Travel Insurance Japan: Enjoy Peace of Mind on Your Trip of a Lifetime

Explore Japan worry-free with complete travel and medical coverage.

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Planning a trip to Japan? From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, Japan offers a captivating blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.

But even the best-planned trips can be disrupted by unforeseen circumstances. That’s where travel insurance for Japan comes in.

Do I Need Travel Insurance to Travel to Japan?

Japan is a beautiful, exciting country. Having travel insurance isn’t a requirement, but things could go wrong while you are there.

You might fall ill while sampling Tokyo’s cuisine, suffer an injury while hiking up Mount Fuji, or your flight could be canceled due to a natural disaster.

If something like this happens, you could be left with a hefty bill for medical or travel expenses.

Travel insurance covers these expenses and more, allowing you to enjoy your trip to Japan worry-free.

Why Get Japan Travel Insurance?

Japan has excellent medical facilities, but costs can quickly add up if your injury or illness is significant and patients are expected to pay for their treatment.

Here are some examples of the costs you may have to pay:

Medical repatriation: 225,000 USD
Overnight stay in hospital: Up to 800 USD per night.
Emergency room visit: Up to 100 USD.

Your health insurance or Medicare policy probably won’t cover you for these expenses. It’s therefore critical to buy travel insurance before you travel to Japan.

Japan Travel Insurance Statistics

Around 6.3% of visitors to Japan require hospital treatment while there.

18% of travel insurance customers claim their policy.

Traffic accidents and food poisoning are among the top reasons tourists in Japan require hospital care.

Japan Tourism Facts

💡 Tokyo has been voted the world’s fifth safest city.

💡 Japan has experienced six earthquakes considered moderate or above in 2023 alone.

💡 In 2024, 241 people have died in Japanese earthquakes, and 1,347 have been injured.

💡 Japan’s healthcare system has been rated 13th best in the world.

What Should Your Japan Travel Insurance Cover?

Your travel insurance for Japan should provide you with excellent coverage for unforeseen medical and travel issues.

The best travel insurance companies will also have access to local medical and travel experts who can advise and support you should anything go wrong.

Here is an overview of what your policy should include:

✅ Medical expenses

Your policy should provide a minimum of 200,000 USD coverage for medical costs and the option of unlimited coverage to give you complete peace of mind.

✅ An emergency hotline

You should have 24-hour access to travel and medical advice via an emergency hotline. For example, they can advise you on what hospital to travel to for treatment or provide second opinions on medical decisions.

✅ Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation

Repatriation is when an ill, injured, or dead person is sent home. It often involves arranging a medical emergency aircraft to take you home—the associated costs are very high. Your insurance should provide unlimited coverage for medical emergency evacuation and repatriation costs.

✅ Trip cancellation

Earthquakes are common in Japan. What if a major one hits and means you can’t travel there? Your insurance should cover you for non-refundable prepaid travel costs up to 5,000 USD. This could include flights, airport transfers, hotel bookings, and excursions.

✅ Lost baggage

It’s not unusual to lose luggage while traveling. But imagine the cost if you had to buy all new clothes and suitcases while in Japan. Your travel insurance policy should cover up to 1,500 USD for lost baggage or personal belongings.

✅ Snow sports cover

Japan is a popular skiing destination, with resorts like Hokkaido, Nagano, and Tohoku popular with tourists in the winter. However, skiing is a high-risk activity. We therefore recommend getting a policy that includes skiing and snowboarding coverage.

✅ Hiking or trekking

Who goes all the way to Japan and doesn’t see the epic Mount Fuji?! Many people will also want to climb it. Those who do should ensure their Japan travel insurance policy covers them for hiking accidents that occur below 5000 meters altitude.

✅ Natural disasters

Japan regularly experiences a range of natural disasters, from earthquakes to floods, hurricanes, tornados, and tsunamis. These events could leave you unable to travel or continue staying at your accommodation, which in turn, could incur additional costs. Your travel insurance should cover you in such situations.

What travel insurance to Japan usually doesn’t cover

The following issues are often excluded from travel insurance policies for Japan. If you’re concerned about one of them, contact your insurer—they may be able to extend your cover.

❌ Any pre-existing medical condition

Any medical conditions or symptoms known or arising before purchasing the policy are usually not covered.

❌ Events anticipated when buying the policy

Your policy should be bought before your trip starts. Events that were anticipated at the point of purchase will not be covered. For example, if you bought your travel insurance after a typhoon was forecast, you will not be covered for any disruption caused by it.

❌ Alcohol or drug-related incidents

Injuries or illnesses caused by alcohol or drug use are often not covered.

❌ Pregnancy

Any expenses arising from Illness or Injury related to pregnancy will not be covered.

❌ Competitions and races

Accidents and injuri

Choose LUMA Travel Insurance Japan

We know unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, or travel delays can put a damper on your dream vacation. That’s why LUMA offers a variety of comprehensive travel insurance plans specifically designed for travelers visiting Japan.

Ultimate worry-free travel insurance for Japan

Coverage for medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and repatriation.

24/7 support from international experts

LUMA’s in-house medical team provides medical and travel advice in emergencies.

Cancel anytime

Cancel your travel insurance anytime before its start date and receive a full refund.

Learn more about LUMA travel medical insurance and buy online in a few clicks.

Your policy goes straight to your email, accessible 24/7 on your mobile.

Read all Benefits

Read Full Policy

Enjoy Peace of Mind With LUMA’s Local Medical Expertise and Support

LUMA is a travel and health insurance company with a medical network that extends across Asia and the world.

We offer comprehensive health and travel insurance policies supported by a globally accessible medical network.

We also provide local expertise in Asia, ensuring smooth healthcare navigation and emergency support for stress-free travel in Japan.

Why LUMA Travel Insurance?

24/7 Hotline

Our emergency hotline is available every day, around the clock, to offer support in English.

MediPro Team

Access the Medipro team comprising international doctors for a one-stop service for your medical-related needs during your trip.

Dr. Gerard

Emergency Medicine, Aviation & Tropical Diseases

25 Years of Medical Experience

Dr. Kao

Health Care Management

General Practitioner

Dr. Patrick

Health Care Management

General Practitioner

Dr. Thet

Internal Medicine & Rehabilitation Medicine

9 Years of Medical Experience

Top-rated By Global Travelers

Outstanding in every respect. Response time, communication, clarity of information and helpfulness.

After looking at many other companies, I decided to use Luma. Excellent product options and value for money. The staff explained my product options to me and were always helpful. Answering my questions promptly. The overall service was excellent.

Most happy with prompt response of Luma's insurance team online. Specifically, I would like to mention the name of Mr Nattawut Promkerd

Global Partners

Insured by Baolong

With over three decades of expertise across a diverse range of insurance services, Baolong ensures your claims are covered.

Assistance by Europ Assistance

Europ Assistance is a leading assistance company with an international network ensuring a reliable support worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Insurance for Japan

Do I need travel insurance for Japan?

We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel to Japan to cover unexpected medical bills incurred during your trip.

A comprehensive travel insurance policy can provide valuable benefits, including trip cancellation coverage, in addition to medical cover in Japan.

Traveling to Japan is expensive, and the financial impact of canceling your trip can be significant. Travel insurance coverage allows you to claim for non-refundable costs like flights, hotel bookings, and transfers, giving you peace of mind.

Does Japan require travel insurance?

No, Japan does not require that you have travel insurance to enter the country. However, some hospitals may refuse you treatment if you cannot prove that you can pay for it.

How much is travel insurance to Japan?

The cost of travel insurance cover to Japan varies based on:

The length of the trip
The level of coverage you choose
The travel benefits you opt to include

LUMA offers various options to cover your trip to Japan. The cost can start at 10 USD per day and can go up to $28 USD per day for a week of fully comprehensive cover.

Is skiing and snowboarding in Japan covered?

LUMA travel insurance covers snow sports in Japan as long as you do not take part in them professionally—for example, a competition or race. Check your policy wording for more details.

Is hiking in Japan covered?

Yes, LUMA travel insurance covers hiking at altitudes of up to 5,000 meters in Japan. Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan, but it is only 3,776m high. This means you are effectively covered for hiking anywhere in Japan. You are not covered if you hike in a professional capacity.

Are pre-existing conditions covered by LUMA ?

LUMA travel insurance does not cover pre-existing medical conditions.

Is COVID-19 covered?

Yes, LUMA travel insurance covers medical expenses related to COVID-19.

Can I purchase travel insurance after arriving in Japan?

Some travel insurance providers allow you to purchase travel insurance upon arrival in Japan.

However, you must buy LUMA travel insurance before your trip. Your trip to Japan will not be covered if you purchase insurance once you begin traveling.

LUMA travel insurance offers protection for medical expenses incurred within Japan, subject to the policy’s terms and conditions.

The reason for pre-trip purchase is straightforward: this policy does not cover incidents known or anticipated at the time of purchase. Buying insurance beforehand ensures you are covered for unforeseen events that arise during your trip.

Can I cancel the insurance if there's a natural disaster in Japan?

If your trip hasn’t started and you want to cancel your policy, you can request a full refund. However, if you’re already in Japan and your policy is active, and you have to cut your trip short due to a natural disaster, such as an earthquake or tsunami, you might be eligible for reimbursement of non-refundable travel expenses. This benefit is subject to the “Cancellation Charges” coverage of your policy.

Is there an excess to LUMA travel insurance for Japan?

An excess is the first amount of a claim that you are responsible for and that the insurer won’t pay.

LUMA does not include any excess, meaning you can reclaim expenses as low as one yen, assuming they are covered by your policy.

Do I need a visa for Japan?

To travel to Japan, certain nationalities must obtain a visa by applying at a Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country.

However, some citizens are eligible for visa-free travel to Japan for short-term visits.

It’s advisable to contact the Japanese Embassy in your country to determine and fulfill the requirements for your travel plans.

What is the currency in Japan?

The currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen, abbreviated as JPY. The symbol used for the yen is “¥.”

As of December 2024, one yen is worth:

0.0066 USD
0.010 AUD
0.0052 GBP
0.0063 EUR

When should you visit Japan?

Consider your own preferences when planning a trip to Japan. Each season offers unique attractions and weather conditions.

🌱 Spring: The most popular time to visit Japan is during spring from late March to early April. This is the cherry blossom season known as “sakura” and it attracts crowds from all over the world. However, prices for accommodation and transportation significantly increase during this season.

☀️ Summer: Japan is hot and humid in summer, and temperatures above 85 degrees fahrenheit or 30 degrees celsius are common. July and August are the only times you can climb Mount Fuji.

🍂 Autumn: Temperatures are more comfortable in autumn. Furthermore, the foliage turns beautiful shades of yellow, red and orange, providing stunning scenery.

❄️ Winter: Japan is surprisingly cold in the winter. It’s not unusual for temperatures to drop below freezing. However, it’s an ideal time to go skiing at one of the country’s many resorts.

Do Japanese people speak English?

Some Japanese speak English, especially in urban areas or tourist spots. However, English proficiency usually decreases in rural or remote areas.

Learn basic phrases in Japanese before your trip. You can also use translation apps to aid communication. However, bear in mind that these can be inaccurate.

Be prepared for some language barrier challenges—but don’t let this discourage you. Remember to be polite and patient.

Japan tipping etiquette: Should I tip in Japan?

Tipping is not customary in Japan. Exceptional service is expected; leaving a tip may be considered unusual or awkward.

Do I need a Japan SIM Card?

Whether or not you need a Japan SIM card depends on your travel style and data needs. Read our article about the best Japan Sim Cards for Tourists to find out more.

“LUMA Asia Pass” is the commercial name of the travel insurance policy insured by Bao Long Insurance Corporation, distributed globally by Luma International and serviced by Luma Care Co. Ltd.