What does travel insurance for Japan cover?
When you’re travelling through Japan, there’s always a possibility that unexpected events can affect your plans – from lost, damaged, or stolen luggage to travel delays.
InsureandGo Australia offers international single trip, cruise and annual multi-trip policies for Japan, with three levels of cover to choose from. Here’s a snapshot of some key benefits of our Japan travel insurance.
Levels of cover
| | Bare Essentials§ | Silver§ | Gold§ |
| Overseas medical expenses | Unlimited1 | Unlimited1 | Unlimited1 |
| Trip cancellation cover | Up to $10,000 | Up to $15,000 | Unlimited |
| Travel delay expenses | ❌ | Up to $50 per completed 12 hours up to $1,000 | Up to $150 per completed 12 hours up to $3,000
(Up to $100 per completed 12 hours up to $2,000 on Annual Multi-Trip policies)
|
| Personal baggage and belongings | Up to $5,000 | Up to $7,500 | Up to $15,000 (up to $8,000 on Annual Multi-Trip policies) |
| Delayed baggage | ❌ | Up to $500 | Up to $750 |
| Additional emergency expenses | Up to $5,000 | Up to $15,000 | Unlimited (up to $50,000 on Annual Multi-Trip policies) |
§ Subject to sub-limits, terms, conditions, and exclusions that may apply. For full details and before making a decision, consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
What activities are covered by InsureandGo Australia’s Japan travel insurance?
From temple walks and food tours to skiing, hiking and cycling, Japan offers plenty to explore. Many popular holiday activities may be covered as standard under your policy, while higher-risk activities may require an optional upgrade.
Examples of activities covered as standard or as part of the Activities Plus or Winter Sports upgrade include, but are not limited to:
Comparison
| Activities covered‡ as standard | Activities Plus upgrade required | Winter Sports4 upgrade required |
|---|
| Walking and cultural tours | Endurance cycling | Recreational skiing/snowboarding |
| Food and cooking experiences | Hydro foiling 7,8 | Off-piste skiing (provided you are not going against local advice or warning) |
| Cycling | Kite boarding 7,8 | Backcountry skiing (provided you are not going against local advice or warning) |
| Hiking under 3,000m | Multi day trekking more than
8 days | Heli-Skiing |
| Indoor rock climbing | Pony/horse trekking more
than 1 day | Cat Skiing |
| Kayaking | Triathlon (closed circuit triathlon up to a 1.5km swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run) | Snowmobiling |
| Snorkelling | Scuba diving (the maximum depth is between 30 metres and 50 metres below the surface provided you are diving under the direction of an accredited dive, marshal, instructor or guide; or, if qualified, diving within the guidelines of the relevant diving or training agency or organisation and not diving alone) 7,8 | Snowshoeing |
| Theme parks | Tandem hang gliding 7,8 | Cross country skiing (along a designated cross-country ski route only) |
| Golf | Tandem paragliding 7,8 | Dog Sledding |
| Motorcycling under 500cc4 | Tandem skydiving 7,8 | Ice Fishing |
| Hot-air ballooning | Lacrosse | Tobogganing |
| Helicopter rides | Motor cycling with an engine capacity above 500cc | Telemark Skiing |
4 Cover for motorcycles and mopeds under 500cc is subject to policy conditions, including helmet and licence requirements. Activities and cover are subject to terms, conditions, exclusions and eligibility criteria outlined in the PDS.
5 Cover depends on the activity undertaken, policy selected, applicable upgrades, and the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions contained in the PDS.
6 In all cases skiing also means snowboarding. Please also refer to Section N – Winter sports cover for further definitions relating to ‘Backcountry/ off-piste’ and ‘Ski/snowboard fun parks’.
7 Section F – Accidental death and permanent disability and Section G – Personal liability do not apply to these activities.
8 These activities must be with a commercial operator; and available to general public; and not considered extreme risk; and not require special skills or a high level of fitness to undertake.
What isn’t covered by InsureandGo Australia’s Japan travel insurance?
Travel insurance doesn’t cover everything, even if you purchase an optional upgrade. Exclusions include, but aren’t limited to:
Not covered
- Undeclared or unapproved pre-existing medical conditions
- Travelling against medical advice
- Riding a moped or motorcycle without a helmet or appropriate licence
- Riding a motorcycle over 500cc without the Activities Plus upgrade
- Trip disruption due to natural disasters, unless you’ve added the Natural Disaster upgrade
- Alcohol or drug-related incidents
- Unattended belongings left in public places, including beaches or pools
- Excluded activities, such as motocross, cliff jumping or solo skydiving
- Travel to destinations that are sanctioned or destinations with a “Do Not Travel” advisory
Always check the PDS for full details, including the complete list of exclusions, activity conditions and cover limits.
Healthcare and medical costs in Japan
Japan has a high-quality healthcare system, but there are still a few things Australian travellers should know before they go.
Some health risks may apply depending on where you travel; Japan has strict rules around certain medicines, and medical treatment can be expensive for visitors. There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and Japan, so Australian travellers are responsible for their own medical costs overseas.
Health risks when travelling in Japan
According to
Smartraveller, Japanese encephalitis can occur in rural areas of Japan, and measles and rubella cases have been reported in recent years. Before you travel, speak to your doctor about recommended vaccinations and any health precautions relevant to your itinerary. Smartraveller also notes there are restricted areas around the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. However, radiation levels in most parts of Japan, including Tokyo, are within the normal range.
Travelling with medication in Japan
Japan has strict rules around some prescription and over-the-counter medicines, including certain ADHD medications and cold and flu treatments. Before you travel, check whether your medication is permitted and whether you’ll need a permit or supporting documentation to bring it into the country.
Medical costs when travelling in Japan
Medical care in Japan can be expensive. You may need to pay up-front or give a guarantee that you'll cover costs before you're treated. Ambulance services are widely available but receiving hospitals may decline to accept patients unless they can provide proof of funds. Some medical facilities may only accept cash payments.
Smartraveller recommends taking out comprehensive travel insurance before your trip to Japan, to make sure you’re covered if you need health care.
Source: smartraveller.gov.au
How to get a quote
It’s simple to get a quote for your Japan travel insurance online.
1
Visit our online quote tool
Enter your trip type, destination(s), travel dates, traveller details and their ages.
2
Choose your plan
Compare the inclusions and cover limits, then choose the level of cover that suits your Japan travel plans and budget.
4
Add your personal information
Enter the policyholder’s details and declare any pre-existing medical conditions for anyone included on the policy.
5
Review quote, accept declaration and pay
Once you’re happy with your quote, accept the declarations and follow the prompts to complete payment. You can also choose to have the quote emailed to you to pay later.
6
Set off on your trip!
Head off on your trip to Japan with added peace of mind, knowing you’ll have an extra layer of protection if things don’t go to plan.
Ready to get a quote?
Protect your trip with InsureandGo Australia’s award-winning2 travel insurance.
