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How to choose the right travel insurance for Japan?
Since each person’s idea of a great holiday is different, there is no one-size-fits-all travel insurance policy, and the right level of coverage will differ person to person. It’s important therefore to buy the policy that suits your particular needs and covers you for what you plan to do on your trip.
For example, when comparing travel insurance with Canstar, you can search for policies that cover you for travel to Japan, and see the limits that each policy provides for overseas medical and hospital cover, as well as cancellations and lost luggage.
You can also filter your results to show policies that cover for a range of options that may be applicable to your trip, for example, if you plan on skiing or snowboarding, cover for these activities may not be standard and may need to be added on.
What does Japan travel insurance cover?
The list of things generally covered by travel insurance policies for Japan includes:
Medical or dental emergency
Hospital admission, emergency care and medical evacuation.
Lost or stolen luggage, passport or other items
Replacing luggage and travel documents is the most common claim for travel insurance.
Cancelling your trip unexpectedly
Cancellation due to illness, accident, holiday leave being revoked or a natural disaster at home or at your intended destination.
Legal liability
If you break a local law and need a lawyer/interpreter e.g if you injure someone or are held accountable for damaged property.
Optional extras
Some policies offer a variety of useful extras depending on which one you get, such as rental vehicle excesses, cover for kennels and catteries for your pets at home, and even cover if you suffer a loss of income or a permanent disability while overseas.
Repatriation
If tragedy strikes while you are away, repatriation covers the cost of flying your body and belongings back home to Australia. Some policies also include a separate sum for funeral expenses.
What does Japan travel insurance not cover?
Your travel insurance policy won’t cover everything that happens to you while travelling in Japan, as there are a number of common exclusions, as well as things that could void your cover, such as:
Riding without a helmet
If you plan to ride a bicycle, scooter or motorcycle while in Japan, your travel insurance will not cover you if you’re found to be riding without a helmet. This may also apply when skiing or snowboarding, so it’s important to check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) of your policy before doing so.
Being under the influence
Likewise, claims relating directly to drugs or alcohol or incidents befalling travellers under the influence of these substances will likely not be covered.
Pre-existing conditions
While you can sometimes pay a bit extra to get them covered, an exclusion may apply if, at the time of purchasing the policy, you were aware of something that would give rise to you making a claim under the policy and didn’t inform the insurer. It’s worth checking the terms and conditions of your policy to find out if you’re covered for your condition.
Unreported and unattended items
You can be covered if your possessions are stolen or lost accidentally, but leaving them unattended will often void your cover. In the event that your possessions are lost or stolen, you need to report the loss to local authorities within 24 hours, and then inform your insurance provider as soon as possible. Your policy will typically state the timeframe in which you must report to your insurance provider.
Travelling to regions that you know are unsafe, such as the restricted zones around the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant, can also void your insurance. It’s important to note that radiation levels in most parts of Japan, including Tokyo and Hiroshima, are within the normal range.
Can you get skiing and snowboarding insurance for Japan?
Many Australian tourists flock to the countless world-class ski resorts that Japan has to offer. While the thought of skiing and snowboarding in the beautiful Japanese snow is exciting, injuries can and do happen. There are numerous cases of people being injured in snow sport-related accidents in Japan each ski season. That’s why having an insurance policy that covers snow sports can be important if you plan on hitting the slopes.
Generally, standard travel insurance policies don’t include cover for snow and winter sports. Cover for these activities is often an optional extra that can be added to the policy. This will likely increase the premium you’ll have to pay, but may be worth the peace of mind of knowing you’re covered in the unfortunate case that you suffer a serious injury.
Some policies may also have safety requirements, such as the wearing of a helmet, for you to be covered. It’s important to read the terms and conditions of your policy to check for these requirements. Failure to meet these safety requirements may result in claims being denied and/or your cover being voided.
What does Japan Travel Insurance cost?
At the time of writing, basic travel insurance for Japan can start from as low as $46-$62 for basic cover for an individual traveller for a week in Japan, and $70 and up for more comprehensive cover. The price can vary from there, depending on the level of cover and optional inclusions that you need. For example, cover that includes snow and winter sports could cost anywhere from $130-$340. You can compare travel insurance with Canstar to find cover that suits your particular needs and budget.
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