Travel Insurance for Japan
Travel advice for Canadians visiting Japan
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At a glance
- World Nomads offers four travel insurance plans for your trip to Japan. Plans range from standard to higher-limit protections.
- Coverage may apply to popular activities in Japan like hiking, biking and skiing.
- Policies for Canadians include protection for medical emergencies, trip delays and lost luggage.
From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to Kyoto’s temples and onsens, it’s easy to fall in love with Japan. Canadians are visiting in record numbers, and coming back for more – each of Japan’s prefectures offers something different to discover. Whether you’re going for the food and festivals or to get adventurous outdoors, it’s a destination that reveals itself in layers. The more time you spend in Japan, the more you uncover about its culture, history, people and cuisine. Whether you’re taking an organised tour or going it alone, not everything always goes to plan. While travel insurance won’t stop plans from going awry, it can make mishaps easier to manage.
Plan Comparisons
Choosing the right travel insurance coverage depends on your trip type and planned activities. Each of our four plans – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – offers different coverages and benefit maximums.
| Standard Plan | Explorer Plan | Epic Plan | Annual Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
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Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Covering the basics for your Japan trip. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Get a quote |
Travel insurance for adventure activities in Japan
In winter, Niseko and Hakuba are all about deep, dry snow and long days on the slopes. Come summer, those same regions shift gears, opening up hiking trails through alpine landscapes and national parks. Elsewhere, cycle the Shimanami Kaidō as it hops between islands across the Seto Inland Sea, or head south to Okinawa for kayaking and snorkelling. For something more challenging, climb Mount Fuji or explore the volcanic terrain of Kyushu. If bungee jumping, canyoning and rafting is what really lights you up, head for the mountainous area of Minakami – it’s just 90 minutes from Tokyo by bullet train.
Coverage for 250 activities you love + more
Common insurance considerations for Japan
Trip interruption
No matter how good of a time you’re having, things can happen that mean you have to end your Japan trip early or you’re unable to participate in your full planned itinerary. If you get severely injured or sick while you're travelling, or you get a call from back home and learn that an immediate family member has unexpectedly passed away, you may not be able to complete the rest of your planned trip. World Nomads offers trip interruption coverage that may help you get reimbursed for prepaid, non-refundable travel costs if your plans change for a covered reason.
Accidents and emergencies
No one likes imagining the worst, but if you do get seriously sick or have an accident that sends you to hospital, you’ll be glad you purchased travel insurance before you left home. Stayed too long in the steaming hot onsen and need medical attention? Had an accident on the ski slopes of Hokkaido? Ate some sashimi past its prime and came down with a nasty bout of food poisoning? Emergency assistance is a phone call away.
Trip Cancellation
The best trips are often the ones you’ve planned months in advance, but you can’t predict the future and unexpected situations can sometimes happen before you even set off. Trip cancellation coverage is included in all single-trip and annual travel insurance plans offered by World Nomads and gives you the opportunity to cancel your trip before you depart – but only for covered reasons. Optional Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to cancel for any reason that’s not otherwise covered by your plan. Broke up with your partner? You can cancel your trip. Sick dog? You can stay home to care for your fur baby. Change your mind about travelling? There’s no judgment here. Just make sure you purchase Cancel For Any Reason insurance cover within 15 days of making your first trip payment (like booking a hotel or flight).
Missing luggage
Nothing gets a trip off to a rocky start quite like arriving in Tokyo Haneda airport without your bags. If your checked luggage is lost or delayed, travel insurance benefits may help reimburse you for lost items. Keep original receipts for any personal items you buy – like a toothbrush, medication or a change of clothes. The first step is always to report missing luggage to your carrier and check what compensation they may provide.
Tips for travelling to Japan
- Respect local customs – remove your shoes before entering a home or ryokan (traditional inn), and make sure your socks are clean and in good condition (no holes!).
- Allow restaurant hosts or dining companions to refill your drink (don’t DIY), lay your chopsticks on the table rather than in your bowl, and avoid pointing your chopsticks at anyone.
- Don’t cross the street on a red light, even if there are no cars. Jaywalking is against the law and frowned upon by locals.
- Speak in hushed voices on public transport, if at all. Kindness and consideration of others is an important part of Japanese culture.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for Japan. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
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Do Canadians need a visa to visit Japan?
Canadians don’t need a visa for short stays in Japan (up to 90 days). For longer stays, you’ll need to apply in advance. Entry requirements can change, so check official advice before you travel.
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Is Japan safe for tourists?
Japan is considered one of the safest countries in the world, with very low levels of violent crime. Petty theft is rare, but it’s still wise to stay aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.
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When is the best time to visit Japan?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are popular for mild weather and seasonal highlights like cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. Winter is ideal for skiing, while summer can be hot and humid.
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Can I use credit cards in Japan?
Credit cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels and larger restaurants, but smaller businesses and rural areas may prefer cash. It’s a good idea to carry both.
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Do I need to speak Japanese to travel in Japan?
No, but learning a few basic phrases can be helpful. English signage is common in major cities and transport hubs, making it relatively easy to get around.
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Can I drink tap water in Japan?
Yes, tap water in Japan is safe to drink and of very high quality.
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Is the Japan Rail (JR) Pass worth it?
The Japan Rail (JR) Pass gives unlimited travel on most JR trains, including many Shinkansen (bullet trains), for a set number of days. It can offer good value if you’re planning long-distance travel between cities like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, but recent price increases mean it’s no longer the best option for every trip. If you’re staying in one region or travelling shorter distances, buying individual tickets or regional passes may be more cost-effective.
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Do I need travel insurance for Japan?
Travel insurance isn’t mandatory, but it’s strongly recommended. Cover for accidents, medical emergencies, cancellations, delays and lost luggage can help protect you against unexpected costs. Whether you’re in a major city or off adventuring in a more remote location, it’s reassuring to know you can get the help you need – especially when it comes to an accident or sudden illness.
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How do I make a travel insurance claim?
You can make a claim online 24/7. Have your documents and receipts handy to upload, and get started. If you get stuck, you can call us collect on +1 416 646 3723 or send an email to worldnomads@travelguard.com and we will assist you with your claim.
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What do I do if I need emergency assistance?
No matter where you are in the world, our 24/7 Emergency Assistance partners at Travel Guard are ready to help – 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Whether it’s a medical emergency, stolen gear, missing bags, or a natural disaster, they’re the first call to make. Need a translator? They can help with that too.
When you call, you’ll be asked if you are experiencing a travel emergency. If you are having a medical emergency, you’ll be connected with Emergency Assistance right away. If your situation is not urgent and you are calling outside of normal business hours, you’ll be able to leave a message and be called back.
The contact information for medical emergency assistance is:
Phone: +1 866 878 0192 (toll-free from Canada and the Continental U.S.); or
Phone: +1 416 646 3723 (collect from anywhere else in the world)
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Insurance protection for your hard earned vacation in the event of unexpected cancellation.
- Standard Plan: $2,500
- Explorer Plan: $10,000
- Epic Plan: $15,000
- AMT Plan: $10,000
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
We’ll get you to hospital or home quickly.
- Standard Plan: $250,000
- Explorer Plan: $500,000
- Epic Plan: $750,000
- Annual Plan: $500,000
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Gear & Baggage Protection
Coverage for the theft, damage or delay of your bags, tech and sports gear.
- Standard Plan: $1,000
- Explorer Plan: $2,000
- Epic Plan: $5,000
- Annual Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
Protect your health
- Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
- Bedside Companion Travel and Subsistence
- Emergency Professional Services
- Return of Remains
- Return of Travel Companion/Dependent Children
Protect your trip
- Trip Cancellation
- Trip Interruption
- Trip Delay
- Optional Cancel for Any Reason (Explorer or Epic)
- Trip Exchange (Explorer, Epic or AMT)
- Rental Vehicle Damage (Explorer, Epic or AMT)
Protect your stuff
- Baggage and Personal Effects Theft or Damage
- Baggage and Sporting Equipment Delay
- Travel Documents Theft or Damage
- Sporting Equipment Theft or Loss by a Common Carrier
- Covered Adventure Sports listed in Policy
Assistance Services
- 24/7 Worldwide Emergency Medical Assistance
- Worldwide Travel Assistance
- Personal Security Assistance
- Adventure Traveller’s Hotline
- Bag Trak
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.