Best Travel Insurance for Japan in 2025
- The Best Travel Insurance Options for Japan
- Is it currently safe to travel to Japan?
- Travel insurance requirements for Japanese visas
- Reasons to Get Travel Insurance for Japan
- Travel insurance coverage for Japan
- The cost of travel insurance for Japan
- How to Pay Less for Travel Insurance to Japan
- Will your current insurance cover you in Japan?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Japan: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Japan covers medical emergencies, accidents, trip cancellation, and baggage loss during your trip.
2. Key protection: Travel insurance is not mandatory for US travelers but is important due to high medical costs in Japan.
3. Healthcare cost: In Japan, hospital stays for foreign visitors often exceed $800 per night, depending on services required.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Japan typically ranges from $30 to $70 for US residents.
5. Good to know: Japanese hospitals may require upfront payment; travel insurance helps manage unexpected medical expenses while abroad.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international expert in travel insurance comparison, advising more than one million travelers each month. After reviewing 39 travel insurance policies available in the US, our specialists provide here all the essential information you need to choose the best travel insurance for your trip to Japan.
The Best Travel Insurance Options for Japan
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1.0M | A leading choice for comprehensive Japan coverage and strong support. - high medical limit - repatriation included - robust guarantees |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1.0M | Ideal for travelers seeking strong medical cover and 24/7 guidance. - medical helpline - cancellation cover - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | $0.5M | A practical insurance for exploring Japan with core benefits. - solid medical care - emergency assistance - attractive pricing |
| Travel Pass Monde | $0.7M | Balanced for US visitors in Japan, with key guarantees. - hospital costs - repatriation - broad territorial scope |
| Globe Partner | $0.3M | Suitable for essential coverage and longer stays. - medical care abroad - repatriation - civil liability protection |
| Globe Traveller | $0.5M | A good fit for short or low-risk trips. - basic medical coverage - quick reimbursement - limited ceiling |
- high medical limit
- repatriation included
- robust guarantees
- medical helpline
- cancellation cover
- no deductible
- solid medical care
- emergency assistance
- attractive pricing
- hospital costs
- repatriation
- broad territorial scope
- medical care abroad
- repatriation
- civil liability protection
- basic medical coverage
- quick reimbursement
- limited ceiling
Is it currently safe to travel to Japan?
As of June 2025, the US Department of State maintains its lowest vigilance level for Japan, advising normal precautions for travelers. Japan is considered very safe, but some risks remain and vigilance is advised.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: petty crime rates are low, but incidents such as drink spiking can occur in nightlife areas like Roppongi and Shibuya in Tokyo. Emergency service support may be limited in remote rural regions in case of natural disasters.
- Health risks: although no mandatory vaccinations are required, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend ensuring standard immunizations are up to date. Health care in Japan is of high quality in urban centers, but services may be limited or expensive for short-term visitors without insurance.
- Environmental concerns: Japan is situated in an active seismic zone and experiences frequent earthquakes and typhoons. For example, travelers in Tokyo or coastal regions should follow local alerts and emergency instructions.
- Legal requirements: strict drug laws apply, including a ban on certain medication containing stimulants that may be legal in the US. Carrying a valid passport at all times is required, and working while on a tourist visa is strictly forbidden.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the US Department of State, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Japan.
Travel insurance requirements for Japanese visas
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for US travelers to obtain a visa to go to Japan.
It is still highly recommended as medical care in Japan can be expensive for non-residents, and emergency situations such as earthquakes or accidents may require immediate payment in full. A quality insurance plan ensures coverage for unexpected medical expenses or urgent evacuation.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Japan. This is mainly because health care costs can be high for foreign visitors and natural disasters are possible throughout the year.
Reasons to Get Travel Insurance for Japan
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Japan.
In Japan, advanced medical care is available in hospitals like St. Luke’s International Hospital in Tokyo or Osaka University Hospital, but costs for foreign visitors can be substantial and full payment is usually required in advance. Public insurance only covers long-term residents, and fees at private clinics or in emergency cases, including after natural disasters, may reach thousands of dollars. Accessing English-speaking staff can be challenging, especially outside major cities.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospitalization, medications, ambulance transportation, and emergency repatriation to the US in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Japan.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at St. Luke’s International Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 350,000 JPY (2,200 USD) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 270,000 JPY (1,700 USD) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 2,300,000 JPY (15,000 USD) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 750,000 JPY (5,000 USD) | up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
Travel insurance coverage for Japan
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses | Covers doctor and hospital costs in case of illness or injury. We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least $150,000 for Japan due to private hospital fees. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation & repatriation | Pays for transport to home or the closest hospital if needed. A minimum of $300,000 is advisable, given Japan’s distance from the US and costly evacuation flights. |
| 💊 Prescription medications | Covers the cost of medications prescribed after illness or accident. A cap of $1,000 is recommended for sufficient coverage. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss or delay | Reimburses for essential items if your luggage is lost, stolen, or delayed. A minimum limit of $1,500 per trip is generally adequate. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation / interruption | Provides coverage if you have to cancel or cut short your trip due to covered reasons. At least $3,000 per person recommended, factoring in high airfare and hotel costs. |
| 🏚️ Natural disaster assistance | Includes expenses for evacuation or alternative accommodation in case of earthquakes or typhoons. A limit of $2,500 is reasonable for emergencies in Japan. |
| 👨⚖️ Personal liability | Covers damages if you accidentally injure someone or damage property. Recommend a minimum liability coverage of $100,000. |
| 📞 24/7 assistance helpline | Access to multilingual support for emergencies, translation, or finding a hospital. Always choose a policy with 24/7 support at no additional cost. |
Travel insurance from local providers or credit cards usually has limited coverage with low reimbursement limits and many exclusions. It is safer to select a recognized insurer offering comprehensive protection. Always compare the best options on HelloSafe and subscribe online to get your certificate instantly.
The cost of travel insurance for Japan
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | $18 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $30 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $46 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | $115 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of travel insurance is influenced by several factors: traveler’s age, length of trip, destination, coverage amount, and optional add-ons like cancellation coverage. Trips to certain destinations or longer durations can increase the price. It’s important to keep these factors in mind to make sure you get the best value and appropriate protection for your needs.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to Pay Less for Travel Insurance to Japan
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Japan while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🧳 Trip duration | Insurance cost rises with each extra day, impacting total on multi-week stays. | Limit your policy to your exact travel dates, not extra days before or after, to avoid unnecessary costs. |
| 👤 Traveller's age | Older travelers often pay higher due to greater health risk in Japan or abroad. | Choose insurers like Heymondo that do not increase their prices for people over 62. |
| 🩺 Level of coverage | Over-insuring means paying for protections you may not need in Japan. | Select essential coverage only, such as medical and repatriation, to keep the premium lower. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Number of travelers | Family or group policies may provide per-person savings. | Get a group or family policy to benefit from volume discounts and lower per-traveler rates. |
| 💳 Deductible amount | Higher deductibles can reduce your premium but mean more out-of-pocket risk. | Select a higher deductible if you can afford minor upfront costs in case of a claim. |
| 🌍 Geographical coverage | Worldwide plans cost more than Asia-only policies, especially for trips limited to Japan. | Opt for a policy covering Japan or Asia only if you do not plan to visit other continents. |
| ⚙️ Optional add-ons | Adventure sports or luggage coverage add cost and may be unnecessary. | Only add extras if you plan activities like skiing, as most city trips in Japan need just basic health cover. |
Will your current insurance cover you in Japan?
It is completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage, such as credit card insurance or your public health system, can protect you during a trip to Japan. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Japan? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) | No, never | No coverage abroad, not valid for expenses in Japan. | Travel insurance covers $100,000+ in medical care and emergency evacuation in Japan. |
| Private health insurance (Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield) | Yes, partly | Possible urgent care, sometimes only partial reimbursement. May exclude repatriation or evacuation. | Travel insurance can reimburse $100,000+ and includes evacuation, repatriation, and 24/7 assistance. |
| Classic credit card (Chase Freedom, Citi Simplicity, Wells Fargo Active Cash) | Yes, partly | Limited emergency coverage, usually up to $2,500 for medical, excludes trip cancellation or baggage. | Travel insurance often covers $100,000+ medical, plus trip cancellation, lost luggage, and delays. |
| Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Citi Prestige) | Yes, partly | Medical fees up to $50,000, basic delay or baggage protections, strict eligibility. | Travel insurance provides $100,000+ medical, higher cancellation and baggage limits, and active support. |
Example
While visiting Tokyo, Emily suffered appendicitis and required emergency surgery. The hospital bill was $22,000. Her Visa Platinum card covered only $500 for overseas medical costs, and her US health insurance didn't cover treatment outside the country. Emily had to pay over $21,000 out-of-pocket, turning her trip into an unplanned financial disaster.
Expert advice
Always review your insurance policy’s terms, exclusions, and coverage limits. Some key situations, like trip interruption for a relative’s illness or death, may not be included. Read all conditions thoroughly to avoid unwelcome surprises while abroad. To ensure comprehensive protection, it is always safest to purchase dedicated travel insurance tailored to your specific trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?
US citizens do not need a visa for tourism or short business trips to Japan of up to 90 days. You must have a valid US passport for the entire duration of your stay and may be asked to show proof of onward travel. For longer stays, work, or study, a visa is required.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Japan?
First, compare available plans using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, review the coverage and exclusions, making sure they suit travel to Japan and include key protections. Then, purchase your chosen policy online. After payment, you will receive your certificate by email.
What medical coverage do I need for Japan?
Medical care in Japan is high quality but can be very expensive for foreign visitors. A policy with at least $100,000 in emergency medical coverage is strongly recommended. Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation and covers pre-existing conditions if needed.
Are natural disasters covered by travel insurance in Japan?
Most comprehensive travel insurance plans cover medical treatment and evacuation in the event of natural disasters like earthquakes or typhoons. Always check your policy details, as some may exclude or limit coverage for certain disaster-related claims.
Can I extend my travel insurance if I decide to stay longer in Japan?
Many insurers allow you to extend your policy online before the original end date, as long as you have made no claims. Additional premium payments may apply and coverage limits may change. Always confirm extension rules in advance with your provider.
What is not covered by travel insurance for Japan?
Most plans exclude coverage for incidents related to pre-existing medical conditions, risky activities not listed in your policy, or illegal acts. Losses due to civil unrest or ignored travel advisories may also be excluded. Always carefully read the policy conditions before buying.
Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?
US citizens do not need a visa for tourism or short business trips to Japan of up to 90 days. You must have a valid US passport for the entire duration of your stay and may be asked to show proof of onward travel. For longer stays, work, or study, a visa is required.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Japan?
First, compare available plans using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, review the coverage and exclusions, making sure they suit travel to Japan and include key protections. Then, purchase your chosen policy online. After payment, you will receive your certificate by email.
What medical coverage do I need for Japan?
Medical care in Japan is high quality but can be very expensive for foreign visitors. A policy with at least $100,000 in emergency medical coverage is strongly recommended. Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation and covers pre-existing conditions if needed.
Are natural disasters covered by travel insurance in Japan?
Most comprehensive travel insurance plans cover medical treatment and evacuation in the event of natural disasters like earthquakes or typhoons. Always check your policy details, as some may exclude or limit coverage for certain disaster-related claims.
Can I extend my travel insurance if I decide to stay longer in Japan?
Many insurers allow you to extend your policy online before the original end date, as long as you have made no claims. Additional premium payments may apply and coverage limits may change. Always confirm extension rules in advance with your provider.
What is not covered by travel insurance for Japan?
Most plans exclude coverage for incidents related to pre-existing medical conditions, risky activities not listed in your policy, or illegal acts. Losses due to civil unrest or ignored travel advisories may also be excluded. Always carefully read the policy conditions before buying.
