Travel Insurance for a trip to Japan
Japan offers amazing food, culture, onsens, temples and more. Make sure you're covered for emergency medical expenses, baggage and more.
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Planning a trip to Japan? Whether you’re wandering through Kyoto’s temples, hitting the powder in Niseko, or devouring street food in Osaka, you shouldn’t have to let unexpected mishaps ruin your adventure.
Protect your trip with World Nomads and consider travel insurance just in case things go sideways.
Here's a few things New Zealand travellers need to know before they go.
- Is Travel insurance required for Japan?
- What’s covered
- Can I get cover for skiing or snowboarding in Japan?
- What happens if I get sick or injured in Japan?
- Can I buy travel insurance after leaving New Zealand?
- What’s not covered?
- FAQs for a trip to Japan
Do I need travel insurance to visit Japan?
While travel insurance isn’t a visa requirement, it’s strongly recommended by the New Zealand Government (safetravel.govt.nz). It advises travellers to get travel insurance as a standard precaution for international travel. Medical care in Japan is world-class but costly, especially if you end up in hospital or need emergency evacuation.
What’s covered
Our Standard and Explorer plans may offer cover (up to the benefit limits) for:
- Overseas emergency medical expenses
- Hospital stays and specialist care
- Trip cancellations or interruptions
- Lost luggage or stolen tech. Policy may only provide cover when lost by the carrier.
- Snow sports injuries (not all snow sports are covered)
- Your entire family (our cover includes two adults and up to eight dependents on one policy)
- Cover for medical evacuation and repatriation when approved by us.
- 24/7 access to our dedicated Emergency Assistance Team
- Cover for more than 220+ adventure activities and sports while in Japan. Make sure you have the appropriate level of sports and activities cover for your trip.
Always refer to your Policy Document for further details on various limits, benefits, available upgrades, and our terms and conditions before you buy a policy.
Get a quote with World Nomads to cover your Japan trip today.
Can I get cover for skiing or snowboarding in Japan?
Cover may be available for skiing or snowboarding in Japan. Japan’s ski season (Dec–Mar) is a huge drawcard, and many Kiwis hit the slopes in places like Hakuba, Niseko and Furano.
Just make sure to:
- Select the right plan
- Select the snow sports activities you intend to do when getting a quote
- Wear a helmet
- Stick to patrolled areas
What happens if I get sick or injured in Japan?
If you experience a medical emergency, contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team. They’ll help you find local, English-speaking medical support and arrange care, transport or evacuation if needed.
Traveller tip: Translation support is also available, which is especially handy in rural areas.
Can I buy travel insurance after leaving New Zealand?
Yes. World Nomads allows you to buy a policy even if you're already travelling, including if you’ve already landed in Japan. Just note there's a 72-hour waiting period before cover kicks in.
What are common travel risks in Japan?
While Japan is one of the safest destinations globally, here are some travel concerns to consider:
- Natural disasters: earthquakes and typhoons can disrupt travel
- Health care costs: hospitals require upfront payment
- Lost or delayed luggage: especially on multi-leg flights
- Transport delays: JR Pass issues, flight disruptions
Do I need a visa to enter Japan from New Zealand?
No, Kiwis don’t need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Just make sure your passport is valid for your entire stay, and you may be asked to show proof of onward travel and sufficient funds.
What’s not covered?
Understanding what’s not covered is just as important as knowing what your insurance does cover you for. Things that won’t be covered by travel insurance include, but are not limited to:
- Medical evacuation or repatriation for any incidents related to drug and alcohol abuse, or that is not pre-authorized by a physician.
- Trip cancellation for events that occurred before your policy was purchased (natural disaster, strike, etc.).
- Any existing medical conditions which are not automatically covered. Check your Policy Document carefully.
- Not having visas or passports issued on time or not properly fulfilling the entry requirements of your destination.
- Leaving your gear behind or not keeping an eye on your things and they get stolen.
- Travelling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is subject to a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning issued by the New Zealand Government (see SafeTravel).
Be sure to read the Policy Document and General Exclusions for other scenarios and expenses we don’t cover so there’ll be no surprises if you need to use your cover.
Travel tips for Japan
- Get an IC card (Suica/Pasmo) for trains and buses
- Have cash on hand – Japan is still a cash-first country
- Download Google Translate – signs and menus can be tricky
- Respect etiquette – bowing, removing shoes, and queueing are cultural norms
- Stay connected – consider a SIM or pocket Wi-Fi
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about travel insurance for Japan. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
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Is it safe to travel to Japan?
Japan is extremely safe for tourists. Just be aware of seasonal weather risks and always follow local guidance. Check out our Explore section that has travel information on Japan to get up to date information and travel tips. You can also go to our travel alerts page, which has safety information.
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Does World Nomads cover stolen luggage in Japan?
Yes, if your baggage or personal belongings are stolen, you may be covered up to the benefit limits. Always file a police report to support your claim and keep receipts of any purchases.
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Will I be covered for snow sports in Japan?
Snow sports cover is not plan dependent and only applicable if you purchase the appropriate level of Sports and Activities cover and pay the relevant additional premium. Always check what’s covered before hitting the slopes.
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What should I do in a medical emergency?
Call the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. They’ll guide you through what to do and help coordinate care
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Can I cancel my policy if my Japan trip is cancelled?
If you cancel before your policy starts and haven’t made a claim, you may be eligible for a full refund. Check your policy for full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.
- Explorer Plan: Unlimited
- Standard Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Overseas
Take the pain out of medical costs.
- Explorer Plan: Unlimited
- Standard Plan: $5,000,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transport
We'll get you to hospital in a flash
- Explorer Plan: Unlimited
- Standard Plan: $500,000
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Cover your stolen or damaged gear and tech.
- Explorer Plan: $10,000
- Standard Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
- Passport stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Overseas Medical Expenses
- Emergency dental treatment
- 24 hour assistance
- Emergency medical transport & repatriation
- Cancellation costs
- Trip interruption costs
- Compassionate emergency visit home
- Resumption of trip
- Theft or accidental damage to baggage and personal items
- Baggage delay over 12 hours
- Funeral expenses overseas or repatriation of remains
- Personal liability
24/7 emergency assistance
If you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
From New Zealand & Overseas:
+61 2 8263 0470 or
+61 2 8292 1470
(reverse charges via an operator from anywhere in the world)
Within Australia (Free call): 1800 611 210
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.