Travel Insurance for Japan
Travel Insurance for Japan
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We all know about the cherry blossoms, but Japan’s attractions are much more eclectic once you’re there. Shinjuku’s cabaret samurai restaurant, the winter shrines around Hiroshima and searching for Super Famicoms in Akihabra are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this part of the world.
But whether you’re exploring ice caves at the foot of Mt Fuji or white-water rafting on the Kuma River, researching your travel insurance options means you can also enjoy peace of mind on your trip.
Do I need travel insurance for Japan?
Japan is renowned for its safety, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore getting travel insurance. Japan doesn’t have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia, so you could encounter serious expenses if you need medical assistance due to injury or sickness. Fortunately, this is where travel insurance comes in!
Travel insurance also offers a range of other benefits. If you experience travel disruptions, have to pay excess for an accident with a rental car or face personal liability issues, travel insurance can cover these costs when your Japanese adventure goes slightly wrong.
What activities in Japan can travel insurance cover?
There’s no shortage of incredible activities to explore during your visit to Japan. From skiing the slopes of a famous alpine resort to easygoing coastal bike rides, getting cover for your adventure could protect you against unexpected costs.
Ski renowned resorts
Switching the Aussie summer for a Japanese snow break is a popular choice. With guaranteed deep powder and affordable lift passes, Japan offers a great value alternative to Australian snow resorts. Cover for skiing and snowboarding is usually an optional extra, but a wise choice as it could cover costs like medical emergencies, snow equipment replacement hire and piste closure.
Raft down inspiring rivers
Japan is home to some of the world’s most striking rafting locations, with the Yoshino River admired as one of its best. Adding optional extras for extreme adventure activities means you don’t have to skip an unforgettable experience just because it involves a little more risk.
Cycle famous paths
It’s not hard to find exceptional cycling destinations in Japan. One of the most beloved is the Shimano Kaido – a 60-kilometre road that passes over six idyllic islands in the Seto Inland Sea. Travel insurance could cover your medical expenses if you get distracted by the scenery and take a tumble.
Climb soaring mountains
Whether it’s Mount Fuji you want to tick off your list, or the lesser-known but far more challenging Mount Tanigawa, Japan has hundreds of striking mountains to climb. Anyone tackling tough mountains should be well-prepared with advanced training, the right equipment and, of course, comprehensive travel insurance.
Will I be covered for COVID-19?
Many insurers now include COVID-19 coverage, but always confirm the details by reading the policy’s product disclosure statement. For example, some travel insurance providers don’t cover the cost of COVID-19 testing or medical expenses after you’ve returned to Australia.
How much is travel insurance for Japan?
The price of travel insurance for Japan differs based on a range of factors, such as your age, the length of the trip, the level of coverage and any optional extras. Plus, the excess you decide to pay can also increase or decrease the cost of the policy.
That said, you can expect basic travel insurance for a week-long trip to Japan to cost between $40-$100. Generally speaking, this cost is cheaper than travel insurance for trips to the United States and about the same as most European destinations.
What else can travel insurance cover in Japan?
Travel insurers typically offer three levels of coverage, each with more benefits than the last. This generally ranges from basic or budget medical and personal liability only policies through to mid-level or standard policies through to your top level of comprehensive coverage. These higher-end policies can see travellers benefit from coverage for situations like travel disruptions, cancellation costs and lost luggage alongside extensive medical cover.
Cancellation of flights, accommodation and tours
You never know if something will happen that disrupts your trip. So if you need to cancel your holiday, your travel insurance could reimburse you for at least some of the cancellation fees and accommodation costs.
Lost or stolen luggage and valuables
Japan has a low crime rate, but thefts still do occur. You may also lose your possessions, leaving you out of pocket. Travel insurance can help cover the cost of replacing your items, although limits usually apply.
Travel disruptions
In usual circumstances, everything runs on time to almost the second in Japan, yet travel disruptions are occasionally unavoidable. Japan is also prone to natural disasters, like earthquakes and tsunamis, and getting travel insurance can cover certain expenses if this were to occur.
That said, it’s important to note that if you take out a travel insurance policy after a natural disaster has begun, then it’s possible that your insurer won’t provide any cover for any claims related to that natural disaster.
Medical costs
Medical care in Japan is expensive, and you may also need an interpreter, so protecting yourself with travel insurance is important. Some policies include benefits that can cover the cost of repatriation or medical evacuation, as well as in-hospital cash.
Personal and legal liability
If you damage property, injure someone or break a local law while in Japan then this cover could help you, especially if you need to fork out for a lawyer or interpreter.
What’s not covered?
Travel insurance won’t cover everything in Japan, so get to know your policy’s limitations before embarking on your next adventure.
Unattended items
Make sure you keep an eye on your luggage, as travel insurance generally won’t cover unattended bags that go missing. Similarly, luggage and personal effects that go missing from an unattended motor vehicle overnight usually aren’t covered either.
Reckless driving
Most travel insurance policies won’t cover you for reckless driving, such as riding a motorbike without a helmet or having an accident while intoxicated. Take your responsibility behind the wheel seriously or you could face serious consequences.
Illegal activities
Illegal activities generally won’t be covered by your travel insurance policy. This can include drug use, transporting banned goods to your destination or getting into physical confrontations that lead to police intervention.
Undeclared medical conditions
If you need emergency care while overseas but failed to declare a pre-existing medical condition when purchasing your policy, there’s a good chance your policy will be deemed invalid. Always provide accurate information when taking out insurance.
Where can I find and compare travel insurance?
Compare travel insurance from our range of providers to look for a great policy when planning a picture-perfect Japanese adventure.