Travel Insurance Expert and Head of Communications
Last updatedDecember 16 2025
13 min read
From the neon lights of Tokyo to the cherry blossoms of Kyoto, Japan is a feast for all the senses. And because our travel insurance for Japan has no upper age limit, it’s an experience everyone can enjoy! Take us with you for thrilling adventures in the Land of the Rising Sun.
What is Japan travel insurance, and do you need it?
Delicious cuisine. A unique culture and history. Japan tops the list of global hotspots travellers long to return to. A sublime mix of the ancient and ultra-modern, there’s so much to explore.
Japan’s low crime rate makes it one of the most peaceful countries in the world. But while most visits are trouble-free, mishaps can happen. The best travel insurance for Japan covers you for trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and more.
Here’s why getting travel insurance to cover your trip to Japan should be top of your holiday to-do list:
Covers cancellations: Once-in-a-lifetime trip to Tokyo planned? The world’s most populous city is famous for its sky-scraping hotels. But cancelling luxurious accommodation can leave you out of pocket. Japan travel insurance with cancellation cover can pick up the bill if you have to cancel your trip for specific reasons.
Covers medical emergencies: Foodie? You’re in the right place. Tokyo holds the Guinness World Record for the most Michelin-starred restaurants. No wonder 91% of Brits list Japanese food as one of their motivations for visiting the country. However, more than 300 unlucky travellers each year seek emergency assistance in Japan due to foodborne illness. The FCDO reports that healthcare in Japan is excellent, but treatment is expensive. You can be refused treatment without valid medical insurance. With up to unlimited emergency medical expenses, travel insurance to Japan can help cover the cost if tummy troubles strike on your trip.
Do more on your holiday:Hiking in the foothills of Mount Fuji. Cycling between islands around the Seto Inland Sea. Japan travel insurance lets you experience it all. It covers over 100 sports and activities as standard. But we also have cover for more adventurous activities.
Make sure the policy you’ve chosen covers you for all the activities you have planned. Our policy wording provides full terms and conditions, including what is and isn’t included with our cover.
Japan and North Korea are close neighbours. Relations between the two countries can be tense. The security situation in the Korean Peninsula can change with little notice. Always check the latest FCDO advice for Japan. Your travel insurance could be invalid if you travel against their advice. At present, UK travellers can get a visa on arrival in Japan. This allows them to stay up to 90 days. You do not need to apply before you travel.
What does InsureandGo’s Japan travel insurance cover?
We will consider all pre-existing medical conditions. Find out more about medical travel insurance.
The excess and amount of cover available varies depending on the level of travel insurance you buy. Check the policy wording to see the full terms and conditions.
What’s not covered?
Each provider will have different things it can or cannot include in a policy. However, there are some situations in which travel insurance will not cover. For example:
You cannot cover events or reasons to claim that took place before you booked the trip or purchased insurance. Insurance exists to cover unexpected events outside of the insured’s control
Claims which are less than the excess for that section of cover. For example, you cannot claim a £40 lost item if your baggage excess is £60
All our travel insurance policies include cover for cancellation of your trip. There may, however, be some exclusions. For example, you won’t be covered to cancel if you simply decide not to go
The best travel insurance for Japan
Seeking the serenity of Japan’s natural landscapes? Or planning something more action-packed? Our Japan travel insurance policies are as flexible as your itinerary. Not sure what you need? Here are just a few of our optional add-ons:
Hitting the slopes? Japan’s winter sports resorts offer ideal conditions for skiers and snowboarders. If you’re aged 65 or under, you can add winter sports travel insurance to any of our policies.
Setting sail? Japan is made up of thousands of islands – and a cruise lets you explore in comfort and style. Cruise holiday insurance can protect your trip. It includes things like cabin confinement, cruise interruption, and itinerary changes.
Taking the kids? Japan makes for a family holiday with the wow factor. Our family travel insurance covers everyone under one policy.
In Tokyo for work? Choosing business cover will protect your equipment if it gets lost or stolen.
Teeing off? Japan has the second-highest number of golf courses worldwide, beaten only by the United States. Play on the best fairways with golf insurance to cover your kit.
Make sure you read our policy wording for more information on what is included.
Choose a cover level to suit your travel needs
Black
Gold
Silver
Medical expenses and repatriation
Unlimited
£15 million
£10 Million
Cancellation and curtailment
£10,000
£7,500
£5,000
Travel delay
Up to £650
Up to £540
Up to £450
Personal belongings
£5,000
£2,500
£2,000
Legal Expenses
£60,000
£50,000
£15,000
Standard Excess
Nil
£50
£60
Travel insurance for Japan with pre-existing medical conditions
With its state-of-the-art medical facilities, the standard of healthcare in Japan is excellent but treatment can be costly. With no reciprocal health agreement, you’ll need to pay the whole cost of any treatment you receive. You may be refused treatment if you don’t have travel insurance.
If you’re travelling with a pre-existing medical condition, insurance is a must. At InsureandGo, we’ll consider all medical conditions, including:
Examples of medical conditions we can cover include:
Our online medical screening process is simple. If you’d rather talk to someone instead, please get in touch with us.
You must declare all medical conditions that fit within the medical warranty when applying for your travel insurance. If you don’t, your policy may be invalid. To learn more, read our page about travel insurance for medical conditions. Or, take a look at our policy wording documents.
It’s worth remembering that some common UK medications are banned in Japan. According to the FCDO, you risk being detained and deported if you’re found with:
Medicines for allergies and sinus problems (including Vicks inhalers)
Cold and flu medication that contains pseudoephedrine
Some over-the-counter painkillers that contain codeine
How to book travel insurance for Japan
Ready to explore Japan’s ancient temples and modern cities? Tick travel insurance off your to-do list before you go.
Let us know a little info
Tell us your travel dates, your destinations, and who you’re travelling with. Any pre-existing medical conditions? Now’s the time to let us know.
You can do this online now or by calling our team:
You can buy your travel insurance right away. Or save the quote for later if you need more time to think.
Our experts say…
“While Japan is a safe and welcoming country, unexpected events can happen. The country is prone to natural disasters, from earthquakes to volcanic eruptions. Healthcare is expensive. You can even be refused treatment if you don’t have travel insurance in place. You can’t plan for everything. But finding the best Japan travel insurance lets you enjoy your trip, knowing you’re covered for a wide range of situations.”
Travel insurance is not a legal requirement to enter Japan. However, the UK Government strongly recommends UK travellers take out travel insurance. It should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. This is due to:
High medical costs:Healthcare in Japan is not free for UK tourists and can be expensive. A consultation with a doctor can cost as much as £250. That’s before the cost of any treatment or medication. Travel insurance can cover medical expenses if you fall ill or are injured during your trip.
Potential trip disruptions: Japan is prone to powerful earthquakes. These can cause significant disruption to travel plans. Travel insurance with natural disaster cover can help recoup prepaid expenses, like accommodation.
High-risk activities: Japan has many adventurous activities to try. InsureandGo policies cover over 100 sports and activities at no extra cost. But we also have additional cover for anything more risky.
How much does Japan travel insurance cost?
The cost of travel insurance for Japan can change based on several factors:
The level of cover you choose
At InsureandGo, we offer Budget, Silver, Gold and Black.
Generally, travel insurance becomes more expensive as you get older.
The length of your trip
In general, the longer you’re away from home, the more you’ll pay for your policy.
These factors can vary, meaning the cost of travel insurance to Japan is different for everyone. Find out how much it will be for you. Call our team get a quick and easy quote online now.
For travel to Japan, you need travel insurance to cover your medical expenses in an emergency. It also means you’re covered for a range of issues that could crop up on your trip, including:
Personal accident and liability
Cancelling and cutting short your holiday
Abandoning your trip
Delayed departure
Accommodation cover
Personal belongings and baggage
Personal money, passport and travel documents
Legal expenses
No one likes to think of the worst-case scenario. But securing the best travel insurance to Japan lets you relax and enjoy your adventure.
Will travel insurance cover costs from earthquakes in Japan?
Our Japan travel insurance only covers earthquakes if you add natural disaster cover to your policy. This optional add-on covers:
Travel delays caused by the earthquake.
Travel and accommodation costs if your trip is delayed or cancelled.
Alternative accommodation if you can’t reach your hotel.
Damaged or lost personal belongings.
You’ll need to bear in mind:
We can only cover you for earthquakes if you have added natural disaster cover to your policy.
We can’t cover the cost of a hotel upgrade – you should use the same level as your original booking.
We can only cover you if you bought your policy or booked your trip before the earthquake became public knowledge.
Worldwide (excluding the USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean)
Worldwide (including the USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean)
You may also need to add optional add-ons. These can make sure you’re covered for things like adventure sports, golf, cruises and gadgets. Read our policy documents to find out what is and isn’t included.
Can I get assistance if I fall ill or injure myself while in Japan?
If you hold a British passport, you’ll receive a free tourist visa upon arrival in Japan. This visa is valid for up to 90 days. You do not need to apply before you travel. Your passport must be valid for the length of your stay. You need a blank page for your visa stamp.
Who can buy an InsureandGo Japan travel insurance policy?
All our Japan travel insurance policies are available to UK residents. This means:
Someone who has been living in the UK or the Channel Islands for at least six of the last 12 months
Travel Insurance Expert and Head of Communications
Letitia is a Travel Insurance expert with more than 20 years experience in helping people find specialist insurance. As Head of Communications at InsureandGo, Letitia cares about making it easy for people who love travel to get the cover they need.
* Discount based on the premium amount: 5% off premiums £0-£49, 10% off £50-£249, & 20% off £250+. Discount excludes any premium generated to cover medical conditions or optional extras. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Discount ends 23:59 on 29th January 2026. See Terms and Conditions for more details. All quotes from 19th December 2025 to 23.59 on 29th January 2026 will be included in the prize draw. Terms and Conditions apply.
InsureandGo’s Gold achieved a Which? Best Buy. InsureandGo’s Gold and Black policies have been 5-star rated by Defaqto.
Based on 1,692 responses, correct as of 24/07/2025.
Based on 1,692 responses, correct as of 24/07/2025.