Travel Insurance for Japan
Japan is widely regarded as one of the safest destinations for tourists, with efficient transportation, high‑quality healthcare, and a low rate of violent crime. However, natural hazards like earthquakes and typhoons, along with rare cases of petty theft, can make having travel insurance a smart addition to your trip.
Do You Need Travel Insurance for Japan?
While it is not legally required, travel insurance is advisable for Japan tourists (U.S. Department of State). According to On Call International* medical care is excellent, but some facilities may ask for payment up front or proof of insurance before treatment. Travel coverage can also be useful because Japan experiences frequent earthquakes, typhoons, flooding, and landslides that can disrupt travel and require you to adjust plans quickly.
While overall crime rates are low, petty theft and scams do occur in crowded transport hubs and entertainment districts, which can lead to additional unexpected costs.
Will Your Domestic Insurance Work in Japan?
Your U.S. health insurance may offer little to no coverage while you are traveling in Japan so it’s essential to review your policy before your trip.
According to Medicare.gov, Medicare typically does not provide coverage for healthcare services outside the United States, except in very limited circumstances. As a result, travelers who rely on Medicare often need supplemental insurance to access care abroad—a restriction that applies to many U.S.-based health plans as well.
To help bridge these potential coverage gaps, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that travelers consider obtaining travel medical insurance. Because Japan’s healthcare system and associated costs can differ significantly from those in the United States, having appropriate coverage can help safeguard against unexpected medical expenses.
What Type of Travel Insurance is Right for Your Trip?
When selecting travel insurance, it helps to start by understanding the difference between comprehensive trip protection and travel medical insurance.
A comprehensive trip protection plan is designed to help safeguard your prepaid, non-refundable expenses—such as flights, hotels, and tours—while also providing some medical coverage for unexpected illnesses, injuries, or emergency medical evacuations. This type of plan is ideal for travelers who want financial protection against trip disruptions, cancellations, or delays that could result in lost payments or additional expenses.
For example, WorldTrips’ comprehensive trip protection plan, Atlas Journey ®, may reimburse you for covered trip cancellations or interruptions, allowing you to recover non-refundable expenses if your plans change for a covered reason.
Travel medical insurance, by contrast, focuses primarily on covering unexpected medical costs while you’re abroad. These plans may also include some limited travel benefits, such as coverage for lost checked baggage or travel delays. With JapanSecure® Travel medical insurance, WorldTrips’ plan designed for those traveling to Japan, you can access Air Doctor, a service that connects you with telehealth consultations, in-clinic care, or even in-hotel visits while traveling. These plans are designed with flexibility in mind, letting you select your deductible and coverage limits based on your destination, trip duration, and budget.
Travel Medical Insurance
JapanSecure
Designed for international travelers who need travel medical insurance coverage while in Japan. Choose your coverage limits to match your destination, length of stay, and budget.
Highlights
|
|
Trip Protection Plans
Atlas Journey
A great option for U.S. residents looking for trip protection. Trip insurance includes benefits for trip cancellation, interruption, delays, and emergency medical care.
Highlights
|
|
Why Choose WorldTrips for Your Japan Travel Insurance?
The best travel memories come from discovering new places and experiences—not from managing unexpected problems. With WorldTrips, you can explore confidently knowing your journey is supported by dependable coverage and decades of global expertise.
Global Expertise
For more than 30 years, WorldTrips has protected over five million travelers around the world, including students, families, and professionals. As part of Tokio Marine HCC, we combine financial strength with a long-standing reputation for trustworthy travel protection. TMHCC earned an A++ rating (Superior) from AM Best, solidifying its financial stability amongst top insurance companies.
Flexible Coverage
Every trip is different, which is why we provide plans that address different kinds of coverage needs. Our flexible plans let you customize coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellations, travel delays, and lost baggage. Whether you’re heading on a weekend getaway, studying abroad, visiting loved ones, or traveling long-term, you can select the plan that best fits your itinerary and budget.
Global Support 24/7
You’ll have access to healthcare providers in over 190 countries and 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance. Our team can help coordinate medical evacuations, connect you with local doctors, and more. Our partnership with Air Doctor allows you to schedule in-person or telehealth visits while abroad if you purchase Atlas Travel or JapanSecure.
Transparent Claims Process
We make it simple to get reimbursed when the unexpected happens with our fast and user-friendly online claims system. Additionally, our policy language is clear upfront, and we provide you with a Description of Coverage at purchase, so you can know what’s covered and what’s excluded before you ever need to file.
Here’s what our customers had to say:
- “I have used your insurance twice now and have been very happy both times. I put in a claim this last time and you paid it! The first company I used for my trip overseas gave me nothing but grief. Thank you for being an honest company.” — Timmie
- “We decided to stay longer and needed to extend our insurance. I made mistake when setting up our account that prevented me from making the change online. The customer support staff was incredibly helpful and patient as we had to deal with a very bad internet connection. She was the best. We got it all straightened out and enjoyed the rest of our trip. 5 stars!” — S.
At WorldTrips, we strive to help you focus on enjoying your travels, knowing that we are there to help through unexpected circumstances.
Healthcare in Japan
According to On Call International* and the U.S. Department of State, Japan’s healthcare system is excellent, with facilities that have lifesaving equipment and well‑trained medical professionals. Translator services are usually available, but language proficiency outside major urban centers can be limited, which can slow care without support. It is recommended to have adequate Japan travel insurance since some facilities may ask for payment up front or proof of insurance before receiving any treatment.
If you need medical care while in Japan, WorldTrips gives you the freedom to visit any healthcare provider for eligible medical benefits—no network restrictions apply. Simply pay the provider at the time of service and submit a claim for reimbursement review. When filing your claim with WorldTrips, keep the following documents on hand:
- Itemized medical bills that include diagnosis details
- Copies of medical records and prescriptions
- Receipts for any payments you made
- A doctor’s note if your condition affected your travel plans
“WorldTrips is the best travel insurance company of 2024, based on our analysis of cost and coverage options.”
Stay aware in busy places.
Crime is generally low, but pickpocketing and scams can occur in crowded areas, transportation hubs, and nightlife districts. If you experience a theft or other incident, file a report at a police station to obtain the documentation you may need to seek redress.
Mind nightlife hotspots.
Roppongi and Kabukicho in Tokyo have higher crime rates than other neighborhoods. Stay with your group when possible and keep valuables secure; do not leave drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers. appreciate punctuality and a polite, low-key style.Use Japan's transit wisely.
The Shinkansen connects major cities quickly and reliably, and subways are efficient, though often crowded at peak hours. Keep belongings close in packed cars.Prepare for natural hazards.
Japan is one of the world’s most seismically active countries and also faces typhoons and flooding. Typhoon season typically spans July through December, with the highest activity from July to September. Monitor official weather alerts and follow local instructions.Respect local norms.
Bow when greeting, use the honorific “san,” remove shoes when entering homes, and handle business cards with both hands. Cover tattoos where appropriate, since tattoos can be associated with organized crime in some settings. It’s also a good idea to learn some common Japanese phrases and research the culture before traveling.
Women's safety.
Reports of harassment on public transport have occurred. Some trains provide women‑only cars, and standard precautions apply: stay aware, travel in groups when possible, and seek assistance if you feel uncomfortable.Check out WorldTrips’ guide for Traveling to Japan for the First Time for more tips on culture, etiquette, recommendations and more.
With thoughtful preparation and the right travel insurance in place, you can focus on the best of Japan while staying ready for the unlikely events that can complicate a trip.
WorldTrips offers several different Travel Insurance plans. We offer customizable options, global coverage, and 24/7 emergency travel assistance with all plans. Get a quote today and find the plan that is right for you!
* Country safety data provided by our trusted partner On Call International
* Pre Existing Condition Definitions
Pre existing condition definitions vary by plan type. Review the definition that applies to the product you are considering.
Comprehensive Trip Protection
(Atlas Journey, Atlas Cruiser, Atlas On the Go)
Pre existing condition means an illness, disease, or other condition during the 90 day period immediately before your coverage effective date for which you did any of the following:
• received a test, examination, or medical treatment
• received a recommendation for a test, examination, or medical treatment
• took or received a prescription for medication
Item (3) above does not apply to a condition that is treated or controlled solely through the use of prescription medication and remains treated or controlled without any change in required prescription throughout the 90 day period before your coverage effective date.
Change in required prescription means the dosage or frequency has been increased, reduced, stopped, and or new medication has been prescribed due to the worsening of the condition being treated. Exceptions include:
• switching between brand name and generic medication with equivalent dosage
• adjustments to insulin or anti-coagulant dosage
Pre-existing Condition Exclusion Waiver: Pre-existing conditions are excluded from coverage unless you meet both of these requirements: 1) you purchase your Atlas Journey Elevate or Explore plan within 21 days or purchase your Atlas Escape plan within 14 days of the date you made your first payment toward your trip; and 2) you are medically able to travel on your coverage effective date.
If you do not purchase your Atlas Journey plan within the required time period, a 90-day lookback period will apply to pre-existing conditions. Coverage varies by plan and state of residency. Please review the policy documents specific to your plan and state of residency for a full list of covered reasons, conditions, and exclusions.
Travel Medical Insurance
(Atlas Travel, Atlas Premium, Atlas Nomad, Atlas MultiTrip, Atlas America)
Pre-existing Conditions are excluded except for an applicable Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition.
Pre existing condition means any injury, illness, sickness, disease, or other physical, medical, mental, or nervous disorder, condition, or ailment that, with reasonable medical certainty, existed at the time of application or at any time during the 2 years prior to the effective date of this insurance. This applies whether or not the condition was previously manifested, symptomatic, known, diagnosed, treated, or disclosed, and includes any subsequent, chronic, or recurring complications or consequences related to the condition.
An Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition means a sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence that is of short duration, is rapidly progressive, and requires urgent care. A pre-existing condition that is a chronic or congenital, or that gradually becomes worse over time is not acute onset of a pre-existing condition. An Acute Onset of Pre-existing Condition does not include any condition for which, as of the Effective date, the Insured Person (i) knew or reasonably foresaw he/she would receive, (ii) knew he/she should receive, (iii) had scheduled, or (iv) was told that he/she must or should receive, any medical care, drugs or treatment.
KHE2FFFYH6SP-971744701-1610
WorldTrips is a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies. WorldTrips international travel medical insurance products are underwritten through binding authorities with TMHCC (CI) Insurance SPC Ltd and Houston Casualty Company (HC).