Heading to Japan? Compare travel insurance policies designed for Kiwis travelling to Japan – covering medical expenses, natural disasters, skiing, trip cancellations, and more.
the benefits
Medical costs in Japan are significant – hospital treatment in Tokyo can reach up to $10,000 per day, and emergency repatriationto New Zealand can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. A comprehensive Japan travel insurance policy covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, surgery, and prescription medications, as well as 24/7 emergency assistance wherever you are in the country.
Japan is one of the world’s most seismically active countries, and earthquakes can disrupt travel with little warning. A comprehensive travel insurance policy purchased before a natural disaster is publicly announced covers trip cancellations, additional accommodation and travel expenses, and other costs incurred as a result of a covered event.
Japan is one of the world’s premier ski destinations, and dedicated ski cover is essential if you’re planning to hit the slopes. Standard travel insurance policies do not automatically cover skiing and snowboarding – most insurers require a winter sports pack to be added. But it’s essential as ski cover typically includes medical treatment on the slopes, emergency evacuation, equipment cover, ski pack reimbursement, and piste closure compensation.
Travel insurance covers unforeseen trip cancellations due to illness, injury, natural disasters, and other events outside your control. Most policies also cover out-of-pocket accommodation, meals, and transport expenses incurred as a result of flight delays or cancellations due to bad weather, providing financial protection when your itinerary doesn’t go to plan.
Your travel insurance covers lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and personal belongings, including theft of cash. Importantly for Japan travellers, lost rail passes are also covered under the travel documents benefit – along with passports and other essential travel documents – making this a particularly valuable feature given the cost of Japan’s rail passes.
Our Japan travel insurance comparison is completely free to use. You’ll be directed straight to the insurer’s website to complete your purchase at their direct price – no markups, no surprises.
Key Considerations
Japan’s ski resorts – including Niseko, Hakuba, and Furano – attract skiers and snowboarders from around the world, but standard travel insurance policies do not automatically cover winter sports activities. Most insurers require a ski or winter sports pack to be added to your policy. This typically includes medical treatment on the slopes, emergency evacuation, ski equipment cover, ski pack reimbursement for unused passes and lessons, and compensation for piste closure or bad weather. If skiing is part of your Japan itinerary, arranging dedicated ski cover before you travel is essential.
Japan travel insurance typically covers unforeseen natural disasters, but only if the event was not publicly known at the time you purchased your policy. If an earthquake or other natural disaster warning has already been widely reported in the media before you buy, it will be considered a “known event” and claims related to that specific incident are unlikely to be covered. Purchasing travel insurance as soon as you book your trip is strongly recommended, particularly given Japan’s seismic activity.
If you plan to hire a moped or motorbike during your Japan trip, most travel insurers will only cover you if you hold a current, valid New Zealand licence that is recognised in Japan and are wearing a helmet at the time of any incident. Riding without a valid licence or helmet will void your cover for any related incident. Always check both your licensing requirements and your policy’s specific conditions before hiring a vehicle.
The New Zealand Government’s SafeTravel website issues travel advisories for Japan, and it’s important to check these before and during your trip. Travelling against a Do Not Travel warning issued by the New Zealand Government will generally void your travel insurance cover for any incidents arising in the affected area.
Pre-existing medical conditions must be declared when purchasing Japan travel insurance. Some conditions may be covered automatically, while others require a medical assessment or attract an additional premium. Given the significant medical costs in Japan, it’s especially important to declare all relevant conditions upfront to ensure your cover remains valid and any related claims will be accepted.
Japan travel insurance comes with important exclusions worth understanding before you travel. Claims will generally not be paid if you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the incident, if your belongings were left unattended, or if you fail to report theft or loss to the relevant authority within 24 hours. High-risk activities (including rock climbing where ropes are required, cliff jumping, and skydiving) may also be excluded from standard cover. Note also that Japan has strict rules regarding certain medications, including some ingredients common in ADHD, cold, and flu medicines – always check that any medication you plan to carry is legally permitted before travel.
further reading
Expert guides to help you make an informed decision about your travel cover.
Missed a flight? Find out exactly when travel insurance covers it, what's excluded, and how to claim, plus tips to avoid missing your next flight.
Read full guideget answers
The cost of Japan travel insurance varies depending on your age, trip duration, and the level of cover you choose. Using our free comparison tool is the most reliable way to find competitive quotes for your specific trip.
Tip: Some insurers price Japan separately from the broader Asia region, which can result in lower premiums for Japan-only trips.
New Zealand citizens do not require a visa to enter Japan for stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business, or visiting friends and relatives. If you plan to work in Japan, you will need to obtain the appropriate visa before travelling. But always check the SafeTravel website for the most current entry requirements before your trip.
Yes, provided you purchase your policy before the natural disaster occurs or is publicly announced. Japan is one of the world’s most seismically active countries, and earthquakes can occur with little warning. A comprehensive policy will cover trip cancellations, additional travel and accommodation expenses, and other costs incurred as a result of a covered natural disaster. However, if the event has already been widely reported in the media at the time of purchase, it will be considered a “known event” and related claims are unlikely to be covered.
Yes, lost or stolen rail passes are typically covered under the travel documents benefit of a comprehensive travel insurance policy, along with passports and other essential travel documents. Given that Japan’s rail passes are quite expensive, this is a particularly valuable benefit for travellers planning to make extensive use of the Shinkansen and other rail networks.
Yes, lost or stolen rail passes are typically covered under the travel documents benefit of a comprehensive travel insurance policy, along with passports and other essential travel documents. Given that Japan’s rail passes are quite expensive, this is a particularly valuable benefit for travellers planning to make extensive use of the Shinkansen and other rail networks.
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