Find Travel Insurance for Your Next Trip to Japan
From the world-famous cherry blossoms to the white fields of fresh powder, Japan is fast becoming a must-see destination for Australians who appreciate the vibrant mix of culture offered by the Land of the Rising Sun.
Whether you’re headed for the bright lights of the Tokyo metropolis or to Kyoto to see the temples of prior emperors, it’s wise to have more than your omamori good luck charm as the safeguard to your travel.
Although Japan may feel relatively close to home, being only a 10-hour flight away from most major Australian cities, when you’re missing all your luggage, left stranded after a cancelled flight or worse, hospitalised because of an unexpected accident, it can seem like a world away. In situation like these, it pays to have planned ahead and taken out a comprehensive travel insurance policy before your departure.
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Table of contents: Travel Insurance Japan
What Does Travel Insurance Japan Cover?
Why Do You Need Travel Insurance for Japan?
Japan Travel Tips
General Exclusions for Travel Insurance Japan
Travel Insurance Japan FAQs
What Does Travel Insurance Japan Cover?
So you’ve planned an eye-opening trip to Japan and looking for some quality travel insurance. But where do you start? With so many policy out there it can seem like an overwhelming task. Each travel insurance policy will differ in the amount of cover it provides but some common features include:
Cancellation fees and lost deposits. If unexpected circumstances such as sickness, accidents or natural disasters prevent you from travelling, you can be covered for cancellation fees and lost deposits on prepaid travel arrangements.
Overseas medical and dental expenses. If you become sick or injured during your trip, you’ll be able to escape the often extremely high costs of overseas medical bills with cover for medical, hospital, surgical, nursing and emergency dental treatment. Some insurers also include ambulance cover, emergency medical evacuations, a hospital cash allowance if you’re hospitalised for more than 48-hours and an offer to relay messages to family.
Additional Expenses. This covers the additional accommodation and travel expenses caused by your health problems, such as sickness, injury or death. If you are hospitalised or require a medical evacuation, this may also cover your travelling partner or relative’s accommodation and travel expenses so they can stay close to you.
Luggage and personal effects. It’s not uncommon for luggage and personal effects to be lost, stolen or damaged during travels. Luckily, you’ll be covered for the costs of replacing or repairing your items.
Delayed luggage allowance. It can be frustrating when your luggage is nowhere to be found after a long flight. If your luggage is delayed for more than a nominated time period – usually about 12 hours – you’ll be covered for the costs of purchasing essential items of clothing and other personal items in the meantime.
Travel delay. It’s also not uncommon for delays to happen. If your journey is disrupted for reasons beyond your control for more than the specified number of hours in your policy, you’ll be covered for additional meals and accommodation expenses.
Disability or loss of income. This is a benefit payable if you are unable to work after you return home because of an injury you had on your trip or because you sustained a permanent disability within 12 months from an injury you had on your trip.
Accidental death. This benefit is payable if you pass away within 12 months because of an accidental bodily injury that you sustained during your trip.
Personal liability. If you cause bodily harm or damage to someone else’s property and have a claim made against you, you can be covered for legal liability, including legal expenses.
Rental car insurance excess. You rented a car but it got stolen, crashed, damaged or you got sick and couldn’t return the vehicle? Not a worry – you’ll be covered for the car excess payable on your rental car insurance.
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Why You Need Travel Insurance for Japan?
Whilst Japan is regarded as one of the safer holiday destinations for international travellers due to their welcoming and polite culture, this doesn’t mean you’re off the hook from needing travel insurance in Japan.
Earthquakes
The bright lights of neon-sign clad cities aren’t the only things that are active all year round in Japan. The islands of Japan lie in an area aptly known as the Pacific Ring of Fire, where most of the world’s earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. As many as 1,500 earthquakes occur each year, and while the majority are minor and won’t disrupt your average day-to-day travels, it’s best to be prepared, just in case.
Proof of insurance for health care
While you’ll be glad to know that Japan’s healthcare and hospitals are of a high standard, you won’t be so happy to find out that the costs can run equally as high, especially if you require hospitalisation or major surgeries as a foreigner. But more so, Japanese clinics and hospitals have also been reported to be wary of treating foreign patients without any proof of their travel insurance. By having proof of your travel insurance, which includes medical care expenses, you’ll be able to receive the treatment you need so that you can become well and continue to explore all that Japan has to offer.
Snow sports
For those who are into snow spots, Japan is one of the top skiing and snow sport destinations in the world. With regions such as Hakkaido and Nagano becoming ever more popular, a comprehensive Japan travel insurance with the option of being covered for snow sports and related essentials such as lost ski passes, resort closures and unlimited medical expenses is a must to make sure you aren’t left in the cold if your snow trip doesn’t go according to plan.
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Japan Travel Tips
For the first-time or even the tenth-time visitor, Japan can be overwhelming with the language barrier, the fast-paced cities powered by immense amounts of technology and the prices of just about everything. The key is preparation. Here are a few handy tips to get you started:
Book a foreigner-only Japan Rail Pass
The Japan Rail pass allows you to travel throughout Japan with its extensive JR train network on all four main islands. And if that weren’t sweet enough already, the JR Pass offers a foreigner only discount. The only catch? You must book your pass outside of Japan before you begin your trip. Find your local JR sales office or ask your travel agent about the options available.
Get a pocket Wi-Fi
It can be tricky to get a prepaid SIM card for local calling services within Japan. The smarter method is to rent a little wireless router from a telecom company counter from the airport when you land. These easy-to-rent, handy devices will give you unlimited data and allow you to connect all your gadgets at once, meaning you can Skype family and friends back home as well as look up local attractions online and make a booking for your next destination, before returning it at the counter when you’re leaving Japan.
Be polite
The Japanese culture is known for its politeness and as a foreign traveller, it is important to respect the local customs. Even if you learn only a couple of Japanese phrases, be sure to learn the most polite versions of the phrases. If you receive a bow from someone, acknowledge their polite greeting with a bow of your own, keeping your arms straight by your side and bowing from the waist.
Shoes
When and where to wear shoes in Japan can be confusing. Generally as a rule, shoes are not worn in Japanese homes, temples, ryokan, and other public places – and yes, this can include restaurants! If in doubt, follow the lead of the locals, placing your shoes together neatly side by side.
Find out about getting travel money for Japan
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General Exclusions for Travel Insurance Japan
Of course, having travel insurance for Japan doesn’t mean that you are covered for absolutely everything under the sun.
Your travel insurance Japan claim will typically not be paid if:
You ignored the travel warning advisories from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and travelled to a region that had a DO NOT TRAVEL warning
You were irresponsible such as acting up while under the influence of alcohol or leaving your luggage without supervision in a public place
You were under the influence of drugs other than those prescribed by a medical practitioner and taken accordingly
You’re claiming for a pre-existing medical condition that you didn’t tell your insurer about when you first applied for your Japan travel insurance
You acted illegally or unlawfully
You were participating in high-risk adventure sports or activities
It relates to self-inflicted harm, including suicide
It relates to acts of war, rebellion or terrorism.
While you may think that none of these apply to you, remember that these are just general guidelines and that your chosen Japan travel insurance provider may have other specific exclusions. Be sure to read your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) in full to be aware of all exclusions before you commit to purchase.
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Travel Insurance Japan FAQs
When should I buy my Japan travel insurance?
The best time to buy your Japan travel insurance is around the time you are booking your trip. This way, not only will you remember to actually buy your Japan travel insurance, you’ll also be covered for any cancellations that may happen before you even begin your trip.
I might have a ‘pre-existing medical condition’ – what should I do?
It’s best to check your chosen Japan travel insurance policy and its Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to see if your pre-existing medical condition is included in your cover. In either case, you should contact your Japan travel insurance provider to let them know of your pre-existing medical condition.
Can I include my partner or my children under the same policy?
This will depend on the Japan travel insurance policy that you choose but most travel insurance providers offer a duo or family policy to cover both your partner and/or your children.
How can I compare policies?
You can use the resources on finder.com.au to compare the benefits of various Japan travel insurance policies and to obtain quotes. Remember, there is more to choosing a travel insurance than just choosing the cheapest one. Take the time to read the product disclosure statements (PDS) for your policies to be aware of all benefits as well as exclusions.
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Apply for Tavel Insurance Japan
Japan is a truly multifaceted country with so much to offer, from the experience of boiling onsens in the snow to the liveliness of its megacities, the breathtaking architecture of royal temples and the delicacy of their cuisines and ceremonies. Whatever experience you go looking for in Japan, be smart and take out travel insurance to protect you against all possible scenarios.
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