Best Travel Insurance for Japan in 2025

If you love Japan, you’re not alone. According to the Japan National Tourism Organisation's (JNTO) Singapore Office, a record-breaking 691,100 Singaporeans visited Japan in 2024. That’s more than 10% of our population!

However, making a trip to Japan isn’t without hazards. For one, the country is prone to earthquakes and typhoons, which can cause flight disruptions and wreak havoc on your itinerary. And if your luggage should go missing (rare, but it happens), who wants to waste precious holiday time fretting about having to spend extra on replacement clothing and personal items?

No one, of course. Which is why it’s a good idea to compare travel insurance plans and sign up for a robust one that fits your needs before you jet off overseas. That way, you’re worry-free during your Japan trip because you’re financially prepared for emergencies.

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Good news—Singaporeans do not need a visa for short-term stays in Japan (up to 90 days) for tourism.

And even better: COVID-19 vaccination or testing is no longer required for entry as of 2024. Just bring your passport and travel essentials!

What to bring:

• Singapore passport (valid for at least 6 months)

• Return ticket or proof of onward travel

While Singaporeans don’t need a visa to enter Japan for short-term tourism (up to 90 days), visas are still required for other types of travel such as business trips, studying, working, internships, or long-term family visits.

These typically involve additional documents like letters of invitation or a Certificate of Eligibility from a Japanese sponsor. If you're heading to Japan for anything beyond leisure, like attending a conference, enrolling in a course, or starting a job, be sure to apply for the appropriate visa through the Embassy of Japan in Singapore before you fly.

Japan is beautiful all year, but each season brings its own weather, costs, and activities. Knowing which season you’ll be going in will also help you decide what kind of travel insurance coverage you’ll need.

Winter

Travelling in winter? Expect stunning snowscapes, hot springs (onsen), and ski resorts like Niseko and Hakuba. Great for snowboarding, skiing, and trying Japan’s winter food.

Spring

Cherry blossom season is Japan at its most photogenic. From late March to early April, parks and streets are filled with pink sakuras.

Spring is peak tourist season, so get covered for trip cancellations, especially if you’re booking flights and hotels in advance.

Summer

Hot, humid, and packed with festivals, summer is ideal for exploring Okinawa’s beaches or joining matsuri in Kyoto or Tokyo. But it’s also typhoon season.

As such, make sure that you choose a policy with coverage for trip delays or curtailment due to weather-related events.

Fall

September to November brings crisp air and gorgeous autumn foliage. It’s quieter than spring and less wet than summer.

If you plan to hike or explore off the beaten path, check if your policy includes outdoor activity cover.

Deciding where to get travel insurance for Japan involves navigating through a myriad of options, each with its own set of coverages, benefits, and costs. To simplify the process and ensure you pick a policy that best suits your needs, follow these structured steps:

Step 1: Understand coverage essentials

• Medical coverage: Ensure the policy includes comprehensive medical insurance for illnesses and injuries, considering Japan's high healthcare costs.

• Trip cancellation and interruption: Look for policies that cover trip cancellations or interruptions due to unforeseen events like natural disasters or personal emergencies.

• Lost or stolen belongings: Choose a policy that provides sufficient coverage for lost luggage or stolen personal items.

Step 2: Get comprehensive medical coverage

Medical treatment in Japan is expensive. Even a simple clinic visit can cost hundreds. Aim for at least S$300,000 in medical coverage.

You may have noticed that some of the plans fall slightly below this benchmark, but their other benefits more than make up for the slight difference. Some of our plans also offer up to S$500,000 or even unlimited medical coverage, which is great for peace of mind.

Step 3: Make sure the policy covers pre-existing medical conditions

If you have a chronic condition like asthma, diabetes, or high blood pressure, it’s crucial to check whether your travel insurance covers pre-existing medical conditions.

Most standard plans won’t automatically cover medical costs arising from these conditions, meaning if you end up needing treatment in Japan, your claim could be denied. Given how expensive private healthcare in Japan can be, that’s a financial risk you don’t want to take.

Some insurers, like MSIG and Tiq, offer optional add-ons for this type of coverage. It may cost a little more upfront, but it ensures you're protected if your condition flares up unexpectedly while you're overseas.

Step 4: Make sure the policy covers trip cancellation and interruptions

Japan is known for natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes. If your flight gets cancelled or your hotel booking becomes unusable, having trip cancellation or interruption coverage will help recover those non-refundable costs.

Step 5: Make sure the policy covers loss or damage to baggage and belongings

Lost or delayed baggage can ruin your trip, especially if you’ve packed medication, electronics, or special gear. Look for plans with S$2,000 to S$5,000 in baggage coverage and check the per-item limits.

Step 6: Make sure special activities are covered

Not all travel insurance includes activities like hiking, skiing, or diving. If you're planning anything adventurous, make sure it's explicitly listed or get an activity rider add-on.

Step 7: Compare policies

Once you’ve found a few travel insurance plans that fit your needs, take time to compare them thoroughly. Don’t just go by price. Read the policy details carefully to understand coverage limits, exclusions, deductibles, and whether 24/7 emergency assistance is included. A cheaper plan might save you a few dollars upfront but leave you exposed if something goes wrong. Always balance cost with adequate coverage to avoid being underinsured in Japan, where medical care and disruptions can be costly.

It’s also best to check customer reviews to see how reliable the insurer is when it comes to claims and support. Stick to well-known providers with a strong track record and solid customer service. Finally, keep an eye out for travel insurance promotions or discounts—many insurers run seasonal offers or bundle deals that can give you better value without compromising on protection.

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From Tokyo to Kyoto, there are several different cities and places to visit in Japan that cater to every traveller's taste. Whether you're drawn to the underwater world, the allure of mountain trails, or the vibrant city streets, here are tips to ensure your insurance covers what you need for each region.

Tokyo and major cities

For those visiting Tokyo, Osaka, or other major cities in Japan, ensure your policy covers urban risks such as high medical costs and public transportation disruptions. Given the high population density, the risk of catching illnesses is higher, so travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is essential.

Kyoto and cultural sites

If you’re visiting tourist attractions in Kyoto, they will also have a high population density, which may make you more prone to catching illnesses. Therefore, you should have adequate medical coverage. 

Additionally, consider coverage for personal liability, as some historical and cultural sites may have strict rules and high penalties for accidental damage. 

Travel insurance with trip cancellation and other trip interruptions is also advisable, as events and festivals in these regions can lead to unexpected changes in your travel itinerary.

Hokkaido and northern regions

For those planning to visit Hokkaido or other northern regions during the winter for snowboarding and skiing, you should consider adventure sports travel insurance. These policies should cover medical emergencies related to these activities and potential trip cancellations due to severe weather conditions.

Okinawa and coastal areas

Those going to Okinawa and other coastal regions for water activities should prioritise coverage for water sports and marine activities, like scuba diving and snorkelling. Ensure your policy includes not only equipment and missed activities coverage but also comprehensive medical coverage for potential mishaps.

As these areas are also prone to severe weather conditions, like typhoons, having travel insurance that covers natural disasters is essential.

Rural and remote areas

For those venturing into Japan's rural and remote areas, your travel insurance should include emergency medical evacuation and search and rescue coverage. These regions might have limited access to medical facilities, so having coverage for evacuation to the nearest hospital is crucial.

We know that natural disasters are relatively common in Japan, so it’s natural to be worried about whether your travel insurance is enough.

Here’s how your travel insurance keeps you protected and prepared for natural disasters.

Medical coverage

If you're injured during a natural disaster like an earthquake, flood, or typhoon while in Japan, your travel insurance’s medical coverage can be a financial lifesaver. It typically pays for hospitalisation, outpatient treatment, emergency surgeries, ambulance rides, and prescribed medications, all of which can be extremely expensive in Japan, especially at private clinics.

Without proper coverage, you could be left paying thousands out of pocket just for a short hospital stay. With the right plan, you’ll be able to focus on your recovery instead of stressing over unexpected bills. This is especially important if you’re travelling to more remote or mountainous areas, where emergency medical help might involve transportation and specialist care.

Trip cancellation and interruption coverage

Natural disasters can easily derail even the best-planned itinerary. A typhoon might ground your flight, or an earthquake could shut down train lines and force you to skip a city altogether.

Trip cancellation and interruption coverage helps you recover the costs of non-refundable bookings such as hotels, tours, or transport tickets you couldn’t use. It can also reimburse you for additional costs like rebooking flights or finding last-minute accommodation if your plans have to change.

For travellers to Japan, a country known for its unpredictable seismic activity, this coverage adds a crucial layer of financial protection.

Lost or stolen belongings coverage

In the chaos of a sudden evacuation or emergency, it’s not uncommon to misplace luggage, personal electronics, or travel documents. Travel insurance with baggage loss or personal belongings coverage can help reimburse you for the value of those items, including essentials like clothing, toiletries, laptops, and phones.

Some policies also cover theft or accidental damage. This is especially helpful if you need to replace your belongings quickly during a disrupted trip. While Japan is generally a very safe country, emergencies can still result in lost or damaged possessions, so having this protection ensures you’re not left out of pocket.

Obviously, different insurance plans with different coverages will have different premiums.

To give you a better idea of how much you should be paying, here’s a breakdown of the premiums of the plans in this article, along with what they cover.

The costs are rough estimates based on a 7-day trip for 1 adult:

Prices are estimates and subject to change based on age, destination, and coverage level.

Adding up the prices of the plans and dividing by 7:

($30 + $40 + $45 + $30 + $85 + $29 + $38) / 7 = $42.43

Based on this, you can see that the average cost of a travel insurance plan with COVID-19 coverage for a 7-day trip for a single adult would be $42.43.

There are of course cheaper options, as well as more expensive ones. It all comes down to your personal preference and how much coverage you want and in which areas.

Not all travel insurance policies include car rental excess cover as by default. It's essential to carefully review the policy details or contact the insurer to confirm if this coverage is included. Policies that do cover car rental excess typically have a limit on the amount covered. Ensure this limit is adequate compared to the potential excess charges by the rental company in Japan.

Understanding the overseas car insurance coverage specifics can save you from unexpected expenses in case of an accident. Here's what you need to know: 

• Car rental excess: This is the amount you're liable to pay in the event of an accident or damage to the rental vehicle. It can be a significant out-of-pocket expense without proper coverage.

• Travel insurance coverage: Some travel insurance policies include coverage for rental car excess, which means the insurance will cover the excess cost that the rental company charges you in case of an accident.

• Exclusions: Be aware of any exclusions that may apply to the car rental excess coverage. Common exclusions include driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or damage to certain parts of the vehicle like tires and windscreen.