Compare travel insurance for Japan

From Tokyo and Mount Fuji to world-famous cuisine and cutting-edge tech, there’s so much to admire about Japan. Let’s take a look at how to find the right travel insurance before your trip to the Land of the Rising Sun.

Written by

Anna McEntee

Home, pet and travel insurance expert

Last Updated

15 JULY 2024

3 min read

Do I need travel insurance for Japan?

Although not compulsory, it's reassuring to know you’ll be covered if you need medical care, lose your luggage or have to cancel your holiday.

Customers with pre-existing medical conditions

If you have a serious health condition, your travel insurance is likely to be more expensive. Whatever happens, always declare any medical conditions and never lie to an insurance provider, because this could mean your claim is rejected. When you declare any medical conditions on our website, we’ll only show you quotes from insurance providers who will cover them, with no exclusions.

If your condition is more serious, MoneyHelper has a directory of insurance providers who may be able to provide quotes over the phone. You can call MoneyHelper on 0800 138 7777.

How much is travel insurance for Japan?

If you’re travelling to Japan, you’ll need a worldwide travel insurance policy. This will be cheaper if you don’t need to include cover for Canada, the USA or the Caribbean.

A worldwide travel policy can cost from as little as £8.67 for a week’s holiday^[1]. The exact cost of your travel insurance will depend on several things including your age, the level of cover you need for your trip, what activities you’re planning and any pre-existing health conditions.

If you travel regularly, you might find that an annual travel insurance policy saves you money overall.

^[1]Based on Compare the Market data for a worldwide travel insurance policy for a 20 year old with no pre-existing medical conditions travelling for 1 week. Prices correct as of June 2024.

What will Japan travel insurance cover?

A travel policy for Japan will typically cover:

Medical care – the cost of medical treatment abroad can be very high. Travel insurance can protect you against any expensive medical bills if you fall ill or have an accident while you’re in Japan. It can also cover you if you need repatriation back to the UK.
Lost, stolen or damaged luggage and passports – this can cover your belongings including your phone, clothing and jewellery if they’re stolen, lost or damaged.
Holiday cancellations – most policies cover you if you have to cancel your holiday because of illness or bereavement, but check the terms and conditions for any exclusions, as these can vary among providers.
Flight cancellations – check exactly what types of cancellations are covered as missed connections aren’t always included.
Coronavirus – the right travel policy can offer you cover if your trip is cancelled or disrupted because of Covid-19. You can check levels of coronavirus cover offered by different policies when you compare with us. Just click on the ‘more details’ option on the quote results page.

What won’t Japan travel insurance cover?

Before buying travel insurance for Japan, there’s a few exclusions to watch out for. Insurance providers typically won't cover:

Non-declared pre-existing medical conditions - tell us about any pre-existing conditions when you compare with us and we’ll show you quotes from providers who will cover these.
Injuries or accidents resulting from high-risk activities – you’ll usually have to pay extra to add cover for sports like skiing, rock climbing and white-water rafting.
Incidents related to alcohol or drug use – if you’re injured or lose something as a result of being intoxicated, your claim is likely to be rejected.
Terrorism, natural disasters and civil unrest – Japan suffers from occasional natural disasters such as volcanoes and tsunamis. Not all travel polices will cover natural disasters, so you may need to shop around to find one that does.

What else should I consider when choosing my travel insurance for Japan?

Think about the type of activities you’ve got planned and check if your policy covers you for them. If not, you may be able to add cover for an additional cost or you might have to look for a specialist policy.

These could include:

Extreme sports – like canyoning in Hakuba or white-water rafting in Minakami.
Winter sports – if you’re going to ski or snowboard in Japan’s winter sports resorts.
Golf – Japan has some stunning courses to play, including one with Mount Fuji as a backdrop.

Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?

In normal circumstances, Brits can enter Japan as a tourist for up to 90 days without a visa. You may need to show evidence of a return or onward ticket when you enter the country. Make sure your passport’s valid for the entire length of your trip.

More details about the entry requirements for Japan can be found on the GOV.UK website, including rules on Covid-19 vaccines and testing.

Any other travel tips for Japan?

With so much to see and do in Japan, here are a few more travel tips to help you on your way:

Climate - you can expect warm summers and very cold winters in the north, whereas summers are temperate and winters are mild in the south.

Time difference - Japan is nine hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Medication - some common prescriptions are banned under the country’s strict anti-stimulant drug laws, so be careful if you’re planning to bring any medicines into Japan. The UK government’s website has more information.

Tipping - it isn’t generally customary to tip. Japanese culture puts a high value on respect and politeness, so don’t be offended if your tip is refused.

Passport - you must carry your passport with you at all times.

Tattoos - with a historical association with organised crime, you may find that some places will refuse entry to those who display tattoos. Public attitudes are becoming more accepting, but you may be asked to cover tattoos while entering an establishment.

Compare Japan travel insurance

Let us know what type of travel insurance you need and we’ll compare deals that make sure you get the right level of cover.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need any vaccinations to go to Japan?

Check with your doctor about eight weeks before your holiday to see if you need any vaccinations.

When is the best time to visit Japan?

It depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Japan is at its most colourful between March and May (cherry blossom season) and September to November. These months generally offer good weather and are great for exploring the top attractions. If you want to ski, head to the north of the country between December and February.

When do earthquakes happen in Japan?

Japan is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire – the most active earthquake belt in the world. Minor tremors occur on a daily basis in Japan and while stronger ones are much less common, they can strike at any time. There are wide-ranging measures in place to protect those who live there, as well as visitors. Some travel insurance providers offer limited cover for natural disasters as standard, but many won’t cover them at all.