Health Insurance Requirements for Tourists Visiting Japan
Tourists vacationing in Japan for three months or less are not required to have health insurance. After three months, enrollment in Japan’s National Health Insurance Scheme is mandatory. To protect your health and budget, travel insurance with medical coverage is still highly recommended.
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Are you heading on a trip to Japan? Getting ready for your vacation requires more than planning flights and sightseeing spots; it requires nailing down what kind of insurance coverage you might need for your stay. This guide can help you do just that, so you’re protected while abroad in Japan.
Keep reading to find out whether or not you must legally purchase health insurance to visit Japan, what your health insurance must cover, recommended options, and much more.
What are the Health Insurance Requirements to Visit Japan?
Japan does not require that tourists entering the country for three months or less have health insurance or travel insurance. Those who will stay in the country beyond three months, however, will be required to enroll in Japan’s public healthcare scheme.
Japanese Public Health Insurance for Vacationers
Travelers staying in Japan for over 90 days are legally mandated to enroll in a public health insurance scheme, so opting out is not an option. Japan’s healthcare schemes are the National Health Insurance (NHI) and the Social Health Insurance/Employees’ Health Insurance (SHI).
Here is a simple overview of these health insurance schemes:
- National Health Insurance (NHI): Japan’s NHI plans were created for residents who are unemployed, self-employed, students, or who work less than 30 hours a week. NHI premiums are based on income.
- Social Health Insurance/Employees’ Health Insurance (SHI): The SHI plan covers those who are employed in Japan, including foreign workers. SHI is paid for by contributions from Japanese employers and their employees and includes the same benefits as NHI.
Some of the main benefits included under Japan’s public healthcare schemes include:
- Hospital care
- Outpatient care
- Mental health care
- Prescription drugs
- Home health care
- Dental care
Japanese public health insurance provides comprehensive coverage and access to high-quality facilities. Copayments are the same across all plans and are based on age: most will pay a 30% copay, while children under three have a 20% copay, and those over 70 with low incomes have a 10% copay.
Why You Should Purchase Health Insurance Coverage as a Tourist in Japan
Health insurance coverage protects against illness, medical emergencies, and hospital costs. Japan has a good healthcare system, but medical care is costly.
Vacationers in Japan who do not have the right health insurance must pay out of pocket for all medical care received in the country. While Japanese medical care is good, nothing could damper a trip like expensive, unexpected medical bills.
Illness Coverage as a Tourist in Japan
Health insurance can help cover the cost of medical treatments for illnesses tourists get in Japan, whether they contract foodborne illness like norovirus, influenza, respiratory tract infections, or dengue.
Depending on the time of year and location of your travel within Japan, all these illnesses are common.
Medical Injuries as a Tourist in Japan
Medical emergencies can happen anywhere, and your health insurance from back home typically will not cover the cost of receiving care for these medical emergencies in Japan. Especially because many travelers enjoy outdoor activities while in Japan, coverage for potential injury is wise.
Hospital Costs as a Tourist in Japan
Tourists who do not have health insurance may pay anywhere from ¥20,000 to ¥50,000 (about USD $128–$320) for a first-time outpatient visit or emergency room visit at a hospital in Japan.
Costs vary drastically depending on the treatment needed and whether it’s a public or private facility.
| Approximate Hospital Costs in Japan without Insurance | |
| Visit Type | Cost (JPY/USD) |
| First outpatient visit | ¥20,000–¥50,000 (about USD $128–$320) |
| First hospital consultation | ¥10,000–¥30,000 (about USD $64–$192) |
| Emergency room visit | ¥20,000–¥50,000 (about USD $128–$320) |
| Deposit for emergency hospitalization | ¥300,000 (about USD $1,923) |
Vacationers heading to Japan should also note that it’s common to be charged a first-time visit to the hospital, which is often an additional ¥10,000 (about USD $64). The more procedures or tests required will also greatly increase the cost.
Health Insurance Options for Tourists in Japan
Tourists and other short-term visitors in Japan can get health insurance coverage through travel medical insurance and short-term health insurance. Short-term visitors in Japan who extend their stay to three months or longer are required to enroll in a public health insurance scheme.
For a deeper dive into all the health insurance options available to those heading to Japan, check out our article Health Insurance in Japan for Foreigners: Coverage, Costs & How to Enroll.
Travel Medical Insurance for Japan
Travel medical insurance is a top choice for vacationers in Japan because it covers emergency medical treatment plus travel-related risks. Vacationers can customize the length and extent of coverage, making it a flexible option for both the budget-minded and the anxious traveler.
Some of the common benefits included in travel medical insurance include coverage for:
- Trip cancellation and delay
- Emergency medical expenses
- Liability insurance
- Inpatient medical treatment
- Medical evacuation
- Lost luggage and personal belongings
- Lost travel documents
- Rental care insurance
Because plans are custom-built to the length of your vacation, your itinerary, and your desired level of coverage, prices can range drastically. To get an idea of the cost to cover your trip from reliable providers, use Pacific Prime’s free quote tool to compare travel insurance quotes.
Short-Term Health Insurance for Japan
Short-term health insurance plans are another favored choice for tourists in Japan, especially for those like digital nomads and global working professionals. Unlike travel insurance, short-term health insurance does not cover travel-related risks, but the medical coverage is generally more robust.
Short-term health insurance can typically be purchased for as short as one month but up to a year. Short-term health insurance plans offer specific medical benefits like:
- Hospitalization coverage
- Outpatient treatment
- Ambulance transportation
- Medical evacuation
- Prescribed medication
- Repatriation of remains
Top Three Recommended Health Insurance Providers for Tourists in Japan
International insurance companies like IMG Global, Allianz Travel, and AXA offer the best travel and short-term health insurance for tourists heading to Japan. These international providers offer bespoke, comprehensive benefits, whether you’re looking for short-term or travel insurance in Japan.
Once you’ve read through our suggestions, check out our article for more information on the best travel insurance in Japan for travelers.
IMG Global for Tourists in Japan
IMG Global offers top-notch travel insurance through its Patriot Travel and iTravellinsured plans, which boast customizable and comprehensive benefits for visitors in Japan. As an international health insurance provider, IMG knows how to cater to the needs of travelers and expats around the globe.
Benefits included in IMG Global plans include:
- Generous annual limits
- Medical evacuation coverage
- Inpatient and outpatient coverage
- Dental coverage
- Telehealth options
- Cancel for Any Reason riders
For those who want more extensive medical coverage, consider IMG’s GlobeHopper plans, which come in three tiers: GlobeHopper, GlobeHopper Platinum, and GlobeHopper MultiTrip.
Allianz Travel for Tourists in Japan
Allianz Travel offers a variety of travel insurance plans, whether you need multi-trip or single-trip coverage for your time in Japan. Allianz’s travel insurance can include both medical coverage and travel-related risk coverage to meet the needs of all types of vacationers.
Some benefits provided by Allianz Travel are:
- Medical and emergency coverage
- Reimbursement for flight delays
- Replacement for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage
- Multilingual 24/7 customer service support
- Coverage for non-refundable costs if your trip is canceled or interrupted due to unforeseen events
Those looking for short-term health insurance may prefer Allianz Care’s Flexicare plan, which can be purchased in three-, six-, or nine-month plans. Allianz Flexicare plans cover a variety of medical costs, such as:
- Hospital visits
- Surgeries
- Prescription drugs
- Medical evacuations
- Diagnostic tests
- Cancer treatments
- Doctor visits
AXA for Tourists in Japan
AXA offers three travel insurance plans for vacationers in Japan: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each of these plans offers different levels of coverage, with the Silver plan offering basic coverage at a lower cost and the Platinum plan featuring the most extensive coverage.
AXA travel insurance plans included the following benefits:
- Medical coverage
- Trip cancellation and interruption coverage
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation
- Coverage for lost or delayed baggage
- Optional Cancel for Any Reason rider with the Platinum plan
AXA’s short-term health insurance offerings include their Foundation and Standard plans, which can cover Japan visitors for three to 11 months.
Some of the common benefits included with the Foundation and Standard plans are:
- Coverage for hospital charges and surgery
- Coverage for emergency services
- Coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation
- Coverage for cancer treatment
- Coverage for CT, PET, and MRI scans
- Coverage for a virtual doctor service
- Optional coverage for outpatient treatments and tests
Travel Tips for Vacationers in Japan
Japan is considered a safe place to travel, but vacationers should make sure they are up to date on their required vaccines and follow the guidelines below for the best experience possible in the Land of the Rising Sun.
- Stay Up to Date with Vaccines: Get fully vaccinated against common diseases such as measles, hepatitis A and B, rabies, and Japanese encephalitis before your vacation.
- Use Food and Water Safety: Avoid tap water in rural areas and be cautious with street food. Japan has high food safety standards, but you should still stick to reputable restaurants and ensure food is fully cooked.
- Prevent Bug Bites: Use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin to protect against mosquito bites, especially during the warmer months, when it’s peak mosquito season.
- Prepare for Emergencies: Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers (e.g., 110 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance). Keep a list of local hospitals and clinics handy in case of medical emergencies.
- Make a Plan for Natural Disasters: Stay informed about safety protocols and evacuation routes for common natural disasters in Japan, like earthquakes and typhoons. Consider carrying a small emergency kit as well.
- Purchase Health Insurance: Ensure you have health insurance that covers your medical and travel needs while in Japan: don’t just choose the cheapest plan available. Assess your health history and your needs for travel peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a tourist get healthcare in Japan?
Tourists can access healthcare in Japan by visiting any clinic or hospital in Japan. Tourists must pay for all expenses out of pocket unless they have sufficient private insurance coverage through travel medical insurance, short-term health insurance, or international health insurance.
Is healthcare free for tourists in Japan?
Healthcare is not free for tourists in Japan. Tourists in Japan must pay for all medical care they receive at clinics or hospitals, but they can buffer those costs with health insurance.
What is the best travel insurance plan for Japan?
AXA, Allianz, and IMG Global offer some of the best travel insurance for Japan. Before selecting a plan, evaluate the length of your trip; your budget,; and whether you want to prioritize medical benefits, coverage for travel-related risks, or both.
Conclusion
Tourists in Japan are not required to purchase travel medical insurance or short-term health insurance plans for short stays, but they are required to enroll in public health insurance if staying for over 90 days. Travel or short-term health insurance is highly recommended for all trips to Japan.
If you’re ready to find health insurance that meets your needs for your trip, contact the insurance experts at Pacific Prime. We have over 25 years of experience providing insurance to global travelers, and we partner with a diverse range of top international health insurance providers worldwide.
For more helpful guides to get you ready for your time in Japan, check out our articles below:
- Health Insurance in Japan for Tourists & Short-Term Visitors
- How to Claim Reimbursements Under Japan’s Health Insurance System
- Cost of Living in Japan: Essential Guide for Expats
- 12 Best Places To Live In Japan For Expats
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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