Japan Travel Insurance: Plans & Prices

Key Takeaways

• Japan does not accept U.S. health insurance, so we recommend choosing a policy with strong international medical coverage
• Japan is a safe destination, but unexpected medical expenses, natural disasters, and trip disruptions can turn a dream trip into a financial headache
• Travel medical coverage for Japan can be purchased for as little as $2.50/day
• Try our online travel insurance comparison tool to get quotes from multiple providers at once. For personal assistance, call our award-winning agents at 1-800-240-0369

Our Top Recommended Japan Travel Insurance Plans

1. Travel Insured International – FlexiPAX because it offers great trip cost protection for trips with high travel expenses.
2. Tin Leg – Adventure because it offers the best coverage for popular Japan adventure sports and activities, like skiing, hiking, and cycling.
3. Seven Corners – Trip Protection Choice because it offers the most robust medical protection of any comprehensive plan.

Do I need travel insurance to visit Japan?

Japan does not require proof of travel insurance for entry. However, since Japan does not typically accept U.S. health insurance, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes international medical coverage.

Despite being a very safe country, Japan does come with potential travel risks that may warrant opting for a comprehensive travel insurance policy that can provide both medical and financial protection against any potential disruptions. Here is a look at common travel risks associated with Japan and how travel insurance can help.

Reasons why you may need travel insurance when traveling to Japan

High Travel Costs

Japan is expensive to visit compared to other global destinations. According to Squaremouth data, travelers spend roughly $7,750 on airfare, hotels, and other prepaid expenses. High trip costs can result in significant loss if travel disruptions impact your vacation.

✅ Comprehensive travel insurance can cover up to 100% of your travel expenses if you’re forced to cancel your trip for a covered reason, such as an unexpected illness, injury, or death in the family.

Medical Emergencies and Hospital Costs

According to the U.S. Embassy in Japan’s website, English-speaking physicians and medical facilities that cater to U.S. citizens’ expectations are expensive and not widespread. Additionally, hospitals may require upfront payment before providing treatment.

✅ Travel medical insurance ensures you receive care without unexpected financial burdens and can cover hospital stays, doctor visits, and emergency transportation. Some providers can arrange upfront payment if required.

Foodborne Illness

Although Japan is known for its high food safety standards, travelers may still experience foodborne illnesses from unfamiliar ingredients, raw seafood, or contaminated water in rural areas. Eating raw fish, shellfish, or street food that your body isn’t accustomed to can sometimes lead to stomach issues or more severe conditions like food poisoning.

✅ Travel insurance can cover medical treatment for food-related illnesses, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and medications if you experience food poisoning or other digestive issues during your trip.

Travel Delays & Missed Connections

Traveling to Japan often involves taking multiple flights, increasing the risk of flight delays preventing you from reaching your destination as scheduled. If you have a short layover, even a short delay can result in you missing your connecting flight.

✅ Travel insurance can cover additional expenses incurred due to missed connections or extended delays, such as hotel stays and rebooking fees.

Natural Disasters (Earthquakes, Typhoons, & Tsunamis)

Japan is prone to natural disasters, including earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis. Typhoon season runs from June to October, and earthquakes can occur at any time.

✅ Comprehensive travel insurance can cover trip interruptions, cancellations, and delays caused by natural disasters.

Adventure Activities & Outdoor Accidents

Japan is known for skiing in Hokkaido, hiking Mount Fuji, and other adventure activities. Injuries from these activities may not be covered under standard travel insurance.

✅ Look for policies that specifically cover adventure sports if you plan to participate in high-risk activities.

More Details on the Best Travel Insurance for Japan

Best Overall Travel Insurance

Best Adventure Travel Insurance

Best Travel Medical Insurance

How much does Japan travel insurance cost?

At the time of writing, the average cost of travel insurance for Japan is $17 per day.

This is based on internal sales data from roughly 20,000 travelers who used Squaremouth to protect their purchased trips to Japan over the last 12 months. The average traveler spent $308 on Japan travel insurance for an average stay of 18 days in the country.

That said, it’s possible to find even cheaper travel insurance for Japan by opting for medical-only travel coverage.

Quote Japan Travel Insurance

What travel coverage do I need for Japan?

Regardless of your itinerary and travel dates, we recommend purchasing travel medical coverage at a minimum when visiting Japan. That said, a comprehensive travel insurance plan is always best if it fits into your budget.

Here are the key benefits you should keep an eye out for when buying travel insurance for Japan:

Travel medical coverage

Despite having excellent medical facilities, receiving medical care in Japan can be expensive for foreign visitors. Since Japan does not accept U.S. health insurance, you will be financially responsible for medical costs if you do not have alternative coverage.

A travel medical policy can be relatively affordable, and can protect you from paying hefty out-of-pocket medical expenses when visiting Japan. We recommend a policy with at least $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage. Some policies cover pre-existing medical condition flare-ups during your trip.

Medical evacuation coverage

While Japan has adequate medical facilities in major cities, adequate treatment can be hard to access if you’re visiting a remote area of the country. Medical Evacuation coverage ensures you will be transported to a reputable hospital, or even back to the U.S., if necessary.

Evacuation costs can exceed $50,000, making this coverage crucial. Additionally, most policies include medical repatriation in case of death during your trip. At a minimum, we recommend plans that include at least $100,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage.

Trip cancellation & interruption insurance

Traveling to Japan can be very costly, especially when factoring expenses like flights, hotel bookings, tours, and excursions. If you need to cancel or cut your trip short due to an unforeseen event, trip cancellation and interruption coverage can reimburse you for your prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses.

Many popular comprehensive travel insurance plans will reimburse up to 100% of your insured trip costs if you’re forced to cancel your trip due to illness, injury, death of a family member, or severe weather.

Some policies will also cover up to 150% of unused travel expenses if you have to end your trip early for a covered reason. The additional reimbursement is intended to help cover the cost of transportation back home.

Insurance for baggage and personal items

Japan is generally safe for tourists, but baggage loss and baggage delays can occur anywhere in the world. Baggage loss protection can reimburse you for lost, damaged, or stolen items such as phones, cameras, and laptops.

Keep in mind, some policies have high deductibles or low reimbursement limits, so compare plans carefully. Leaving irreplaceable valuables at home when traveling is always a good idea.

What isn’t covered by Japan travel insurance?

Most standard policies will not cover:

• Disruptions related to known events, such as named storms or severe weather events that were publicly known prior to purchasing the policy
• Pre-existing medical conditions (unless you purchase a waiver)
• Extreme sports – Accidents that occur while scuba diving, surfing, or participating in other adventure activities are not covered unless your policy includes the Sports & Activities benefit
• Civil unrest and government travel advisories – If the U.S. issues a travel ban, standard insurance may not apply

Tips for getting the best travel insurance for Japan

Use a Comparison tool

As the nation’s largest travel insurance marketplace, we allow travelers to view more policies and providers than any other comparison site. Comparing multiple plans side-by-side allows you to find the best coverage for your Japan getaway at the lowest possible price.

Read the fine print and policy exclusions

Before buying your insurance policy, it’s important to read the full policy inclusions and exclusions to understand what is covered. For example, some policies exclude certain adventure sports or have special conditions for covering pre-existing conditions. Be sure to cross-reference the exclusions section with your unique situation to ensure you can be adequately covered.

Consider your specific travel risks when buying coverage

When visiting Japan, be sure to consider the unique destination-specific risks involved with your trip. Consider coverage for natural disasters that Japan is known for, as well as any adventure activities you have planned. Additionally, consider your unique risks as a traveler. For example, if you have pre-existing conditions or are pregnant, be sure to find a policy that aligns with your needs.

Identifying potential travel hazards allows you to choose the right insurance policy for your trip. A comprehensive travel insurance plan can provide financial protection for unexpected medical costs, trip disruptions, and other emergencies.

Determine how much coverage you need

When searching for Japan travel insurance, you should aim for at least $50,000 in medical coverage and $100,000 in evacuation coverage to avoid financial hardship in case of an emergency.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Japan, hospitals usually require payment up front from foreign tourists seeking medical care. Some travel insurance companies provide this payment on your behalf, avoiding the need for costly out-of-pocket expenses.

Is Travel Insurance for Japan Worth It?

Absolutely. Medical emergencies and trip disruptions can occur anywhere, even in a destination as low-risk as Japan. For as little as $2.50 per day, you can get peace of mind and financial protection for the duration of your trip.

The cost of travel insurance is minimal compared to the potential risks of traveling uninsured. For that reason, we highly recommend buying a policy prior to your trip’s departure date.

FAQ: Japan travel insurance

Is travel insurance required to visit Japan?

No, travel insurance is not mandatory for visiting Japan, but it is strongly recommended. Medical expenses in Japan can be high, and hospitals often require upfront payment. Additionally, natural disasters, such as earthquakes and typhoons, can disrupt travel plans. Having coverage ensures financial protection and peace of mind.

Will my U.S. health insurance be accepted in Japan?

No, U.S. health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, does not provide coverage in Japan. Some private insurers may offer limited international coverage, but you would likely need to pay out-of-pocket and file for reimbursement—if your policy even covers foreign medical expenses. A travel medical insurance plan is the best way to ensure you receive care without unexpected costs.

What documents are required when traveling to Japan?

To enter Japan as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you’ll need:

• A valid passport (must be valid for the duration of your stay).
• A return or onward ticket – Immigration officials may ask for proof of departure.
• Visa (if applicable) – U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays under 90 days for tourism.

Is Japan safe for Americans to visit?

Yes, Japan consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world across multiple Global Peace Indices.
Travel.state.gov notes that crime rates against U.S. citizens in Japan are low and typically center around personal disputes or petty theft. That said, natural disasters like earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis have been known to occur in Japan. Consider registering with the U.S. embassy’s STEP program to stay informed and follow local safety guidelines during your trip.

Are hospitals good in Japan?

Japan’s healthcare system is highly regarded internationally for its high-quality hospitals and clinics. However, medical care for foreign travelers can be expensive if you don’t have insurance. Additionally, some medical facilities may have limited English-speaking staff. Travel medical insurance ensures access to care without financial strain and can also cover medical evacuation if needed.

Helpful Resources

• US Embassy: Japan
• Japan Travel Information: Coronavirus