What kind of travel insurance should I purchase for a trip to Tokyo?

Hello! Planning a trip to Tokyo? That’s fantastic! Tokyo is an amazing city with tons of delicious food and fun activities. When it comes to travel insurance, don’t brush it off as a hassle—taking a few minutes to understand it can save you a lot of worry. Think of it like carrying an umbrella: you’ll likely never need it, but if it “rains,” you’ll be glad you planned ahead.

Here’s a breakdown of what to prioritize when buying travel insurance for Tokyo, based on my experience.

The Core: Maximize Medical Coverage!

This is absolutely the most important part of travel insurance, no contest! You might think, “Japan is so safe and clean, what could go wrong?” But accidents can happen anywhere, and they’re beyond our control.

Why is it essential?
Medical costs in Japan can be shockingly high for foreigners. Without Japanese national health insurance, even a simple visit for a cold, fever, or stomach bug could leave you stunned by the bill. And that’s not even considering accidents like falls requiring stitches or minor surgeries.
How to choose?
- Opt for high coverage limits: Don’t cheap out on policies with limited coverage. Personally, I recommend medical coverage of at least ¥300,000 RMB or higher—¥500,000 is even better. This ensures you’re adequately covered in an emergency.
- Look for “overseas direct billing”: This feature is incredibly practical! If you’re hospitalized in Japan, the insurer pays the hospital directly, so you don’t front huge costs and wait for reimbursement later. Check policy details for terms like “medical expense advance payment” or “overseas direct billing.”

In short: Medical coverage is critical—prioritize high limits and direct billing.

Nice-to-Have: Travel Disruption Coverage

This covers minor-but-annoying hiccups. While not as vital as medical care, it eases stress during setbacks and recovers some costs.

Trip delay/cancellation:
If typhoons, snowstorms (common in Japanese winters), or airline overbooking delay your flight by 4–6+ hours (check your policy), insurers provide compensation (usually a few hundred RMB)—enough for a nice airport meal or a book. If severe weather cancels your entire trip, you can also claim non-refundable prepaid costs (e.g., hotels, tickets).
Baggage delay/loss:
Imagine arriving in Tokyo without your suitcase full of clothes and toiletries… “Baggage delay” coverage kicks in here. Insurers pay a stipend for emergency purchases at Uniqlo, drugstores, etc.
Personal belongings loss/theft:
Coverage for stolen/lost phones, cameras, or wallets (Tokyo is safe, but petty theft in tourist spots happens). Note: Payouts have caps, and you’ll need purchase proofs + a police report—so keep photos of receipts in your email or phone.

In short: This is affordable peace of mind—focus on flight and baggage delays.

Other Coverage to Note

Personal accident (death/disability):
Covers accidental death or permanent injury (separate from medical care). No need for ultra-high limits, but do include it. Hope you never use it.
Personal liability:
Protects you if you accidentally damage hotel property or break items in stores, requiring compensation.
High-risk activities (if applicable):
Skiing in Nagano/Niigata in winter or diving in Izu? Double-check if your policy covers “high-risk activities.” Standard plans usually exclude these, so you’ll need an add-on or specialized product.

Where and How to Buy?

Major travel platforms:
Sites like Ctrip or Fliggy often offer insurance when booking flights/hotels. Convenient, but always review “coverage details” against the tips above.
Insurance company websites/apps:
Reputable providers like Ping An, Allianz, or AIG offer clearer terms and more options.
Compare policies:
Don’t rush! Spend minutes searching “Japan travel insurance” across platforms to compare prices and coverage—aim for the best value.

Pro Tips

Look beyond price: A ¥100 vs. ¥200 policy often differs in medical limits, delay payouts, or direct billing.
Read the fine print: Note exclusions like visiting danger zones or unauthorized high-risk activities.
Save ALL documentation: Keep e-policies in your phone/email. For claims, retain flight delay proofs, receipts, hospital bills, police reports, etc.

That’s about it! Insurance exists so you can explore worry-free. Enjoy Tokyo—eat, drink, and shop to your heart’s content! Don’t miss the ramen, sushi, tempura, or shopping sprees! Have an amazing time! 🍜🍣🗼