Are you planning a trip to Japan? Then you’ve come to the right place!
Although Japan was largely cut off from the world for centuries, in recent decades, The East-Asian country has become a top destination on many travellers’ bucket lists, offering something for absolutely everyone.Ā
Whether you’re travelling to the tropical beaches of Okinawa, the pristine ski slopes of Hokkaido, or the sprawling metropolises of Tokyo and Osaka, it’s bound to be an enriching experience.Ā
Japan is an orderly and safe society, but this doesn’t mean there aren’t risks involved with travelling there. Ultimately, to make the most of your trip there, you should ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance for Japan, so you can travel with peace of mind.Ā
Comparing the best travel insurance to Japan in May 2026
Japan’s distinct culture makes it one of the most visited destinations in Asia. That’s why more and more travellers like you are looking for the best insurance policy for their stay.
To help you ensure a smooth trip, I’ll be taking you through the best policies offering travel insurance to Japan for each traveller profile.
By identifying your traveller profile, you can guarantee that you’ll get the coverage you need, without paying for coverage you don’t.
The best short-term travel insurance to Japan
Because natural disasters are so common in Japan, and are known to cause fatalities, many travellers want to make sure they can return early or extend their stay if anything happens.
These, among other benefits, should always be included in your travel insurance for Japan. With all that in mind, I recommend the following policy for trips of under 3 months.Ā
Of course, travelling alone is not the same as travelling with your family, nor is a tourism trip the same as an adventure trip. So, to help you as much as possible, I’ve compiled the bet policies for each traveller profile.Ā
Finding the ideal travel insurance for Japan is a matter of considering what your needs are as a traveller, so let’s take a look at some more specific traveller profiles.
Families travelling short-term
Travelling with children in a foreign country with different norms and customs is never easy, but taking out family travel insurance for Japan that is specifically tailored to families is the best way to ensure a smooth trip.
Luckily, there’s a great deal on insurance available right now that you can benefit from that will cover you and your loved ones if something goes wrong.Ā Ā
Until 21/05/2026, get 5% off Heymondo InsuranceĀ when you travel as a family.
If youāre seeking coverage for an adventure with the whole family, this is a great option. It offers medical assistance abroad, pharmaceutical expenses, repatriation of minors, and children’s liability.
Solo-travellers and couples travelling short-term
If you’re travelling solo or as a couple, you need an affordable insurance policy with coverage that matches the activities you want to take part in.Ā
Here’s a deal available for a limited time that will keep you covered on your trip, while also saving you some pocket money for Japan.
Get a 5% discount on Heymondo travel insurance valid until 21/05/2026!
This is the ideal option for travellers exploring the world on their own or as a couple. This policy offers good value for money, has broad equipment and medical coverage, insures you during sporting activities, and even covers pre-existing conditions.
Backpackers and adventurers travelling short-term
Japan has tons of opportunities for thrill-seekers, including some of the best ski and snowboard slopes in the world! If you’re planning to explore the wilder side of Japan, you need to be prepared in case you run into trouble along the way.
The following policy comes at a discounted price for a limited time only and is designed for all the explorers out there, giving you peace of mind as you take in the adventure that Japan has to offer.Ā
Heymondo is the perfect insurer for adventurous travellers, and for travel to countries with high medical expenses. Its comprehensive coverage includes motor vehicle accidents and adventure sports.Ā
Activate your coupon for a 5% discount on Heymondo, available now until 21/05/2026.
The best long-term travel insurance to Japan
If you’ll be travelling for more than 3 months, long-term travel insurance is essential.
I recommend a policy that offers renewal at any time, as well as early return. There are currently plenty of discounted deals on comprehensive policies for trips of this kind, so let’s take a closer look!
Once again, I recommend different policies designed to suit the needs of families, solo travellers and couples, and backpackers.Ā
Families travelling long-term
Japan is a great place for family trips, as it’s a safe country. However, it can still be stressful travelling with kids when you consider the busy streets and foreign bacteria. As such, having family health insurance for Japan is vital.
With comprehensive travel insurance for Japan, you can rest assured that the little ones will be covered in the event of an inconvenience or emergency.Ā
Get a 15% Discount on Chapka Adventure for a family of 3 persons or more (valid until 21/05/2026).
This is a great option for long-term family trips. It includes a 24-hour medical chat, repatriation and early return, and pharmaceutical expenses because access to prescription drugs is crucial when travelling with the little ones.Ā
Solo-travellers and couples travelling long-term
Solo-travellers and couples travelling to Japan need insurance that covers them in case of accident or illness.Ā
To get the best travel insurance to Japan, it’s important to think about all the risk involved with the specific trip you’re taking. This way you can opt for a policy that will protect you from a financial nightmare.
Activate 5% Discount at Heymondo Insurance (valid until 21/05/2026).
If youāre ready to dive straight into your next big adventure, either solo, or with a partner, you want peace of mind.
This insurance policy is ideal for long-term trips (from 1 to 12 months), as it includes a high level of medical costs, repatriation, and it allows for renewal whilst on the road.
Backpackers and adventurers travelling long-term
Typically, for most adventurers headed to Japan, the biggest worry is being admitted to hospital and having to pay exorbitant amounts of money for treatment, especially if you’re into winter sports or backpacking.Ā
If you’re staying in the country for over 3 months, taking out long-term travel insurance is a must, as you never know what awaits you. Ā
If youāre an intrepid traveller whoās ready to leap into the unknown and experience the adrenalin and adventure of your next trip, this next long-term travel insurance is for you.
Until 21/05/2026, get a 5% discount on Heymondo Travel Insurance.Ā
Perfect for backpackers, this policy includes a wide variety of high-risk activities, such as activities with undomesticated animals, jet skiing, and off-roading!
The best travel insurance to Japan for digital nomads and businesses
Japan is famous for having a strong business culture. For this reason, it’s a great destination for both digital nomads and business people to live and work, look for a new client-base, or to hold conventions and events.
If you’re a digital nomad, there are certain specific guarantees you need to look for in a policy. The most important guarantee that isn’t related to health is electronic equipment coverage, as we need it to work.
There’s currently a great offer on digital nomad travel insurance for Japan that covers all the essentials:
Get a 5% discount on Heymondo until 21/05/2026. Get in quick!
Activate Discount HereĀ
- Fill in your trip info
- Click on āCalculate Priceā.Ā
- All done! The discount will be applied automatically.Ā
Some of the most useful benefits of Hey Mondo travel insurance for digital nomads include:
- 24/7 assistance platform.
- Repatriation and early return.Ā
- Travel expenses for a family member if you are hospitalised for over a week.
The best travel insurance to Japan for working holidays
When living and working in a foreign country, you also want to have the freedom to explore the country and try new things. Working holiday insurance policies are designed to include coverage suited to your working lifestyle,Ā so you can make the most of it!
If you’re preparing to go and work in Japan on a working holiday visa, it’s important to have broad coverage for medical and hospitalisation expenses, 24-hour assistance, and repatriation, among other benefits.Ā This next policy covers all this and more:
Enjoy a 5% discount on Chapka Working Holiday insurance (valid until 21/05/2026)
Click Here: Activate Discount
- Fill in your trip info
- Click on āCalculate Priceā.
- Done! The discount will be applied automatically.Ā
The most useful benefits that Cap Working Holiday gives those working abroad include:
- Coverage during short trips to your home country.
- Repatriation and early return.Ā
- Medical expenses and hospitalisation abroad covered at 100%.Ā
- This policy is renewable abroad, in case you decide to extend your stay.
Best annual travel insurance to Japan
If you’re a regular traveller to Japan, or Asia in general, taking out annual insurance is a super convenient option that will make your life a lot easier.Ā
Annual insurance is essential for frequent travellers. This package insures you for all the trips you take in a year, so you can save time and money on insurance. Each trip under 60 days will include cancellation coverage and a 24-hour assistance platform.Ā
Activate a 5% Discount on Heymondo Annual Multi-trip, only valid until 21/05/2026.
In my experience using annual travel insurance, there are some essential benefits you should look for when taking out travel insurance to Japan:
- Strong coverage for medical expenses
- Repatriation and early returnĀ
- Covid-19 cover
- Luggage theft or damage
- Trip cancellation cover
Best travel insurance to Japan for exchange students
Students from around the world dream of studying at a Japanese school or university. If you’re lucky enough to do this yourself, I’m sure it’ll be an unforgettable cultural experience. However, medical costs for foreigners in Japan are very high.
Student insurance policies are specifically designed to meet the needs of students, allowing you to enjoy on your student exchange without having to worry about possible worst-case-scenarios.Ā
Luckily, there’s even a great deal on cheap travel insurance to Japan for students available now:Ā
Chapka Student is perfect for students heading abroad. This policy is especially useful for students studying in countries with high medical costs, such as the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
Get a 5% discount on Cap Student in May 2026:
Click here: Activate Discount
- Fill in your trip info (country of residence, travel dates, type of insurance).
- Click on āCalculate your Insuranceā.
- All done! The discount will be applied automatically.Ā
Cap Student also covers travel and accommodation costs for a family member to visit you if you are hospitalised for 2 days or more:
- Repatriation and early return.
- Chronic, pre-existing or congenital conditions.Ā
- Dental expenses.Ā
- Personal injury from motor vehicle accidents.
Useful tips for travelling to Japan at the best price in 2026Ā
Travelling through Japan isn’t cheap, especially compared to other Asian countries, so it’s a good idea to save where you can. A little saving here and there can go a long way. With that said, here are my travelling hacks!
Choosing cheap travel insurance to Japan that is tailored to your needs is vital, but remember that flights, accommodation, the card you use, and how you book your activities are crucial factors as well.Ā Ā
Here are a few tricks Iāve learned over the years, theyāll help you save money on your travels, so you can focus on the things you enjoy about travelling.
If you follow these tips, you might just find that by the end of your trip, you have enough money left over to explore an extra destination on your route home. Imagine that!
Fly at reduced prices!
You know, flights don’t cost the same from all countries! To pay for my cheapest flights, I use NordVPN.Ā
Basically, it’s a private network that allows you to access Internet sites from locations other than your own, and this can have some serious benefits:
In May 2026, enjoy a 59% discount on NordVPN.
Click here: Activate Discount
Flights from Barcelona to Buenos Aires donāt cost the same if you buy them from Spain as from India, for example. So, once youāve installed NordVPN, simply access websites like Skyscanner and compare prices by entering as if you were browsing from different countries.Ā
The 8 countries from which it is cheapest to buy flights are: Malaysia, Bulgaria, India, Turkey, Romania, Indonesia, Portugal, and Thailand. Once you have NordVPN, head over to Skyscanner and start paying reduced prices for flights all over the world!
Stay at a discount all year round
Access Booking.com now and get discounts of up to 15% in May 2026 by becoming a Genius user.
There are also ways to save money when booking your accommodation with Booking. The first of which is becoming a Genius user, something you get from making 2 bookings (Genius level 1), and 5 bookings (Genius level 2).
As a Genius user in Booking.com, you can enjoy:
- Discounts on room rates.Ā
- Free breakfast.Ā
- Upgrades to superior room categories.Ā
- Free parking.Ā
- Late check-out.Ā
- Welcome gifts.
In addition, there are hotels in Booking.com that directly offer you a 10 to 15% discount on your rate for being a Genius user.
Access to get discounts of up to 15% by becoming a Genius user.
Finally, Booking.com has a Minimum Price Guarantee program, so if you find a cheaper price for your hotel on any other website, theyāll match it!
Get the best travel card
If you travel frequently, the Revolut Metal Card is another great way to save money. For starters, they offer you unlimited currency exchanges without paying any fees!Ā
This Card allows you to make unlimited domestic transfers free of charge, and withdraw up to Ā£800 a month from international ATMs.Ā
If you spent Ā£650 abroad in a month using a standard card, and withdrew Ā£350 at ATMs, you would have paid around Ā£44 in fees.Ā
With the Revolut Metal card, you would have paid Ā£0 in fees.
Reserve your entertainment and sightseeing in advance
GetYourGuide is an indispensable tool for organising any trip to any destination. Itās a platform that helps you book tourism and leisure activities for your trip.Ā
With GetYourGuide, you can book your activities online to avoid queues, and take advantage of a discount for online bookings. This way, you save time and money, so you can enjoy more activities during your trip!
Discounts on Travel Insurance to Japan
Of course, one of the best ways to save on your trip is to get your insurance as cheap as possible. To save you some time, I’ve compiled the following exclusive discounts for you to take advantage of:
– 5% OFF
š Short Stay š§š»āš¾ Working Holiday š©š¾āš Studies
ACTIVATE DISCOUNT
Valid until 21/05/2026
Promo code applies an automatic and immediate discount.
- After clicking on the offer, you will be redirected to the insurer website
- Fill in the details of your next trip
- Then click on “Get a quote”.
- The promo code will be applied automatically.
Requirements for travelling to Japan
One of the most important advantages of travelling to Japan for UK, US, and EU citizens is that it isn’t necessary to apply for a tourist visa. However, you will have to fulfil a series of requirements for the trip:
- You must have a valid passport for the entire period of your stay in Japan. It doesn’t need to have a minimum validity period like other countries, but bear this in mind if you are moving on to another Asian country.Ā Make sure your passport is not damaged or has a separate cover from the rest of the document.
- Fill in the form given to travellers on the plane. This should be given to the immigration office on arrival.
- Have proof of your return ticket.
- Have a vaccination certificate showing that you have the full course and booster dose of COVID-19. Failing that, you will need a PCR done within 72 days prior to departure.
Is travel insurance required to enter Japan?
It is not compulsory to take out travel insurance to enter Japan, unless you want to rent a car, then it is a necessary. Despite the lack of an express requirement, it is highly inadvisable to travel to Japan without insurance.Ā
As we have mentioned, health costs in Japan are very high, especially for non-residents, and in addition, cancellations due to natural disasters can occur.
For this reason, taking out an insurance policy is the best way to avoid a financial disaster and get your money back. Ultimately, it’s simply not worth the risk!
What should my travel insurance to Japan cover?
When taking out an insurance policy for your trip to Japan, it is important to bear in mind the specific benefits that will be most practical in that particular country.
Remember that Japan is a place that suffers from a lot of different weather emergencies, such as typhoons, and other disasters such as earthquakes or tsunamis. For these reasons, your health insurance in Japan should cover such things as early return and repatriation.Ā
To elaborate, here are the benefits I consider essential for travel to Japan in May 2026:
- Repatriation of travellers.
- Early return.
- Search and rescue expenses.
- Medical expenses and 24-hour assistance.
- Accident compensation.
- Reimbursement for cancellation or interruption of the trip.
I’d also like to mention here that the ski resorts of Northern Japan are world-renowned, making it a great destination for skiers, snowboarders, and extreme sportspeople. If this is you, remember to add an adventure or winter sports add-on to your policy!
How much does travel insurance to Japan cost?
Throughout this post, I’ve outlined the prices of the different policies, which you can reduce with our discounts. But if you want to get a general idea of policy prices, here is a summary of the price ranges for travel insurance to Asia.
- From 20 to ā¬45 per week for short trips.
- From 40 to 125 ā¬ per month for long-term trips.
- From 30 to 85 ā¬ per month for nomadic or business trips.
- From 40 to 160 ā¬ per month for business travel (Working Holiday).
- From 30 to ā¬80 per month for study trips.
How to take out travel insurance to Japan
Your insurance is just a few clicks away. These days, taking out insurance has become a much simpler and more intuitive process. So, here’s a quick summary:
- Access the official website of the chosen insurer and select the policy you want.Ā
- Fill in your trip details, including the number of people travelling to the destination, and the duration of the trip. In the case of long-stay insurance, you will see that the minimum is 3 months.
- Fill in the personal details of the travellers.
- Select an add-on if necessary.
- Enter your payment details: and that’s it!
Is it safe to travel to Japan?
Japan is, in general, a safe country where there are usually no problems for tourists. In fact, you can move around the cities at night without any issues and public transport is both clean and reliable.
However, there is a risk of petty theft and extortion in the entertainment district of Tokyo, so exercise normal precautions while travelling there or in similar areas in other cities.Ā
For information from the official Japan National Tourism Organization, click here. It’s also advisable to take note of where your country’s Embassy is in Japan, in case you run into trouble and need assistance.Ā
With a comprehensive travel insurance policy, you’re ready to experience the beauty and charm of Japan, and I can guarantee you’re in for a fantastic experience! ā© šÆšµ
