Travel Insurance for Japan

Find out all you need to know about buying Travel Insurance for Japan

Whether you’re visiting the bustling streets of Tokyo, enjoying the Cherry Blossom trees of Kyoto or hitting the slopes on the snow-capped mountains of Hakuba, Fast Cover’s travel insurance for Japan offers different levels of cover to suit many types of travel plans to Japan. 

japan monuments skyline

What Does Fast Cover’s Japan Travel Insurance Cover? 

Fast Cover’s Japan travel insurance policies can provide you with certain cover under a range of benefits for your trip to Japan. Every traveller has unique needs, so it is important to consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) prior to deciding which policy is right for you and your individual needs.  

Below is a brief summary of some of the benefits and options available to customers travelling to Japan at Fast Cover, however, each policy and benefit includes specific terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub limits and not all policies will include all of the benefits mentioned below, therefore, it is important that you understand the PDS before making your decision.  

Any advice or content on this page, including frequently asked questions and answers, is general advice only and has not taken into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Our medical screening provides an option for travellers to apply to include cover for many pre-existing medical conditions before they travel to Japan.^ 

24 Hour Emergency Medical Assistance

Fast Cover’s Australian-based emergency assistance hotline provides 24/7 support for unforeseen overseas medical emergencies with access to experienced medical support services arranged by our Emergency Assistance team, who you can call wherever you are in Japan, at any time.^

Overseas Emergency Medical and Hospital Expenses in Japan

This benefit includes certain protection against the financial burden of unexpected overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses associated with unexpected illness or injuries, incurred by you during your trip to Japan.^ 

Overseas Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Expenses in Japan

In case of an unexpected medical emergency whilst in Japan, this benefit can provide certain cover for the costs associated with your medical transfer, evacuation and repatriation to get to the nearest hospital for emergency medical treatment or brought back to Australia with appropriate medical supervision.^

Trip Cancellation Expenses

You can take out a Japan travel insurance policy with cancellation cover up to 12 months before you travel. This benefit can help protect the non-refundable bookings you’ve already paid, like flights, accommodation, cruises and tours, if you’re not able to travel to Japan due to an unexpected emergency that is covered under the policy.^

Travel Delay Expenses

Weather conditions and airline operational issues can throw a spanner in the works on your Japanese holiday. This benefit can provide certain cover for reimbursement of reasonable additional meals and accommodation expenses up to $200 for each traveller (excluding dependants) for each 24 hour period if your scheduled transport is delayed for at least 6 hours from the time your transport was scheduled to depart.^

Luggage and Personal Effects

Fast Cover offers certain protection for loss, theft or damage to your luggage and personal belongings such as phones, cameras and laptops while you travel around Japan. Conditions including maximum cover limits, sub-limits on how much you can claim for each type of item and the situations in which we would provide cover apply.^

Special Event Transport Expenses

Are you travelling to Japan for a booked special event? If your flight is cancelled, delayed, shortened or diverted and you may not get there on time, this benefit can provide certain cover for you to book, for example, an alternative flight or other transport to help you make it to your special event on time. Take measures to avoid missing out – learn more with Fast Cover!^ 

Sports and Leisure Activities in Japan

From relaxing in the hot springs of Osaka to go-karting through Tokyo, your Japan travel insurance policy automatically includes cover for many sports and leisure activities so you can make the most of the activities Japan has to offer on your holiday.^

Optional Extras for your Japan Travel Insurance

Fast Cover’s optional add-ons let you customise your travel insurance policy to include certain coverage for various activities and adventures, so that you know you have some protection in place whilst you experience Japan’s diverse landscapes—from island coastlines and mountains to vibrant cities. 

Adventure Pack

Travellers aged 74 and under at the date of policy issue embarking on adventures in Japan can add on the Adventure Pack for an additional premium to cover an extra list of adrenaline-pumping activities such as deep sea fishing, zip lining, hiking above 3000m including climbing Mt Fuji’s summit, and more.^

Motorcycle Pack

Riding a motorcycle could be a great way to explore Japan’s city life and country side. Travellers aged 74 and under at the date of policy issue and want to ride or be a passenger on a scooter, moped or motorcycle, will need to add the Motorcycle Pack to their Japan travel insurance policy.^

Cruise Cover

If you’re setting sail on a cruise off the coast of Japan for 4 nights or more, add our cruise cover to your Japan travel insurance policy for additional cover in case of unexpected emergencies on-board the cruise ship and during onshore excursions.^

Ski and Snow Sports Cover

Japan is a popular destination for snow sports. Travellers aged 69 and under at the date of policy issue planning to ski or snowboard in Japan can apply for Fast Cover's ski and snow travel insurance, called the “Snow Sports Plus Policy”, which can provide certain cover for costs associated with ski and snow sports.^

Bicycle Pack

Avid cyclists riding through Japan’s scenic landscapes can choose to add the Bike Pack to include certain cover for the costs to help protect their personal bicycles against loss, theft or damage.^

Reduced Standard Excess

We hope you have a holiday without having to make a claim! However, if something does happen on your trip to Japan, you’ll need to pay an excess for every claim you make for each claimable event under the policy.

Specified High Value Items

We know you might be travelling to Japan with valuable items. If you would like to cover your valuable items for more than what they’re currently covered for in the Product Disclosure Statement, you can specify the item and we won’t apply depreciation to it. Not all items can be specified, check out the PDS for what can and cannot be specified.^   

Rental Vehicle Insurance Excess

If your rental vehicle is in an accident, damaged or stolen during your trip to Japan, Fast Cover can, depending on the policy chosen, provide additional cover of up to $8,000 for the rental vehicle insurance excess component of your rental vehicle insurance with your car hire company.^

Multi Award Winning Insurance

The Fast Cover team always strives to deliver the best Travel insurance we can for all our travellers. We're very thankful for the Travel Insurance Awards we've received recognising our efforts.

product review travel insurance award
Winner Travel Insurance Award

2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025 Travel Insurance Award 

canstar outstanding value award
Canstar Outstanding Value

2024 Canstar Outstanding Value Winner for International and Seniors Travel Insurance 

finder value award
2024 Finder Customer Service Satisfaction Awards

2024 Finder Customer Service Satisfaction Awards †

Insurance Cover Options for your Trip to Japan

At Fast Cover, we have a range of coverage options available for your trip to Japan.

Comprehensive Travel Insurance

Comprehensive Travel Insurance is Fast Cover's most popular policy option. It provides the highest level of cover for the widest range of unexpected situations like emergency medical and hospital expenses, overseas emergency medical assistance, accidental death and loss of income.^

Standard Saver Travel Insurance

The Standard Saver Travel Insurance policy provides many benefits similar to our comprehensive policy but usually lower limits, such as trip cancellation and trip disruption, as well as certain cover relating to your health whilst in Japan and luggage and personal belongings when you travel.^

Basic (Medical Only) Travel Insurance

Our Basic Travel Insurance policy type is a simple way of taking measures to ensure there is some coverage for what's most important in life, such as your health. You can also apply to customise your policy and include cover under the luggage and personal effects benefit up to $2000.^

Multi-Trip Insurance for Frequent Travellers

If you travel to Japan frequently, you can get a quote for a Frequent Traveller Saver Policy when you take out travel insurance for Japan. We can provide cover for an unlimited number of trips in a 12 month period up to a specified number of days each trip.^

The Benefits of Travel Insurance for Japan

Depending on the level of cover you take out with our Japan travel insurance policy, Fast Cover can provide you with different benefits to suit your travel plans, helping you to better prepare for and deal with unexpected medical and financial circumstances.

Medical Benefits

Basics Domestic Plus Standard Saver Comprehensive Snow Sports Plus Frequent Traveller Saver

Overseas 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance^

sub-limits:

Unlimited ––– Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited

Funeral/cremation Overseas and/or bringing your remains home (per person)

$20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000

Overseas Emergency Medical & Hospital Expenses^

Unlimited ––– Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited

Overseas Emergency Dental

$500 ––– $750 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000

Overseas Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation

Unlimited ––– Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited

Overseas Hospital Cash Payment^

sub-limits:

––– ––– ––– $5,000 $5,000 $5,000

Daily Limit (per person)

$50 $50 $50

Accidental Death

Travellers Aged 80 to 89:
––– $25,000
$20,000
––– $25,000
$20,000
$25,000
$20,000
$25,000
$20,000

Accidental Death for travellers up to age 79

$25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000

Accidental Death for travellers aged 80 - 89

$20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000

Accidental Death of a Dependant (per Dependant)

$5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000

Permanent Disability^

Travellers Aged 80 to 89:
––– ––– ––– $50,000
$20,000
$50,000
$20,000
$25,000
$20,000

Permanent Disability for travellers up to age 79

$50,000 $50,000 $25,000

Permanent Disability for travellers aged 80 - 89

$20,000 $20,000 $20,000

Permanent Disability of a Dependant (per Dependant)

$5,000 $5,000 $5,000

Loss of Income^

sub-limits:

––– ––– ––– $10,400 $10,400 $10,400

Weekly Limit (per person) - up to 26 weeks

$400 $400 $400

Financial Benefits

Basics Domestic Plus Standard Saver Comprehensive Snow Sports Plus Frequent Traveller Saver

Trip Cancellation Expenses

sub-limits:

––– Unlimited $25,000 Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited

Travel Agents Cancellation Fees

$1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500

Close Relatives that do not meet Close relative conditions

$2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000

Personal Liability

$1,000,000 $5,000,000 $2,500,000 $5,000,000 $5,000,000 $5,000,000

Trip Disruption Expenses

sub-limits:

––– $50,000 $30,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000

Close Relatives with a Pre-existing Medical Condition

$2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000

Trip Resumption Expenses

––– $3,000 $2,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000

Luggage & Personal Effects

sub-limits:

Optional
up to $2,000
$7,500 $5,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000

Personal computers,video recorders or cameras (per item)

$3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000

Mobile phones (per item)

$1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500

Tablets (per item)

$1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000

All other unspecified items (per item)

$750 $750 $750 $750 $750 $750

Luggage and Personal Effects stolen from a Locked Storage Compartment of an unattended vehicle during daylight hours. We will pay up to $200 for each item and $2,000 in total for all stolen items.

$2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000

Passports, Credit Cards & Credit Card Fraud^

––– ––– $2,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000

Special Event Transport Expenses

––– $5,000 ––– $5,000 $5,000 $5,000

Rental Vehicle Excess

sub-limits:

––– $5,000 Optional
up to $8,000
Optional
up to $8,000
Optional Optional

Return of Rental Vehicle

$500 $500 $500 $500 $500

Travel Delay Expenses

sub-limits:

––– $2,000 ––– $2,000 $2,000 $2,000

Daily Limit (per person)

(we will pay up to $200 for each full 24 hours beyond the initial 6 hour delay)

$200 $200 $200 $200

Delay of Luggage and Personal Effects^

––– ––– ––– $750 $750 $750

Theft of Cash^

––– ––– ––– $250 $250 $250

Snow Sports Benefits

Basics Domestic Plus Standard Saver Comprehensive Snow Sports Plus Frequent Traveller Saver

Snow Sport Equipment

––– $1,500 ––– ––– $1,500 –––

Snow Equipment Replacement Hire

––– $1,500 ––– ––– $1,500 –––

Snow Prepaid Expenses

––– $750 ––– ––– $750 –––

Snow Resort Closure

sub-limits:

––– $1,000 ––– ––– $1,000 –––

Daily Limit (per person)

$100 $100

COVID-19 Benefits

Basics Domestic Plus Standard Saver Comprehensive Snow Sports Plus Frequent Traveller Saver

COVID-19 Overseas Emergency Medical, Hospital & Medical Evacuation Expenses

Unlimited ––– Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited

Funeral/cremation Overseas and/or bringing your remains home (per person)

$20,000 ––– $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000

COVID-19 Trip Cancellation & Disruption

––– $3,500 $3,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000

Please note: This is only a summary of benefits. Policy terms, conditions, limits, sub limits and exclusions apply to each cover type. Benefit limits shown are for Single and Duo (per person) policies. Pooled Benefits mean that Family policy benefit limits apply for the whole family and are double the corresponding benefit limit under a Single policy, except for certain benefits - please refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for full details. ^Cover under these Benefits are excluded while travelling within Australia.

What is Not Covered in our Japan Travel Insurance?

As with all insurance policies, it is important to be aware of what your travel insurance covers but also what it doesn’t or may not cover, to ensure that you are choosing the best policy for you and your individual circumstances. There are also conditions that you are required to comply with for many situations and activities, as well as limits and sub limits that apply.  

Below, we have provided some situations where cover may not be available under Fast Cover policies, so it is important to think about your individual needs and what policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limits may apply to you and your trip. These are only a summary of the situations that our policies may not cover, therefore, it is important to consider the PDS and TMD at fastcover.com.au to ensure that you understand the policy and choose the right policy for you and your individual needs. 

As each individual’s circumstances are different, we will assess each claim on a case by case basis and in accordance with your specific circumstances, policy terms and Certificate of Insurance. 

If you become injured while breaking the law in Japan

If you become injured while breaking the law, there are various conditions and exclusions that may apply which means you may not be covered. This could include riding a motorcycle without the required helmet, or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Remember that possession of certain drugs are illegal in Japan. Using drugs or selling them can land you in trouble with the law in Japan.^ 

If you are intoxicated or have taken illicit drugs in Japan

It’s not illegal to have a drink while in Japan, but if you’ve drunk alcohol excessively, there are certain exclusions that will likely apply. That means if you’re under the influence of alcohol and you stumble and hurt yourself, you may not have cover under your policy.

Certain drugs are illegal in Japan and you may not be covered by your Japan travel insurance policy when you’ve taken drugs. Keep in mind that the legal drinking age in Japan is 20.^ 

If you do an activity that isn’t covered by your policy

If you’re injured in an accident while for example, riding a moped or climbing Mt Fuji’s summit (above 3000m) and you didn’t add the Motorcycle Pack or Adventure Pack respectively to your Japan travel insurance policy, you’ll likely be responsible for paying your medical and hospital expenses because you did not choose to include cover for that under your policy.

It is important to think about what activities you will be participating in so that you have the right cover for the activities you plan to do in Japan.^

Unsupervised belongings

If something of yours is stolen while unattended or unsupervised on your trip to Japan, you may not be able to claim for the stolen item. For example: If you leave your bag with your wallet and passport inside it on the beach while you go for a swim, or if you leave your laptop unattended while you order food at a café, this will likely be considered leaving your belongings unattended, in which case you may not be covered.

Make sure you keep your belongings with you at all times or keep them in a secure location.^ 

Regular medical or dental check-ups

There are exclusions that apply for regular or routine check-ups or filling regular prescriptions as they are not considered medical emergencies. If you require regular medication, bring enough of what you’ll need for your Japan holiday before you leave Australia.^

Ignoring official warnings

Should the Australian Government release a warning on Smartraveller that certain areas in Japan are no longer safe to travel to and you still choose to travel there anyway, there may be exclusions that will apply such as if you do not follow advice in the mass media where a travel advisory risk rating of Do Not Travel was issued after policy purchase.^

Known Events

Known events are serious situations, from natural disasters like the Japan earthquakes, to disease outbreaks, which can affect your holiday plans and also the cover on your travel insurance policy for Japan. 

If you buy your Japan insurance after an event is deemed a “Known event”, the cover on your policy may be affected. Japan is located on the Ring of Fire and may be subject to tectonic activity. You should check for any Travel Alerts that may have been issued for Japan so you know where you stand with regards to the cover that you will have on your Japan travel insurance policy.^

Disappointing holidays

Perhaps the weather in Japan was unpleasant, the busy city streets were too crowded, or your accommodation didn’t live up to the pictures online. Whatever the reason you’re unhappy with how your holiday to Japan has shaped up, your travel insurance policy for Japan is not intended to compensate you because you didn’t enjoy your time there. 

For further information relating to policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub limits that apply, consider the PDS & TMD at fastcover.com.au.

For further information relating to policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub limits that apply, consider the PDS & TMD at fastcover.com.au.

Why Choose Fast Cover?

25 Day Cooling Off Period

Get a full refund if you cancel for any reason within 25 days from when you buy your policy and you haven’t started your trip, made or intend to make a claim or used the policy such as to obtain a visa.

Australian-Based Customer Service

Fast Cover is Australian owned and operated. When you contact us, you’ll speak with our Australian-based travel insurance specialist sales and claims team.

24/7 Emergency Assistance

Wherever you’re travelling and whenever you need us, our 24/7 worldwide expert emergency assistance team is ready and waiting to help.

Fast and Simple Claims Process

Our claims process is fast and simple. Call our Aussie claims team or use our online claims form to submit your claim for assessment.

What our travellers are saying

Man with magnifying glass

Japan Travel Insurance FAQs

Depending on the policy chosen, Travel Insurance for Japan can help to better prepare you to deal with unexpected and unforeseen circumstances such as injury or sickness as well as trip cancellation and disruption expenses. One way to prepare for this is by making international travel insurance for Japan a priority. However, it is important to read the Product Disclosure Statement of the travel insurance provider as terms, conditions, exclusions and limits will apply to each policy.

Australian citizens or residents travelling to Japan are eligible for Japan’s visa exemption scheme for short-stay tourism and business travel (up to 90 days). So, Australians don’t generally need a visa to travel to Japan if you are staying for less than 90 days for tourism, business or transit. If you plan to travel to Japan for any other reason, or to work in Japan, contact a Japanese embassy or consulate in your state or city to verify your visa and entry requirements. 

As visa and entry requirements for Japan may change over time, it is your responsibility to verify visa requirements from a Japanese embassy or consulate.

The cost of travel insurance for Japan will vary depending on a person-to-person basis. This is because of various factors, including but not limited to the type of policy you choose for your trip to Japan, where you are travelling, the length of your trip, the time between purchase and departure, personal characteristics such as pre-existing medical conditions and age, as well as any add-ons that you choose.

To determine the cost of travel insurance for your upcoming trip to Japan, request a quote today.

Regardless of the travel insurance policy that you choose for your overseas trip to Japan, one important benefit we include with all our international policies is the Overseas Emergency Medical and Hospital Expenses benefit. Since Australia doesn’t have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Japan, you’ll likely be responsible for all your medical expenses if you unexpectedly fall sick or are injured while travelling in Japan. Having cover for these unexpected medical situations during your travels can potentially save you thousands of dollars.  

This benefit provides certain protection against the financial burden of unexpected medical emergencies that can happen on your trip to Japan, from food poisoning, treatment for a broken bone or emergency surgery for appendicitis. You should be aware that cover isn’t available for all medical expenses, and some of these include (but are not limited to):  

  • medical emergencies related to your pre-existing medical conditions which aren’t listed as covered on your certificate of insurance,  
  • planned medical procedures or other non-emergency medical treatments, 
  • routine medical or dental check-ups,  
  • injuries sustained from your participation in sport or leisure activities covered under the Adventure Pack or snow sports unless you’ve purchased additional cover for them, and  
  • your medical expenses once you’ve returned to Australia, 

so it’s important to review your policy to understand what is and isn't covered while you're in Japan and the terms and conditions that apply.  

You can apply for cover for your pre-existing medical conditions and any changes in health and/or new medical conditions you may develop before you leave for Japan through a medical screening. Find out more about what we consider to be a medical condition and how you can apply for cover in our Travel Insurance for Pre-existing Medical Conditions page.^ 

As each individual’s circumstances are different, we will assess each claim on a case by case basis and in accordance with your specific circumstances, policy terms and Certificate of Insurance. 

If you are only in transit through Japan, you automatically have cover for up to 48 hours. Cover is only available for the countries or region you have selected at the time of purchase and listed on your Certificate of insurance. If you change your travel plans and decide to legally enter Japan, you may not be covered under your policy if Japan was not selected at the time of purchase and listed on your Certificate of insurance. You can apply to Fast Cover to add Japan to your policy to include cover and pay an additional premium.^

Japan is located on the Ring of Fire and may be subject to tectonic activity resulting in volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. So, if you’re planning a trip to Japan, consider taking out a travel insurance policy as soon as you pay for your flights or accommodation in case you are forced to cancel your trip due to a natural disaster. Keep an eye on our Travel Alerts for Japan, travel advisories from Smarttraveller and travel warnings from the Australia government. 

If you take out a travel insurance policy after the event has occurred, it is unlikely that there will be cover under the policy as the natural disaster will be a known event. The event must have begun after we issued the Certificate of Insurance.^ 

Our trip cancellation expenses benefit can provide certain cover for cancellation, delays or rescheduling by a bus line, airline, shipping line or rail authority due to natural disaster.^

Our trip disruption expenses benefit can also provide certain cover for when your scheduled or connecting transport is cancelled, delayed, shortened or diverted because of a natural disaster.^ 

As each individual’s circumstances are different, we will assess each claim on a case by case basis and in accordance with your specific circumstances, policy terms and Certificate of Insurance.

To find the best travel insurance for your trip to Japan, you should look for a policy that suits the type of holiday that you're taking and consider the types of activities you will be doing and who you will be travelling with. Before you decide on your Japan travel insurance, you should read the PDS to check what the policy will and won’t cover you for, any conditions and exclusions that might apply to you and whether the policy provides the cover that you’re looking for.

Consider purchasing travel insurance for Japan when you book or pay for your flights, accommodation and tours. Fast Cover’s cancellation cover allows you to make a claim for trip cancellation expenses for non-refundable bookings you’ve already paid, like flights, accommodation, cruises and tours, if you’re not able to travel to Japan due to an unexpected emergency that is covered under your policy.^

Japanese river cruises are automatically covered under your Japan travel insurance policy so you won’t need to choose  Cruise cover, for this type of cruise.

Japan Travel Hub

Discover travel resources, advice and tips for your next holiday to Japan.

Japan Travel Guide

Japan’s millennia of fascinating history, arts, culture, excellent food, beautiful sceneries, and the promise of spirituality draw tourists from all over the world. Discover Fast Cover’s travel guide to Japan.

Japan Explorer Pass

Planning a trip to Japan? Discover how Japan Airlines is offering cheap domestic flights with reduced fares to over 30 Japanese cities to foreign tourists with Japan Explorer Pass. Learn more about eligible routes in Japan’s domestic network.

Japan's Blue Zones

Japan’s Blue Zones have become popular travel destinations for their unique cultural and lifestyle factors contributing to a longer than average life span. Discover Japan’s Blue Zones for your next trip to Japan.

Things you need to know

^ Price as at 27/10/2024 compared to the price calculated today for this policy.

* See Product Disclosure Statement for full terms and conditions and exclusions and limits that apply.

^ Disclaimer: Eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub limits apply to all policies. Make sure you consider the PDS and TMD at fastcover.com.au prior to deciding which policy is right for you and your individual needs.