. While the wildlife is not generally dangerous, travelers exploring rural areas should be cautious of venomous snakes, such as habu and mamushi pit vipers, and aggressive monkeys in some mountainous regions. Be sure to heed all posted guidance and advisories about local wildlife and risks.
In forested areas, disease-carrying ticks can be a concern. Travelers should wear protective clothing and use insect repellent when hiking.
As an island nation, Japan experiences its fair share of natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, and volcanic activity. Most buildings are earthquake-resistant, and emergency preparedness is well-established. Just in case, tourists should familiarize themselves with local procedures ahead of time and pay attention to alerts from the Japan Meteorological Agency.
U.S. travelers should also consider registering for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to allow the State Department to reach out in case of emergencies, and to receive timely updates on health, weather, safety, and security in Japan.
Public transportation in Japan is exceptionally safe, reliable, and regularly used by tourists. As pedestrians, visitors should be aware that traffic moves on the left side in Japan, and urban street crossings can be intimidating for their volume of people and traffic. Rental car drivers should familiarize themselves with Japanese road signs and rules before getting behind the wheel.
Insurance Benefits & Coverage for a Trip to Japan
The components of any good travel insurance policy are the same. Before you purchase travel insurance, double-check the plan’s details to make sure it includes each type of coverage benefit listed below. That way you should be covered, no matter what unforeseen circumstances might come your way in Japan.
Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance:
Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for nonrefundable trip expenses if your covered trip to Japan is canceled or cut short due to certain unexpected events, like illness, severe weather, or family emergencies. For extra trip cancellation coverage, cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance is usually available as an add-on.
Travel medical insurance:
If you suffer an injury or illness abroad, travel medical insurance can help cover expenses for medical emergencies. Remember, your health insurance coverage from home will not be accepted for medical care in Japan, and receiving care in Japan can lead to expensive out-of-pocket costs. Emergency medical benefits can help reimburse or cover these costs outright. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, consider adding a waiver to your medical coverage.
Emergency medical evacuation insurance:
Emergency evacuation coverage will cover you for transportation to the nearest medical facility or back to the U.S. in extreme or emergency situations. If you are doing any extreme or adventure travel in Japan, such as braving the country’s extraordinary mountains and hiking routes, this is important coverage to have as part of your policy.
Baggage and personal belongings insurance:
This covers lost luggage, theft, or damage to your belongings should they go missing during your trip.
Trip delay insurance:
Travel delay benefits can compensate you for additional expenses incurred if your trip is delayed before it starts, or during connections or transfers. Visitors traveling to multiple parts of Japan by rail or air may experience flight or train delays, which makes this important insurance to have.
Redpoint has a selection of travel insurance plans that offer crucial coverage for every type of trip to Japan, no matter your activity level or travel needs.
For adventure travelers looking to explore Mount Fuji or cycle around Okinawa, Ripcord is an extensive travel plan with high coverage limits and enhanced coverage, including $100,000 per person for medical bills related to emergency accidents and sickness and $25,000 for search and rescue.
If you’re mainly planning on delving into the amazing culture and food of cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, Redpoint’s other policies provide comprehensive, tailored trip protection for a wide range of situations.
Cavalry is particularly suited for urban travel and luxury experiences, while Harbor offers robust coverage for the budget-minded leisure traveler. Both include a generous array of covered reasons for trip cancellation, interruption, and delay, plus lost baggage, primary medical expense coverage, and emergency medical evacuation.
You can buy travel insurance for a single trip, or purchase an annual policy for multiple trips. Check out our plan options and get a quote today.
FAQs for Japan Travel Insurance
1. Is travel insurance mandatory for Japan?
2. How much is travel insurance for Japan?
3. What should your travel insurance cover for a trip to Japan?
4. Are there any COVID-19 restrictions for travelers to Japan?
5. What happens if a tourist gets sick in Japan?
If you need to call emergency services in Japan, dial 119. Redpoint can also be reached for round-the-clock assistance at +1-415-481-0610.
6. Are the hospitals good in Japan?
Large hospitals in major cities, like Tokyo and Kyoto, are more likely to have multilingual support, but smaller clinics may not. If you need help accessing care, contact your travel insurance company's assistance line.
7. What documentation is needed to visit Japan?
If you're a U.S. citizen visiting Japan for 90 days or less for tourism purposes, you don't need a visa. However, the U.S, State Department advises travelers to check for any updated entry requirements before their trip, and to contact the nearest Japanese consulate if necessary.
8. Is Japan safe to visit?
9. Is Japan safe for female travelers?
Harassment and violent crime rates are low, and public transportation has designated women-only train cars during peak hours. However, it’s still advisable to take standard travel precautions, especially in less crowded areas at night.
10. How do I contact the U.S. Embassy in Japan?
1-10-5 Akasaka
Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420
Tel: +03-3224-5000
Redpoint Travel Protection Has Your Back
Redpoint is known for comprehensive and easy-to-understand policies to suit any type of trip, from cultural adventures in Japan’s bustling cities to exploring the country’s natural wonders, so you can travel with confidence. Take a closer look at our travel insurance plans — Ripcord, Cavalry, and Harbor — and get a quote for your next trip today.
