Do You Need Travel Insurance in Japan?

Insurance in Japan is one of those things you hope you never have to use, but you’ll be incredibly grateful if you need it.

People will spend weeks finding the best ramen shops in Tokyo or the perfect ryokan in Kanazawa, but they don’t give much thought to what happens when things go sideways. I’m going to show you why being prepared is the best way to enjoy your journey and how to be ready for any curveballs that come your way.

Flight Delays and Cancellations

Since we’ve been running our Japan small group tours, we’ve had several guests experience either flight delays or cancellations. Our guests with travel insurance managed these disruptions much more easily because their policy covered the extra costs.

My Suitcase and Champagne Glass

We recently had a couple fly to Atlanta for their connection to Japan, only to discover their flight had been canceled. The next available flight wasn’t until the following day, which could have been a major disruption to their plans. Luckily, they were flying in a day before the tour began and had travel insurance to cover their unexpected hotel costs and meals.

This is a good example showing why it’s a good idea to arrive a day early and have a solid insurance policy. Most reputable travel policies include trip delay coverage. It typically kicks in after you’ve been delayed a specific number of hours and helps with the cost of meals and hotel stays.

Missed Connections

Another one of our guests was delayed two days due to a series of airline cancellations and missed connections. They eventually had to catch up with our group at a ryokan near Mount Fuji. Fortunately, they had an insurance policy that covered the extra transportation costs required to rejoin the tour.

Shinagawa Station Escalator to Shinkansen Platform

If your airline cancels your flight to Japan due to weather or mechanical issues, having insurance in Japan that covers missed connections is vital. This benefit makes sure that you’re covered for the needed transportation to catch up with your itinerary.

Returning Home

When you’re heading home, the same rules apply. This past fall, we had a couple whose flight home was canceled at the last minute, leaving them stranded. Instead of a stressful ordeal, they were able to stay one more night in Japan at a hotel near the airport. They were actually thankful for the unexpected extension to their holiday, especially since the entire cost was covered by their travel insurance.

Waiting for Streetcar in Hiroshima

Japan has seasonal typhoons and heavy snow in the winter, both of which can ground flights for days. A comprehensive policy guarantees you won’t get stuck paying for your extended vacation.

Total Flexibility

On another of our tours this past fall, we had two couples who were friends joining us in Japan. When one traveler was injured on her bicycle and had to cancel, the second couple was left to travel without their friends. The couple that stayed home had a policy that reimbursed them for their cancellation.

If the second couple had added Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) to their plan, they still would have been able to cancel and get their money back. Standard travel insurance only covers specific reasons like injury, illness, or a job loss. CFAR allows you the freedom to cancel your trip for any reason.

Bex on Escalator to NEX Platform at Tokyo Station

A great example of where CFAR proved its value was with a couple traveling with us a few years ago. The wife was managing a difficult situation with her sick mother and was worried she might have to cancel the tour at the last minute to provide care. Just two days before the trip was set to start, they made the tough decision to stay home, and their CFAR coverage allowed them to recover their investment.

To get this coverage, you usually have to purchase it within a very short window—typically 10 to 15 days after making your initial trip deposit. While it adds to the initial cost, the peace of mind it provides for a high-value trip to Japan is worth considering.

What to Take Away

Having insurance in Japan allows you to travel with confidence and security. We recommend that you purchase your policy shortly after paying your first deposit to ensure you have full coverage. It’s also a good idea to arrive a day early if you’re concerned about airline cancellations, delays, or missing connections. If something should happen, remember to document every delay and save every receipt to make the reimbursement process easier.

Top Providers for Insurance in Japan

• Allianz Global Assistance: Extensive cashless medical network throughout Japan.
• Travelex Insurance: Provide comprehensive and reliable plans.
• AIG Travel Guard: Well-known for customizable plans and specialized add-ons.
• GeoBlue: For travelers who want to utilize the Blue Cross Blue Shield medical network while abroad.
• Seven Corners: Offers a variety of medical-only and comprehensive coverage options.
• World Nomads: Good for people interested in more adventurous or high-risk activities.