Last updated: 03/21/2025
Japan does not require proof of travel insurance for entry. However, since Japan does not accept U.S. health insurance, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes international medical coverage.
Japan poses other travel-related concerns, such as typhoons, earthquakes, and other severe weather events. Given the travel distance, flight disruptions like delays and missed connections are also common. A comprehensive travel insurance policy can provide financial protection against these potential issues.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Most standard policies will not cover:
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.
Not all travel insurance plans offer the same coverage, so benefits can vary significantly. When comparing options, pay close attention to any relevant exclusions that may interfere with your travel plans.
Some policies, for example, may exclude coverage for adventure sports or pre-existing medical condition flare ups. Reading a policy’s Certificate of Insurance can help you understand its unique coverage, exclusions, and restrictions.
Japan is a safe destination, but it presents unique risks such as earthquakes, typhoons, and even food-related illnesses like shellfish poisoning. Additionally, factors like your age, health conditions, planned activities, and the time of year you’re traveling can affect your specific risk level.
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.
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.
Absolutely. Medical emergencies and trip disruptions can occur anywhere, even 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.
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.
To enter Japan as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you’ll need:
Yes, Japan is one of the safest countries in the world for travelers. Crime rates are low, and violent crime against tourists is rare. However, natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis are potential risks. It’s essential to stay informed about weather conditions, register with the U.S. embassy, and follow local safety guidelines during your trip.
Japan has an excellent healthcare system with high-quality hospitals and clinics. However, medical care for foreign travelers can be expensive, and many hospitals require upfront payment. 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.
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Steven Benna, Lead Data Analyst: sbenna@squaremouth.com