travel insurance nz to japan

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Great options to suit your travel within New Zealand or overseas

Overseas cover & annual multi-trip cover

Our overseas travel covers medical, dental and hospital treatment*, lost luggage, and personal liability, and can get you and your family home in certain emergencies.

Travel a lot? Take out our annual multi-trip option and you’re covered for as many trips as you like, for 12 months.**

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Domestic Cover

If your plans while travelling in New Zealand change unexpectedly, we can cover the cost of cancelling or amending your flight, accommodation or rental car bookings and other expenses, up to $10,000.

Inbound Cover - Visiting NZ

Are you a non-resident visiting friends and family in NZ, or on a working holiday? Our Inbound plan can cover medical and dental expenses, luggage and travel documents, rental vehicle insurance excess, personal liability and more!

Travel Cover During Covid-19

Planning an adventure? Check out our scenario-based FAQs explaining how we could cover you if Covid-19 plays havoc with your trip: AMI Travel Cover and Covid-19 FAQs

Find out before you go – our Covid-19 Benefits Destination Guide explains how AMI Travel cover applies when travelling to different international destinations: Covid-19 Benefits Destination Guide

Still unsure? Ask us a question

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Policy benefits

Medical and dental expenses

Additional expenses

Amendment or cancellation costs

Luggage and travel documents

Delayed luggage allowance

Rental vehicle insurance excess

Travel delay

Resumption of journey

Missed connections

Special events

Hospital incidentals

Loss of income

Accidental death

Legal expenses

Personal liability

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This is only a summary of benefits provided. Please refer to AMI Travel Policy Wording for full details of the cover provided. Please read the entire document carefully to understand what this policy covers. Importantly, please note that conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits apply.

Specific terms, conditions and exclusions apply to Covid-19. See the policy wording for the most up to date information.

* Cover will not exceed 12 months from the onset of the illness or injury. Medical and dental expenses cover is limited to $1,500 for treatment provided in New Zealand. This $1,500 sub-limit does not apply to our Inbound Plan. ^ Cover chosen applies per policy. See the policy wording . • Item limits apply for any one item, set or pair of items including attached or unattached accessories. You may increase these item limits if you wish. See the policy wording . # If you or your travelling companion are diagnosed with Covid-19 by a qualified medical practitioner and are unable to travel, you can claim cancellation or amendment costs for your prepaid trip up to a benefit limit of $10,000 per policy on an international Plan or $5,000 per policy on a Domestic Plan or if applicable, up to the level of cover purchased for cancellation (whichever is lower). There is also no cover if symptoms or diagnosis occurred prior to buying your policy. ~ The maximum liability collectively 14, 15, and 16 is $15,000 International Plan, and $10,000 on a Domestic Plan

This is only a summary of the benefit provided. Please refer to the policy wording . For details of the cover provided. Please read the entire document carefully to understand what the relevant policy covers. Importantly, please note that conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits apply, and this summary of benefits table may change at any time.

Before you travel

Travel safety

Find out more information about events that may affect you when you travel.

Travel tips

Our team of intrepid Kiwi travellers has come up with a list of handy travel tips to help make your holiday even better.

AMI Travel insurance is underwritten by Zurich Australian Insurance Limited ("ZAIL") incorporated in Australia, ABN 13 000 296 640, trading as Zurich New Zealand. IAG New Zealand Limited (“IAG”), of which AMI is a business division, is not the insurer. IAG receives a commission for the issue of AMI-branded travel policies arranged through Cover-More (NZ) Limited (“Cover-More”). Cover-More administers the policy and acts on behalf of Zurich New Zealand. IAG does not guarantee Zurich New Zealand or Cover-More.

AMI Travel Website Disclaimer 12072022

Limits, sub-limits, conditions, and exclusions apply. Standard excess may apply.

AMI Travel insurance is administered by Cover-More NZ Ltd, underwritten and issued by Zurich Australian Insurance Limited (ZAIL) incorporated in Australia, ABN 13 000 296 640 , trading as Zurich New Zealand. For further information see Zurich New Zealand's financial strength rating .

Any advice is general advice only. Consider the AMI Travel Policy Brochure and wording therein before deciding to buy this product. IAG receives a commission for the issue of AMI branded travel policies arranged through Cover-More (NZ) Limited ("Cover-More").

IAG New Zealand Limited ("IAG"), of which AMI is a business division, is not the insurer. IAG does not guarantee Zurich New Zealand or Cover-More.

Quick and easy claims We're here for you if something disrupts your trip. Save time and submit your claim online.

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UK: Channel Islands, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, United Kingdom, Wales.

South East Asia, Hong Kong, Japan: Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), Nauru, Northern Marianas, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam

South Pacific and Norfolk Island:  Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Niue, Norfolk Island, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Western Samoa.

New Zealand Only:  New Zealand domestic travel

New Zealand Inbound Travellers :   New Zealand

Dates of Travel

Departure date (travel start date).

Single Trip - The date you depart New Zealand

Cover under the Amendment or Cancellation Costs benefit begins from the time you buy your policy. Cover under all other sections begins from the Travel Start Date you select.

Annual Multi-Trip - The date your policy will commence

Cover under the Amendment or Cancellation Costs benefit begins from the time you buy your policy. For further information, we recommend you read the definition of "Relevant Time" in the Policy Wording.

Return date - (Travel end date)

Single Trip - The date you return to your home

Annual Multi-Trip

Regardless of what you enter as the Return date, you will be quoted for a 12 month Annual Multi-Trip policy.

For further information we recommend that you read the definition of "Relevant Time" in the Policy Wording.

Traveller Details

Age of each traveller at issue date

Simply enter the age of each traveller including children.

Only use as many boxes as you have travellers.

Do all travellers live in New Zealand?

New Zealand resident travellers are able to purchase Travel Insurance policies from us to any area of travel and any country/destination.

Non-New Zealand resident travellers are only able to purchase a Travel Insurance policy if travelling inbound to New Zealand.

For Non-New Zealand resident travellers wanting to purchase Travel Insurance to travel to any other part of the world other than travel to New Zealand, please contact us as we may still be able to offer cover to you.

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Jetting to  Japan?

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With magestic mountains, snow monkeys that like to spa, beautiful temples plus traditional culture mixed with futuristic cities,  Japan should be on everyone's bucket list!! Zoom's Japan Travel Insurance offers unlimited medical cover, emergency assistance, trip cancellation, luggage and more. What are you waiting for? Zoom to a cheap quote today!

WHY BUY WITH ZOOM

emergency assistance

No matter where in Japan you are  we're there when you need us most. Our expert emergency assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Travel delays

Flights do get delayed on occasion, so dont let bad weather dampen your holiday. Get cover for your disruptions with comprehensive cover.

COVER for your luggage

Where there are tourists, there are people ready to exploit them. Jaunt to Japan knowing your're covered for theft, loss or damage.

Ski worry free! Our Ski Pack covers you for up to $1,500 in alternative snow and ski equipment following the accidental loss, theft or breakage of your winter gear.

MONEY BACK GUARANTEE*

Our 14 days cooling off period means you can cancel your policy and we'll give you a full refund, no worries.

kids go free

A trip to the land of the rising sun is perfect for familes. All dependants under 19 are included under your Zoom policy at no additional cost. Say what!?

easy claims

We've done away with lengthy forms and have kept our claims process simple. We guarantee to assess fully documented claims in a flash.

Peace Of Mind

Zoom to Zen. You can sit back, relax and enjoy your holiday knowing that you're covered by award winning travel insurance.

JAPAN TRAVEL INSURANCE FAQ'S

What age limits apply to zoom's travel insurance policies.

You must be under the age of 85 to buy a policy with Zoom. Those under 79 years can purchase a policy for a maximum trip duration of 365 days. Those aged between 80-85 years can purchase a policy for a maximum trip duration of 184 days only. You must also be under the age of 69 to purchase our add-on ski or adventure packs.

Will I be covered for food poisoning?

Before you decide to try raw horse meat, fermented beans or puffa fish, take pause. Although you'd be covered for any medical expenses you incur as a result of contaminated food or water, it's probably not a good idea to go near unusual foods . Be warned that traveller's diarrhoea, including norovirus, is common in Japan. Wash your hands regularly, opt for fully cooked, fresh food and peel fruit before eating. The tap water is Japan is safe to drink, but depending on which part you're travelling to, it might be wise to stick to bottled or boiled water. 

Am I covered for pick pocketing in Japan?

Yes, you’re covered for muggings provided of course, you were acting with reasonable care (i.e. did not leave your belongings unattended). If you’re the victim of a pickpocket (even of the cheeky monkey variety), you’d be covered for loss, theft and damage to your luggage and personal effects. If you are robbed it’s important that you get a police report and contact us as soon as possible.

Do I need vaccinations to travel to Japan?

Your doctor may recommend vaccinations before you travel to Japan, depending on your health status and your travel plans. You may need to update any routine vaccinations and consider shots for typhoid, hepatitis A and B, rabies and Japanese Encephalitis. Consider a prophylactic for malaria if you're travelling to affected areas as well.

Am I covered for skiing in Japan?

If you are taking part in any kind of winter sports activity, you must purchase our ski and snow sports pack in the payment process to be covered.

Am I covered for helicopter evacuation off the slopes?

Yes, if you have a serious accident on the slopes, we will pay for helicopter evacuation to get you to the nearest hospital.

Am I covered for the whole season?

No, you are only insured to ski in ski season:   this would be December 1 and April 15 for travel to the Northern Hemisphere, or between 15 June and 30 September for travel to the Southern Hemisphere.

What do I get when I purchase the ski add-on?

In order to be covered for winter sports in Japan including skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing or tubing (on groomed ski slopes) you must purchase our ski and snow sports pack. This pack cover provides cover for Unlimited overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses, $1,000 cover for piste closure, bad weather & avalanche, and $1,500 for loss or damage to your own snow sport equipment. You will also be covered for the value of any unused ski pass, ski hire or tuition fees (up to $750) following the loss or theft of your ski pass, or you being unable to ski following accident or illness.

Am I covered for asthma?

The air quality in some Japanese cities is poor and may trigger your asthma.Your asthma would be covered providing that you have no other lung disease, and; you are less than 60 years of age at the date of issue of the certificate of insurance. If you have respiratory or other health problems, speak to your doctor prior to travelling. Pollution levels in Japan will vary day-to-day, so check local reports and consider staying indoors or wearing a mask on bad days.

Are adventure activities covered?

We automatically cover a wide range of adventure sports including diving, bungee jumping and horse riding and more. You can also buy our Adventure Pack to cover additional adventure sports. 

What is a dependant?

This means your dependant children or grandchildren under the age of 19 at the date of policy issue who are travelling with you.

JAPAN  QUICK GUIDE

Whether you’re slowing down in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, firing up in Shibuya’s vibrant neon-lights, exploring Kyoto’s ancient castles or eating lunch with a robot, your Japan holiday should be full of wonder, not worry. Our Japan travel insurance policy will cover you for medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost luggage, family emergencies and more, as you discover the old, the new and everything in between. What are you waiting for? Zoom to it! No matter which kind of experience you're planning, Zoom can cover your trip with a range of plans.  You can minimise your costs with Medical Only cover, or choose to buy  Comprehensive Travel Insurance for extra protection to cover things like travel delays and cancellation. Compare Zoom's Travel Insurance plans  online today.

VISAS FOR JAPAN

Getting around, best time to visit, where to go, must know tips, zooming elsewhere.

Zoom travel insurance offers simple, flexible travel insurance for maximum peace of mind no matter where you're zooming to.

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Home » Asia » Japan » Guide To Japan Travel Insurance – ALL You Need To Know

Guide To Japan Travel Insurance – ALL You Need To Know

So, you’re headed to the Land of the Rising Sun? Great choice!

Japan is a MESMERISING blend of traditional culture and cutting-edge modernity. With its serene temples, bustling cities, iconic Mount Fuji, and cherry blossom festivals, there’s no place quite like it anywhere on earth.

And let’s not forget the delectable sushi, ramen, and sake that awaits every food enthusiast. Sounds delightful, right?

But, while Japan is known for its impeccable public manners and one of the world’s lowest crime rates, why take a risk when it comes to unforeseen mishaps?

Here, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about travel insurance for Japan , ensuring you’re covered for every adventure in this beautiful nation.

By the end of this post, we will answer all of your Japan travel insurance questions.

Do I Need Travel Insurance For Japan?

What should travel insurance in japan cover, what else should japan travel insurance cover, what is the best japan travel insurance, how to choose the right japan travel insurance for you, final thoughts on japan travel insurance.

Japan is largely seen as a very safe country. Its cities are clean, and crime rates are significantly lower compared to global averages. But, as with any travel, unexpected events like natural calamities, health issues, or even simple travel inconveniences can arise. Japan is also known for its typhoons and earthquakes as well as a fee nasty tropical diseases.

While Japan doesn’t specifically mandate travel insurance for short-term tourists, considering the high cost of medical care inside the country, it’s highly advisable to have insurance coverage during your stay.

In essence, if you’re backpacking around Japan , having the best travel insurance for Japan ensures peace of mind, allowing you to immerse in the culture worry-free.

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Healthcare in Japan

The Japanese healthcare system is top-notch, with some of the world’s most advanced medical technologies and practices. Both public and private healthcare facilities maintain high standards, and English-speaking medical staff are available in urban areas.

However, medical treatment in Japan can be hazardously expensive for tourists. A simple doctor’s visit can range from ¥5,000 to ¥10,000 ($50 – $75). Hospitalization and surgeries can run into several thousand dollars.

For tourists, it’s essential to have travel insurance that covers any potential medical expenses, allowing you to access the best healthcare services without burning a hole in your pocket.

Crime in Japan

Japan boasts some of the lowest crime rates globally. Violent crimes are rare, and streets are safe, even late at night. My friend even left an expensive jacket on a park bench only to find it still there several hours later.

However, like any other tourist destination, petty crimes like pickpocketing in crowded places or thefts can occur sometimes.

While Japan is quite safe , having travel insurance that covers loss of valuables can be a lifesaver, ensuring that lost items don’t ruin your trip.

Issues Facing Travellers in Japan

While Japan offers an impeccable travel experience, there are issues tourists should be aware of:

• Natural Disasters : Japan is prone to earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons. These can lead to travel disruptions.
• Language Barrier : Despite the prevalence of English, language can still be a barrier, especially in rural areas. This can make navigating medical emergencies tricky.
• Lost Passports or Valuables : While rare, losing essential documents can be a hassle.

Popular Activities in Japan and Their Associated Risks

Temple Hopping : Touring ancient temples and shrines is my favourite activity. However, some are located on hills or require extensive walking.

This is a relatively sage activity unless you anger one of the gods! Then you need to be mindful of accidents due to falls, especially in crowded places or during festivals.

Skiing and Snowboarding : Areas like Hokkaido are popular for winter sports so Skiing-related injuries do occur every season. Note that not all insurance policies cover winter sports, so checking beforehand is essential.

City Exploration : Roaming cities like Tokyo and Osaka, using their intricate metro systems. Crowded trains can be overwhelming, leading to stress, or loss of belongings.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

From what we’ve observed, the majority of travel insurance policies in Japan typically encompass the following:

• Emergency Medical Treatment for Accidents & Illnesses
• Personal Belongings and Luggage Coverage

Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation

Non-medical emergency evacuation.

• Coverage for Trip Cancellation
• Protection for Trip Interruption

We believe these elements are pivotal when comparing insurance options. However, we won’t delve into the details of each aspect here.

Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses

Emergency Medical costs are perhaps the single most important aspects of any travel insurance policy. If you have an accident or become seriously ill with a tropical illness, you may want to rest easy knowing that the medical costs and Doctors bills will be taken care of.

Many of you out there have probably never actually seen a medical bill. However, we have seen too many for our liking and believe us, they can get very expensive very quickly.

A friend of mine was once charged $10,000 for a leg infection in Costa Rica. Even 2 days in a Thai hospital cost him nearly $2,000.00! Thankfully he was insured on both occasions.

Pre-existing medical and health conditions may not be covered under this or they may be covered for an additional premium. Ideally, Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical insurance should offer at least $100,000.00 of coverage but some run into the millions. If you are visiting Japan, then do have a serious think about this.

Baggage and Personal Property

Coverage for luggage and personal belongings safeguards the worth of your bags and their contents. It’s most frequently utilized for misplaced luggage (and lost luggage was at all time high last year).

Many policies further extend this protection to include theft that occurs at your destination, which is especially valuable if you’re unfortunate enough to be robbed during your trip.

The coverage limits can differ across policies. Yet, it’s uncommon for the maximum coverage to surpass $1000, with individual item limits usually ranging between $250 to $500.

For many travelers, this might suffice. But if you’re journeying with expensive electronics like laptops or cameras, or specialized equipment like golf clubs, it might be worth considering additional gadget insurance.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

Emergency evacuation covers the cost of sending you back to your home country in stressful circumstances.

Let’s say that the above mentioned tropical illness you catch is a very nasty one, and the decision is taken to send you home for further treatment; this will take care of the high costs of flying you home on a drip. 

Repatriation is the cost of sending your remains home in the rare event that you die on your trip. Repatriation costs are not a burden I would want to leave to my family.

Whilst this is thankfully rare, I do come across Facebook or “Go Fund Me” campaigns for somebody’s body to be flown home.

Non-medical Emergency Evacuation is when you have to be evacuated because of some sudden crisis. 

Examples are the outbreak of war/civil unrest and natural disasters that decimate infrastructure such as the South Asian Tsunami of 2006 or one of the earthquakes which do strike Japan.

In more recent times, the Corona COVID-19 outbreak created the biggest international emergency evacuation situation ever. (FYI – it straddled both the medical and non-medical evacuation boundaries).

Emergency evacuation insurance covers the costs of having to book an emergency flight home ( which can be seriously expensive) and will also cover accommodation costs if you end up being flown to a random, “safe” country rather than going straight home.

Trip Cancellation

Having to cancel an adventure that you were truly excited for is painful. However, being left out of pocket just makes it worse.

Trip Cancellation insurance can help you to recover the ‘non-refundable costs’ of your trip such as flight and hotel costs. Visa’s are also in this category.

To clarify, you can’t claim this simply because you changed your mind about the trip or fell out with your travel buddy. Proper cancellation reasons are things like sickness, family emergencies, bereavement, natural disaster and war – you get the gist.

Bearing in mind how much many some travellers spend on their dream Japan trip, this cover is one worth having in your back pocket.

Trip Interruption

Trip Interruption is when something goes wrong, even interrupts, and you have additional costs to pay because of it.

One example, when your pre-paid hotel falls down and you are forced to book another one. Another example is when your flight home is cancelled and you need a few extra nights at your hotel.

The above are what we consider to be the basic, bare-bones of travel insurance policies. However, some policies do offer a few more aspects to them. The very best Japan travel insurance policies may also include the following:

Adventure Sports and Activities

Please note that adventure sports and activities are not covered by all travel insurance policies. The definition of adventure sports and activities really does vary between providers but for example, can include:

• Trekking (altitude is usually a factor here)
• Swimming with Whales
• Improvised football games….

If you are going to be doing anything remotely physical or outdoorsy on your trip, then it may be sensible to check that your insurance provider is covering it. Broken jaws hurt enough without having high medical bills attached to them.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment

Accidental Death & Dismemberment cover doesn’t cover any travel related expenses as such but instead it basically provides you (or your next of kin) with monetary compensation in the event that something happens to you.

If you die, your loved ones get a payout. Or, if you lose a digit, YOU get a payout. I mean, how much is a finger really worth to you anyway?

It’s kind of like having a bit of life cover attached to your travel insurance.

“Well dear, I’m afraid there is good new and bad news. The bad news is that your parents both died on their trip to Japan. The good news is that you get $10k!”

Gear and Electronics Cover

Some insurance policies do cover electronic gadgets, but others do not. Those that do, sometimes charge an additional fee and they also usually limit the maximum item value.

If you only travel with a phone or a tablet then your travel insurer may well cover it entirely. However, if you’re travelling with a quality laptop , then you may wish to consider obtaining gadget cover.

Personally, I have had separate gadget cover in place on my trusty MacBook Pro for years now.

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While it might appear that all travel insurers are the same, they each bring unique offerings to the table. Some provide more affordable rates, while others prioritize extensive coverage. There are insurers known for their stringent claims process, and there are those celebrated for their fairness and assistance.

Travel insurance – consistently inconsistent. We cannot, and should not, declare one as the superior choice. Insurance is intricate, with policies crafted based on vast data and numerous factors.

The best travel insurance hinges on your destination, travel time, and most crucially, your personal requirements. An insurer perfect for one journey might not suit another.

In the following section, we spotlight several travel insurance providers we’ve personally utilized over the years.

SafetyWing are a relatively new player in the travel insurance space but are already making big waves. They specialise in cover for digital nomads and they offer open ended cover on a monthly subscription basis.

Because they primarily cover digital nomads, they don’t offer much in the way of trip cancellation or delay so do take that into consideration.

However, SafetyWing really excels on the health side of travel insurance, covering dental and some complimentary treatments. In fact they even allow young children to be covered for free. 

If cancellation and delay is not a concern for you or if you will be spending some considerable time on your trip, then consider SafetyWing travel insurance .

• Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses – $250,000
• Baggage and Personal Property – $3000
• Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation – $100,000
• Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation – $10,000
• Trip Cancellation -$0
• Trip Interruption – $5000

If you need more information, or want to get a quote, then you can visit the website for yourself.

Talk about efficient and effective, Heymondo are up-to-date when it comes to combining travel insurance with technology in the digital world of 2024.

What truly sets them apart is their assistance app offering a 24-hour medical chat, free emergency assistance calls and incident management. How reassuring is that?!

They also have a convenient and complication-free way to make a claim straight from your phone.

Medical expenses are covered up to $10,000,000 USD so try not to damage yourself anything over that amount… If you’d like travel insurance that operates with that little extra swiftness and ease, give these guys a go.

They offer multiple options – single trip, annual multi-trip and long stay. We’ve focused on single trip, but do check out the others and find what fits your next adventure.

• Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical/Dental Expenses –$10,000,000 USD
• Baggage and Personal Property – $2,500 USD
• Repatriation and Early Return – $500,000 USD
• Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation – $10,000 USD
• Trip Cancellation – $7,000 USD
• Trip Disruption – $1,500 USD
• Covid 19 coverage included in all plans

If you need more convincing, click our link below to get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance plan!

Columbus Direct

Named after one of history’s greatest (and most divisive explorers), Columbus Direct also specialise in insuring adventure-hungry explorers like us. They have been providing award-winning insurance for 30 years.

What we like about this plan is that it does cover small amounts of personal cash. However, Gadget Cover is not available.

Columbus Direct actually offers a number of different travel insurance plans. Below we have focused on 1 of these and have set out the coverage amounts for the Globetrotter plan.

• Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses – $1,000,000
• Baggage and Personal Property – $750
• Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation – $1,000,000
• Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation – $0
• Trip Cancellation -$1,000
• Trip Interruption (“Catastophe”) – $750

If you need more information or want to get a quote, then you can visit the website for yourself.

World Nomads

World Nomads have been insuring backpackers for 20 years now. Its a backpacker travel insurance company, and their policies cover long way travel on one way tickets, trips to multiple countries, and a whole lot of adventure activities.

These guys are well used to dealing with backpackers like us, and they are regularly recommended by travel bloggers and industry insiders. We love them.

They offer 2 different policies depending on your needs. The Standard Plan is standard & the Explorer Plan covers a whole host of high risk, high fun activities.

World Nomads are also one of the few travel insurers who will write you a policy after starting your trip. The one downside for us is that they don’t cover Pakistan.

Let’s look at the maximum coverage amounts with both the Standard & Explorer plan.

• Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses -$100,000/$100,000
• Baggage and Personal Property – $1000/$3000
• Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation – $300,000/$500,000
• Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation – $25,000/$25,000
• Trip Cancellation -$2500/$10,000
• Trip Interruption – $2500/$10,000

If you want more info or to get a quote then visit the World Nomads site for yourself and take a look.

Iati Seguros

Iati Seguros is a Spanish based travel insurance company who we have personally used and loved. You will notice that they provide competitive cover amounts for the key travel insurance areas, and are competitively priced. So far we have heard nothing, but good things about them.

They also offer multiple ones, but we have focused on the Standard Plan although we wholly encourage checking out all plans for yourself to identify the best one for your needs.

Standard Plan

• Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses – $200,000
• Baggage and Personal Property – $1000
• Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation – 100% of cost
• Trip Cancellation -$1,500
• Trip Interruption – 100% of cost

Insure My Equipment

Insuremyequipment.com does precisely what the name suggests. They are an online insurer for expensive equipment (like camera gear & gold clubs). You can use them to get specific pieces of gear insured but please bear in mind this policy is only for your specified gear.

An Insure My Equipment policy works well in combination with other travel insurance. Insure My Equipment policies are an excellent choice for professionals and backpackers with more $0000’s worth of camera equipment, expensive laptops, or fishing rods.

I also know a few travelling musicians and DJs who use these guys so you are in cool company.

Choosing the right travel insurance for your Japan holiday is like choosing a pair of hiking boots – it’s something only you can do by looking at your budget, your needs, and looking at what feels right for you.

You need to work out how much your trip is worth, how much equipment you plan to take and what activities you intend to engage in.

Naturally, you should evaluate your budget – considering both what you’re willing to spend on coverage and what you can bear to lose if you need to file a claim.

At times, a cost-effective backpacker insurance in Japan may suffice, while in other instances, investing a tad more could be beneficial.

If the insights in this article don’t guide your decision, then my efforts over the past 5 hours might’ve been in vain!

Japan is undeniably a traveler’s delight. But, as with any trip, it’s always wise to be prepared for the unexpected. And, investing in comprehensive travel insurance for Japan allows you to enjoy every moment, knowing you’re covered for unforeseen events.

The Japan travel insurers we mentioned here are just a small selection of the many available. Hopefully one of them answers your needs but if not there are others out there.

We hope you found this Japan travel insurance guide helpful. If so please let us know by leaving a comment below.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

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Whether your ultimate getaway is soaking in the Amalfi Coast, or taking on that dream African safari, $10,000 could go a long way in escaping for your ultimate getaway! All you need to do to enter is buy an International Comprehensive or Domestic travel insurance policy between midnight 1 April and midnight 31 May 2024 and you’ll automatically go in the draw. 

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Why choose Southern Cross Travel Insurance?

+ Based upon the total number of travellers trips we have insured across the markets where we operate for all our travel insurance products from January 1995 to October 2023. # Based upon the total number of claims we paid as a proportion of all claims we received across the markets where we operate for all our travel insurance products from 1 January to 31 December 2023.

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SCTI is part of the Southern Cross group; one of New Zealand’s most enduring and trusted brands. We’re 100% New Zealand owned, and have worked hard to forge a reputation as our country’s leading travel insurer. During this time, we're extremely proud to be recognised both locally and internationally for our commitment to delivering quality products, value for money and dedication to customer service.

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What is travel insurance?

Travelling is all about discovering the unknown, so it’s no surprise that there can be a few hiccups along the way! Travel insurance is designed to better protect you from these unexpected events, from the moment you book your trip to the day you return home. Whether you have an unexpected flight delay or medical emergency, we’re here to help. Let us worry about what could go wrong, so you can start dreaming about what will go right.

How to compare travel insurance

What can travel insurance cover?°

We offer cover for unexpected events, so you can travel with peace of mind. We know each traveller and trip is different - that’s why we offer different policies and add ons so you can choose the type and level of cover you need - which may, or may not, include some of the scenarios below. As with any insurance policy, terms, conditions and exclusions apply so always make sure you read the Policy Document  before buying your travel insurance policy to make sure it is right for you.

If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 before you leave, or while on your journey, we offer cover in some scenarios

° Please refer to the individual Policy Documents to see what your chosen policy covers.

See what's covered

We offer travel insurance that suits how you want to travel

We know how important it is to make sure you have the right type - and level - of cover, so we have different travel insurance policies to suit different types of travel, and the ability to personalise your cover to suit you with our optional add-ons. Whether you’re heading to Fiji for some R&R, London for an OE or Queenstown to hit the slopes, we’re with you.

Have questions?

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When it comes to travelling, there’s always room for the unexpected to happen, that’s why we provide 24/7 emergency assistance and a simple process to make a claim on our website.

With New Zealand travellers for over 40 years

訪日外国人向け保険・インバウンド保険

TOKIO OMOTENASHI POLICY | Tokio Marine & Nichido

Overseas travel insurance for foreigners visiting japan (even if you are a japanese national returning to japan temporarily) for up to 31 days., = insurance for visiting japan =.

Chinese(Simplified) | Chinese(Traditional语言) | 한국 | 日本語

What is TOKIO OMOTENASHI POLICY?

TOKIO OMOTENASHI POLICY  is an overseas insurance policy in case of sudden illness or injury for foreigners visiting Japan and or Japanese national’s returning to Japan temporarily for up to 31 days that can be purchased online.  (Insurance can be purchased online).

If you need to see a doctor or hospital care is necessary the insurance company should be contacted and your medical expenses will be paid directly from the insurance company to your caregiver. (Cashless)

TOKIO OMOTENASHI POLICY is easy and reasonably priced because it is specialized for illness and injury, the premium is less expensive than general overseas travel insurance. (Easy and Reasonable). 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 In addition by using the dedicated application, you will be able to use support functions for certain troubles and natural disasters that might occur during your stay in Japan.

( You can easily contact the insurance company via the app)

Click for Apprication ↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓

For example, if something like this happens…

Sudden illness… Prepare for sudden illness during your stay in Japan.

Unlike your everyday life, the environment and food changes when you travel may or may not have an effect on your health.

Even if you are a foreign national that is  accustomed to eating Japanese food and enjoy eating other local dishes or unusual foods that you have never seen before. It could be a difference in temperature or many other things that may affect your health.

We are no longer in a era where we can say,  “That will never happen to me so I’m fine”

We are also prepared for the new type of Coronavirus (Covid-19)

Unexpected injury… You were supposed to be enjoying yourself…

Covers injuries that occur during sports such as skiing

Traveling is a fun time, but injuries that occur during such times are common occurrences.

But, you also need to be careful about injuries that may occur during sports such as skiing.

Injuries that occur during these times are normal, but you should also be careful about injuries that occur during sports such as skiing.

Injuries may also occur during normal, everyday life. We provide coverage for injuries caused by sudden, accidental, and outpatient accidents.

Expensive medical bills… No way Why me …

In some cases, hospitals won’t accept medical examinations…

Foreign travelers and others who do not have health insurance.  (100% self-payment).

There are cases where you will be charged an outrageous amount of money… It is very common.

Credit cards are not accepted at hospitals… you have to pay in cash.

Even medium-sized hospitals such as municipal hospitals and city hospitals do not accept credit card payments.

Also smaller clinics are known not to accept credit card payments.

The insurance company will pay directly to the hospital or pharmacy

By contacting us before you go to the hospital, we contact the hospital first. We will contact the hospital before you go to the hospital so that you can concentrate on your treatment.

Please be aware that foreign visitors who fail to pay their medical expenses may be denied entry into Japan in the future. Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

Non-payment of medical treatment by foreign travelers in Japan has become a problem, and the government has taken such measures.

Of course, Japanese nationals are no exception.

Incidental Services

The following services are also included in the package…

Lost or stolen passport or credit card…

Traveling is always fraught with problems, but there are some things you should never lose. (Available in a variety of languages)

Internet connection lost…

We provide information on useful apps for using public Wi-Fi provided at tourist spots. We provide information on useful applications (with free Wi-Fi functionality for an unlimited period of time)

Insurance Amounts

Coverage item: medical treatment and transportation expense coverage (for foreign visitors to japan).

Covers medical treatment expenses for sudden illness or injury.

If you contact the insurance company before going to the hospital, the insurance company will pay the treatment expenses directly to the hospital. (To contact the insurance company, you need to install the application.)

　10,000,000 yen (including covid-19 infection)

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Rest assured that 100% of your expenses for medical treatment, medicine, hospitalization, surgery, and medical transportation to your home country will be covered up to 10 million yen.

Insurance Premiums

Insurance premiums vary depending on the period of insurance.

Please check

There are some important points to note.

About the insurance period

The insurance period is from the day after the date of application or the day of entry into Japan , whichever is later, to the day of completion of departure procedures from Japan.

Example: ① If you apply after entering Japan and apply today, set tomorrow as the insurance start date.

Example: ②Even if someone in Japan applies, depending on the country of departure, someone arriving tomorrow or later may not be able to apply.

(Please apply after entering Japan)

If you are staying in Japan for more than 32 days. (You need someone living in Japan. You can not buy Insurance by yourself) >> Click Here <<

What if it happens outside of Japan?

This insurance policy covers medical and pharmaceutical costs arising from injuries or illnesses occurring in Japan, as well as the cost of repatriation of the patient to his/her home country.

(Accidents outside of Japan are not covered.)

The required documents

Since enrollment is completed online, there are no documents required.

However, please be aware that you may not be able to use the insurance if you make a false declaration.

Common example: 　An application was submitted more than 5 days after entry to Japan, but an error occurred, so an incorrect date of entry was entered and insurance was purchased. 【The insurance cannot be used】

Can I apply from abroad?

The application site can only be accessed from within Japan, Hong Kong, China, or Korea.

How can I confirm the operation of the screen before I leave Japan? >> Click Here <<

↓↓↓ Click the banner to apply ↓↓↓↓

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PC Microsoft Windows 7, 8, 8.1: Internet explorer 11.0 or higher, latest version of chrome Microsoft Windows 10 : Internet explorer 11.0 or higher,  Microsoft Edge ,  the latest version of chrome

Smartphones and tablets Android 4.4 or later:  Latest version of chrome iOS 8.4 or later:  Latest version of safari

Please note that there are some cases where  Firefox cannot be used.

For those who cannot proceed to the TOKIO OMOTENASHI POLICY application page >> Check this page <<

If you have any questions, please contact us by e-mail. mail:  [email protected]

Underwriting Insurer Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co.

Handling agency OFFICE21 Co., Ltd.

This homepage provides an overview of the insurance policy. Please be sure to read the “Explanation of Important Matters” carefully before you make a contract. If you have any questions, please contact our agent.

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Travel Insurance Quotes

Please Note - If you are cruising around Australia you need to select Pacific. With Regions, variances can apply for Bali, Indonesia, Japan and Middle East. You are not required to enter stop-over countries if your stop-over is less than 48 hours.

If you don’t know where you’re traveling to within the next 12 months, choose Worldwide to ensure you’re covered no matter where you go. If you’re travelling to multiple countries choose the region that you are visiting that is furthest away (excluding stopovers less than 48 hours). In most cases you will be covered for the closer regions as well. For example, if you choose Europe, you will also be covered in the Middle East, Asia and Pacific.

Worldwide means anywhere in the world

Americas means USA, Canada, South America, Latin America, Hawaii and the Caribbean

Europe means all European countries, including UK

Middle East refers to the area from Syria to Yemen; Egypt to Iran

Asia generally means Asia and the Indian subcontinent. For some insurers this excludes Japan*

Pacific means the South West Pacific, Australia and Indonesia/Bali*. Select Pacific for domestic cruises in New Zealand waters

New Zealand means domestic travel within New Zealand only

*Note: Variances apply for Bali, Indonesia, Japan and Middle East. Check that your destination is covered once directed to your chosen insurer’s site.

We compare quotes from heaps of travel insurance brands in New Zealand. Do your comparison online to save time, worry and loads of money.

WHY KIWIs LOVE COMPARE TRAVEL INSURANCE

No Hidden Fees

Travel agents and airlines charge huge commissions. We don’t! Our travel insurance comparison is free to use. You'll be directed to the insurer's website to buy travel insurance without any sneaky charges. We promise!

Great prices

It doesn’t matter whether you're looking for cheap cover or fully comprehensive, a domestic or international policy, you'll find the prices on our site are the same great prices you would get buying travel insurance direct !

Data Protection

We promise to keep your data secure and not to sell your information to other companies. And we only ever send you relevant emails you have subscribed to.

Using our comparison is easy-peasy! One simple form makes it quick and easy to compare travel insurance quotes for your holiday. You'll get quotes online for your trip in seconds.

Feel secure

All the companies we compare have 24/7 emergency assistance & are underwritten by reputable insurers like Chubb Insurance New Zealand Ltd and Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's.

Product choice

We compare heaps of policies for all types of travellers from some of New Zealand's most reputable travel insurers. We compare brands including, 1Cover, Amex, Zoom & more!

Travel Insurance Extraordinaire At Your Service

Need some help? Use the search box below to find answers to all those tricky questions. We’ve got heaps of travel insurance tips to help you get the best policy for your upcoming holiday!

Travel Insurance  Frequently Asked Questions

Does travel insurance cover coronavirus(covid-19).

It depends! Unfortunately, the answer isn't a straightforward one. There are some situations where cover is available, and others where it is an exclusion. It largely depends on which insurer you bought your policy with ; when you bought it; where you're travelling to; when you're travelling; and, the reason for your claim. One thing that is for certain - you're unlikely to be covered for claims relating to the coronavirus for future travel if you haven't yet purchased a travel insurance policy as this is a known event.

Which is the best travel insurance in New Zealand?

The best travel insurance for you depends entirely on your planned trip and your circumstances. If you're a backpacker on a tight budget, you might want a no-frills medical-only policy. Whereas, if you're heading on a once in a lifetime cruise, have outlaid a lot of money in upfront deposits or if you have health conditions, a comprehensive policy might be best for you. While there's no single best travel insurance that's right for everyone, finding a policy that works for you is easy when you use our quote comparison to start comparing prices and features. With Compare Travel Insurance, you can also read up on travel insurance reviews from customers to learn about their customer service and importantly, claims experience.

Is it too late to buy cover?

It's better late than never. We recommend buying a policy as soon as you've booked and started paying deposits for flights, accommodation and tours, but you can buy travel insurance at any point. Even if you forgot and are already overseas . Exclusions may apply though, so be sure to check the PDS and eligibility criteria before you buy.

Can I get cover for my medical conditions?

Cover is available for most medical conditions. Whether or not you need to declare your conditions and whether an additional charge will apply depends on the condition, its stability, current treatment, the recency of the diagnosis and your age. Minor conditions such as allergies, cataracts, and certain diabetes are often covered free of charge. However other medical conditions such as arthritis, any kind of cancer, heart conditions and hip & knee replacements require medical screenings and additional charges are likelt to apply. Today, most insurers use online medical screening software which makes it easy to declare your conditions and get covered in minutes. Although finding cover for terminal illnesses in New Zealand is difficult. Learn more about covering your conditions with our guide on declaring your medical conditions .

Can I purchase travel insurance at the airport?

Yes, you can. Generally speaking, you can purchase travel insurance up to a year before your trip, right up to boarding at the airport. With comprehensive travel insurance, you are covered for cancellation benefits from the moment you buy your policy, so we recommend buying it as soon as you start paying for flights, tours and accommodation.

Can I get travel insurance if I'm already overseas?

You can buy cover if you are already overseas, although each travel insurer has different rules on age limits and waiting periods. Check out our already overseas travel insurance guide to learn more.

Does travel insurance cover pregnancy?

You can buy travel insurance to cover you when you're pregnant, but different brands will have different rules around how many weeks gestation they will provide cover up until. Terms may also vary on whether you've had complications, have a multiple pregnancy, conceived via IVF and whether you're looking for cover in case of emergency birth. Check out the handy table in our pregnancy guide for more information.

Do I need cover in New Zealand?

Unexpected events can happen anywhere. It is just as important to have domestic cover when travelling around New Zealand as it is when travelling overseas. If you're a New Zealand resident, a domestic policy covers you for cancellations, luggage cover and often rental vehicle excess. Medical coverage is not included, but you'll be eligible for publicly funded health care services. For non-residents visiting New Zealand, discover International visitors to New Zealand are currently not required to have travel insurance by law, but it is highly recommended to protect you from eye-watering medical bills and more.

Which is the cheapest policy?

The cost of travel insurance depends on a range of factors including your destination, duration of travel, age of travellers, planned activities, whether or not you have any medical conditions and the type of cover you choose (medical only, mid-range or comprehensive). The cheapest travel insurance is generally to less risky parts of the world - places with cheaper healthcare and less risk of injury, illness or theft - and policies which offer less coverage - so ones without benefits for adventure activities or pre-existing conditions. To get cheap travel insurance from New Zealand for your upcoming trip, create a quote and compare prices, but remember that the cheapest isn't always the best. You should consider your trip and what you require cover for.

Why should I buy travel insurance direct online?

Comparing prices and features online makes it easier to find the policy that's right for you and your circumstances. With comparetravelinsurance.co.nz , the price you see is the same price direct from the insurer. Sometimes you're not after the best policy but rather the best bang for your buck and comparing prices and features online can save you time, worry and loads of money.

Trending Tips And Guides

What activities are covered?

Are you a self-confessed adrenaline junkie? If you’re planning on doing some risky activities on your trip make sure you know if they’re covered, as not all of them are!

Pre-existing medical conditions

Having pre-existing medical conditions doesn't mean you can't get cover or that it has to be expensive. It simply means that you need to dig a little deeper when doing your research.

coronavirus and travel insurance

The rapid spread of covid-19 around the globe has thrown the international travel industry into chaos.  Find out what's covered if you're travelling during the coronavirus outbreak.

Why Buy Travel Insurance?

We’re not silly, we know that plenty of New Zealanders go on holiday and have an amazing time exploring new and exciting places without buying travel insurance. But taking a gamble on your much needed break can be risky. Here’s why!

Exxy Medical Costs

If you buy a policy for just one reason this is it! Falling ill or being injured while travelling overseas can be extremely costly. Hospital costs in the USA can reach up to $10,000 per day, while emergency transport home for treatment can easily exceed $100,000! Ouch!

Disasters Can Strike

The excitement of getting on that plane has you knotted up like a pretzel. Picture your dismay if you had to cancel last minute. Worse still, imagine you’re mid-martini when bad news breaks. Should you need to return home, you’ll be covered for unforeseen events like injury or illness of a close relative.

Your stuff is important

Loss, theft or damage to your prized possessions can be a common, yet gut-wrenching experience. If your personal belongings go AWOL while you’re away the right policy will pay to replace or repair them. Win!

For your peace of mind

Travel insurance will take a load off so you can get some R&R. A comprehensive policy will cover you for an array of sticky situations while you're travelling within New Zealand, or overseas.

Because You Have To

Still not convinced? We hate to be the fun police, but some countries simply won’t let you in without cover! For example, it is mandatory to take out travel insurance when travelling to Thailand or Cuba.

TRAVEL INSURANCE REVIEWS

Not sure which policy to pick? Our travel insurance reviews are here to help! Thousands of Kiwi's have reviewed their travel insurers to give you the inside story on everything from claims handling to customer experience.

Or perhaps you want to have your say? Whether you love or loathe your travel insurer rate and review them today to help other savvy shoppers with their travel insurance.

Our Travel Insurance Comparision Helps You

Save time, worry and loads of money.

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Your privacy is important to us.

CoverDirect NZ Limited (INC 3526051) owns and operates this website.

Our comparison is a free service that makes it easy for users to compare multiple quotes, saving both time and money. Our comparison ranks quotes according to price and is limited to those insurers that have agreed to participate on the site. CoverDirect NZ Limited does not hold a financial services licence. The comparison does not take your personal circumstances into account; as such, all information provided should be considered general and should not be considered as advice or a recommendation. Whilst we take all reasonable care when preparing this information, we do not warrant its accuracy. Pricing information is supplied by the insurance providers and ALL policy details should be verified with the before you purchase. This site links users to the website of the insurance provider to verify quotes and access the relevant PDS to understand what is, and is not, covered by a policy prior to purchase. We do not issue insurance. Users purchase directly from the travel insurance provider.

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Travel Insurance for your holidays in Japan and abroad

Travel insurance for japan.

If your dream vacation is a trip to Japan, you will want to be sure you can enjoy every moment of it even if things do not go as planned. Discover all the ins and outs with this guide to Japan with travel insurance . Will discuss the details on costs, requirements, essential coverage, COVID-19 restrictions, and some handy tips for your trip.  

• What should your Travel insurance cover for a trip to Japan? 

How does Travel Insurance for Japan work?

How much does travel insurance cost for japan.

• Our Suggested AXA Travel Protection Plan

What types of Medical Conditions do AXA Travel Protection Plans cover?

Any covid-19 restrictions for u.s. visitors, what if i have a pre-existing medical condition, how do axa travel protection plans work, what should your travel insurance cover for a trip to japan.

At a minimum, your travel insurance to Japan should cover trip cancellation, trip interruption and emergency medical expenses. When it comes to international travel, the US Department of State outlines key components that should be included in your travel insurance coverage. AXA Travel Protection plans are designed with these minimum recommended coverages in mind.

• Medical Coverage   – The top priority is making sure your health is in order. With AXA Travel Protection, you can have access to quality healthcare during your trip overseas in the event of unexpected medical emergencies.    
• Trip Cancellation & Interruptions  – Assistance against unexpected trip disruptions can dampen the mood, AXA Travel Protection offers coverage against unforeseen events.   
• Emergency Evacuations and Repatriation   – In situations where transportation is dire, AXA Travel Protection offers provisions for emergency evacuation and repatriation.   
• Coverage for Personal Belongings  – AXA offers coverage for your belongings with assistance against lost or delayed baggage.   
• Optional Cancel for Any Reason  – For added flexibility, AXA offers optional Cancel for Any Reason coverage, allowing you to cancel your trip for non-traditional reasons.  Exclusive to Platinum Plan holders. 

In just a few seconds, you can get a free quote and purchase the best travel insurance for Japan.

Imagine this: you are exploring Japan’s plethora of vending machines in the city of Tokyo. From ramen noodles to exotic drinks, you can’t help but try it all. Suddenly, you feel queasy and uneasy. The snacks from a vending machine must have been spoiled. With AXA Travel Protection, we can help assist or guide you to the nearest hospital. Whether the situation goes from bad to worse, AXA is there to help you create a plan of action. Here’s how travelers can benefit from an AXA Travel Protection Plan:

Medical Benefits: 

• Emergency Medical Expenses: Should you fall ill or have an accident during your trip, your policy may offer coverage for medical expenses, including hospital stays and doctor's fees. 
• Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation: In case of a serious medical emergency, your policy may include provisions for evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility or repatriation. 
• Non-Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation : In non-medical crises (e.g., political unrest), your policy may cover evacuation or repatriation, subject to policy terms. 

Baggage Benefits: 

• Luggage Delay: If the airline delays your checked baggage, your policy might offer reimbursement for essential items like clothing and toiletries. 
• Lost or Stolen Luggage: In the unfortunate event of permanent loss or theft of your luggage, your policy may offer reimbursement for its value, assisting you in replacing your belongings. 

Pre-Departure Travel Benefits: 

• Trip Cancellation: You may be eligible for reimbursement if you cancel your trip due to a sudden illness or injury. 
• COVID-19 Travel Insurance: Coverage is available for trip cancellation and medical expenses related to COVID-19, subject to policy terms and conditions. 
• Trip Delay: If your flight faces delays due to unforeseen circumstances, you may have coverage for additional expenses such as meals and accommodations. 

Post-Departure Travel Benefits

• Trip Interruption: In case of an unexpected event, you could be eligible for reimbursement for the unused portion of your trip.
• Missed Connection: If you miss a connecting flight due to delays or cancellations, this coverage may help with expenses like rebooking fees and accommodations.

Additional Optional Travel Benefits:  

• Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver): Exclusive to Gold & Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit gives travelers extra coverage on their rental car against damage and theft. 
• Cancel for Any Reason: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders; this optional benefit gives travelers more flexibility to cancel their trip for any reason outside of their standard policy. 
• Loss Skier Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate some costs associated with pre-paid ski tickets that you or your traveling companion cannot use due to specified slope closures. 
• Loss Golf Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate the expenses linked to prepaid golf arrangements that you or your travel companion are unable to utilize due to specified golf closures. 

In general, travel insurance to Japan costs about 3 – 10% of your total prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses. The cost of travel insurance depends on two factors for AXA Travel Protection plans:

• Total Trip cost:  The total non-prepaid and non-refundable costs you have already paid for your upcoming trip. This includes prepaid excursions, plane tickets, cruise costs, etc. 
• Age:  Like any other insurance type, the correlation is rooted in increased health risks associated with older individuals. It's important to note that this doesn't make travel insurance unattainable for older individuals. 

With AXA Travel Protection, travelers to Japan will be offered three tiers of insurance:  Silver,   Gold  and  Platinum . Each provides varying levels of coverage to cater to individual's preferences and travel needs.

Our suggested AXA Travel Protection Plan

AXA presents travelers with three travel plans – the Silver Plan ,  Gold Plan , and  Platinum Plan , each offering different levels of coverage to suit individual needs. Given that Brazilian hospitals often do not accept U.S. health insurance or Medicare, we genuinely recommend travelers consider purchasing any of these plans, particularly for the crucial coverage they offer for emergency accident and sickness medical expenses. If you're seeking added protection for your Japan adventure, opt for the Platinum Plan. With the optional Cancel for Any Reason addition, enjoy increased flexibility for unforeseen changes in your travel agenda. Plus, Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver) can offer coverage as you navigate the breathtaking landscapes of Thailand in your rental vehicle.

AXA covers three essential types of medical expenses:

• Emergency Medical
• Emergency evacuation & repatriation 
• Non-medical emergency evacuation & repatriation 

Emergency Medical: Can cover medical expenses, hospital stays, and even emergency evacuations, covering the expenses of hefty bills and ensuring access to quality healthcare while away from home.

Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: Can cover your immediate transportation home in the event of an accidental injury or illness. 

Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: Offers assistance in unexpected situations such as political unrest or natural disasters, ensuring safe and timely relocation to a secure location or repatriation back home. 

There are no restrictions related to COVID-19 for U.S. visitors traveling to or from Japan at this time. U.S. travelers will not have to show proof of COVID-19 testing or vaccination records and you do not have to quarantine either. Regulations change regularly, so it is best to double-check right before you go. For up-to-date information on requirements for COVID-19 and other travel restrictions visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website.

Traveling with pre-existing medical conditions can complicate your plans, but with AXA Travel Protection, we're here to support you during your trip. Our Gold  and Platinum Plans offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. The Platinum plan, in particular, is our highest-offered choice for travelers who want our highest coverage limits and optional add-ons Whether your pre-existing medical condition is covered on a travel insurance plan depends on when you were diagnosed with the condition. Any condition you had within 60 days before your policy began is not covered, although if your physician diagnoses you with a condition after the effective date of the policy, your travel insurance coverage applies. NOTE: – Your state of residency may affect your coverage, so be sure to read your policy thoroughly.

Suppose you are traveling from Houston to Japan with a layover in New York City. The snow is pelting down, and the airline cancels your connecting flight in New York. A quick call to AXA's concierge services will get you a referral for a hotel and a ride to get you there. You also get reimbursed for extra expenses like meals, toiletries and other incidental expenses (up to the per-day limit) until you can get a new flight to Japan.

FAQs About International Travel Insurance for Japan

1. can you buy travel insurance after booking a flight.

You can buy travel insurance even after your flight is booked.

2. When should I buy Travel Insurance for Japan?

It's advisable to purchase travel insurance for your trip as soon as you have made your initial trip deposit (prepaid and non-refundable trip costs.) AXA Travel Protection offers coverage as soon as you purchase your protection plan. We can give coverage against unforeseen events before you leave for your trip. Additionally, our policies offer coverage for preexisting medical conditions and Cancel for Any Reason if you purchase your protection within 14 days of making your initial trip deposit.

3. What is needed to visit Japan from the USA?

To visit Japan, you will need a valid passport for the duration of your stay, a visa (unless you are visa-exempt), an onward or return ticket, and a QR code from the Visit Japan Web website . While travel insurance is not required, it is valuable to have.

4. What happens if a tourist gets sick in Japan?

If you become sick in Japan, travelers with AXA Travel protection can contact the AXA Assistance hotline at  855-327-1442 . Contact information is typically provided within the insurance documentation. Please ensure to read through your policy details and information.

5. Does Japan have free health care for travelers?

No. Japan has a public health care system, but it is not available for tourists.

Disclaimer: It is important to note that Destination articles are for editorial purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional. Specifics of travel coverage for your destination will depend on the plan selected, the date of purchase, and the state of residency. Customers are advised to carefully review the terms and conditions of their policy. Contact AXA Travel Insurance if you have any questions.  AXA Assistance USA, Inc.© 2023 All Rights Reserved.  

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What country are you going to?

Select the Area of travel in which you will spend most time. NOTE: If you are spending more than 20% of your trip time in the Americas Area, it is compulsory to select a destination in the Americas Area for your policy.

If you are quoting a multi-trip policy please select “see region list” and select a destination in the appropriate region. For example United States for Worldwide cover or Spain for European cover.

When are you going?

Please select the departure and return dates for your trip.

For multi-trip policies the departure date will mark the start of your cover and it will automatically run for a year from that date.

Who is travelling?

Simply enter the age of each traveller including Adults and Accompanied Children*. Enter the age they are now.

Only use as many boxes as you have travellers.

*As per the Policy Wording: "Accompanied Children" means Your children or grandchildren plus one non-related child per adult policyholder who are identified on the Certificate of Insurance and travelling with You on the Journey, provided they are not in full-time employment and they are under the age of 21 years at the Relevant Time. If an Accompanied Child is in full time employment then they will need to purchase their own policy.

If you require a policy for more than 6 travellers, please contact Cover-More on (0800) 500 225 as we may still be able to offer cover to you.

Japan Travel Tips

Everything you need to know about travelling to japan.

Are you thinking about booking a trip to Japan? An adventure to the land of cherry blossoms, geishas, and ramen is one that will last a lifetime. 

With endless things to see and do, places to visit and easy ways to get around, it's no wonder why travellers from all over the world are flocking to visit this country.

As a destination with so much to offer tourists, planning a trip to Japan can be overwhelming.

So, check out our ultimate travel guides for Japan below to find out everything you need to know!

Before you jet off, don't forget to consider packing travel insurance for Japan. 

How to fly to Japan?

Flights to Tokyo

Everything you need to know about flying to Tokyo

Flights to Osaka

All the information you need about flying to Osaka

Where to stay in Japan?

Best places to stay in Tokyo

Find out where you should book your accommodation in Tokyo

Best places to stay in Osaka

See the top areas to stay in when visiting Osaka

Best places to stay in Kyoto

Discover where you should base yourself while in Kyoto

How to get around Japan?

How to get around Tokyo

See how you can use the transport options available in Tokyo

How to get around Osaka

Make use of the efficient transport system to get around Osaka

How to get around Kyoto

Find out what transport options you can use in Kyoto

Best things to do in Japan?

Top things to do in Tokyo

Don't miss out on seeing the best attractions in Tokyo

Top things to do in Osaka

Add these 10 things to do on your Osaka travel itinerary

Top things to do in Kyoto

Make sure you don't depart Kyoto without seeing these attractions

Travel guide to Tokyo 2020 Olympics

When are the Tokyo Olympic events?

Check out the dates for your favourite Olympic events

Where to stay during the Olympics?

Here's where you should stay during the Olympic Games in Tokyo

How to get tickets to the Olympics?

Find out how to score tickets to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Top travel tips for Japan

How to protect a Japan trip

Find out more about travel insurance for Japan

Travel scams to avoid in Japan

Don't fall victim to these common tourist scams in Japan

Best ramen in Tokyo

Find out where to enjoy the best ramen places in Tokyo

Ultimate itinerary for Japan

Follow this itinerary for the best experience in Japan

How to travel on a budget

Venture out and explore Japan on a budget with these tips

Visit Tokyo Disneyland

Soak up the fun at Disneyland without breaking the bank

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• Asia (Excl Japan and South Korea)
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Worldcare Travel Insurance Choose from our range of travel insurance plans.

Selected cover for epidemic and Pandemic diseases (Covid-19)

Cancellation and Travel Disruption Benefits

Medical Benefits

Life Benefits

Personal Liability Benefits

Baggage, Personal Effects and Money Benefits

Worldcare travel insurance benefits.

Worldcare Travel Insurance plans provide specified levels of cover from cancellation to extended benefits like travel disruption, medical, life, baggage, personal effects, money and personal liability. Whether you’re travelling locally or abroad, all Worldcare plans include 24-Hour Emergency Assistance.

Selected cover for epidemic and pandemic diseases (Covid-19)

Worldcare policies include selected cover for epidemic and pandemic diseases such as Covid-19. There is a provision to claim for cancellation and medical expenses should you contract an epidemic or pandemic disease such as Covid-19 after purchasing your policy. Cover for medical claims directly related to an epidemic or pandemic such as Covid-19 will only apply if you contract the disease after you commence your journey. There is no cover for lockdowns, changes in government alert levels, quarantine or mandatory isolation applying to a population or part of a population. As with any travel insurance, disinclination to travel due to fear or change of mind is not covered.

Cover for Pre-existing Medical Conditions

The GoComprehensive, GoFreedom and GoLocal Comprehensive plans provide automatic cover for a variety of specified Pre-existing Medical Conditions. If your Pre-existing Medical Condition is not automatically covered under these plans, you can apply for cover. If cover is confirmed and you want to proceed with your purchase, an additional premium will apply. Please note that no cover for Pre-existing Medical Conditions is available under the GoBudget and GoLocal Cancellation Only plans.

Selecting your Travel Insurance Plan

Check which Worldcare plan best suits your travel needs . Compare benefit levels, then review the Policy Wording and request a quote online. Your quote will provide excess options and a price for our GoComprehensive, GoBudget and GoLocal Comprehensive plans. Select the excess level and plan that best suits your travel plans and the level of cover that you require for your trip. An excess will apply to each separate event giving rise to a claim unless you pay a higher premium for a No Excess policy.

The GoComprehensive plan provides the highest level of cover whereas the GoBudget plan provides lower benefit levels. If you travel more frequently, the Worldcare GoFreedom plan provides the same benefit levels as our GoComprehensive plan, but has been created for customers that take multiple journeys over the course of a year. The GoComprehensive and GoBudget plans can be purchased online. The GoFreedom plan can only be purchased over the phone with one of the Customer Care team.

Travelling around New Zealand? GoLocal provides cover for domestic travel around our backyard with two plan options. GoLocal Comprehensive provides higher benefits levels and the option to add on a Cruise pack if you’re taking a cruise. Meanwhile, GoLocal Cancellation Only has been designed for those who only want cover for cancellation costs, should you be forced to cancel your trip before you go.

Whichever plan you choose, you will have access to 24-Hour Emergency Assistance while you travel.

Quote and buy online or talk to us over the phone on 0800 553 550. Our experienced team are on standby to answer your queries.

Worldcare Travel Insurance is issued and managed by AWP Services New Zealand Limited trading as Allianz Partners and underwritten by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473 (Incorporated in Australia) ("Hollard"). You should consider the Policy Wording before making any decisions about your insurance policy. Terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions apply.

The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd has a financial strength rating of A (Strong) issued by Standard and Poor's. The Standard & Poor's rating scale is:

The rating may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories. The rating scale above is in summary form. A full description of this rating scale can be obtained from www.standardandpoors.com . An overseas policyholder preference applies. Under Australian law, if The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd is wound up, its assets in Australia must be applied to its Australian liabilities before they can be applied to overseas liabilities. To this extent, New Zealand policyholders may not be able to rely on The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd’s Australian assets to satisfy New Zealand liabilities.

Allianz Partners website | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy .

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Cover for your overseas adventures

Even when you’re in the early planning stages of your trip, it’s important to consider taking out travel insurance. That’s because AA Travel Insurance policies can cover for cancellation and loss of deposits before you even go. So if something happens in the lead-up to your trip, we can be there to help you. With International Travel Insurance, you’ll be supported 24/7 no matter where you are in the world, with help just a phone call away.

Our three plans -  Essentials, Comprehensive, and  Frequent Traveller, have been designed with flexibility in mind, and provide different benefits and limits. Click here for an instant online quote. 

Get a quote

Cover for some COVID-related situations^

All plans include some cover for epidemic and pandemic diseases, like COVID-19, in some situations:

• If you're diagnosed with the disease after you purchase your policy and can't go on your trip or have to go home early
• If you’re quarantined or put into self-isolation by the NZ Government because you’re suspected of having been exposed to the disease and can’t go or continue on your trip
• If you’re denied boarding on any scheduled public transport service based on the suspicion that you have the disease.

^The policy still has a general exclusion for epidemics and pandemics and does not cover disinclination to travel due to fear or change of mind. Cover is only provided if you have not commenced your journey against the New Zealand Government’s advice not to travel. There is no cover for lockdowns, changes in government alert levels, quarantine or mandatory isolation applying to a population or part of a population.

Terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions apply and these are set out in the Policy Wording. Please refer to the  Policy Wording  for full details.

Cover Options

The Essentials plan has been designed for those who only need limited travel insurance cover.

Comprehensive

The Comprehensive plan provides the highest level of cover, offering all the benefits under the Essentials plan and more.

Frequent Flyer

Designed for those who travel regularly, the Frequent Flyer plan can cover all trips taken during a 12-month period (up to 60 days duration per trip)

Business Cover

Cover for you when the main intention of your trip is for business purposes.

Offers additional business benefits.

Compare plans

^Sub-limits apply.

This table is a summary only. For all of these benefits, p lease make sure you read the  Policy Wording  to understand the definitions, terms, conditions, limits and exclusions that apply.

AA International Travel Insurance Benefits

10% discount for aa members*.

AA Members can receive a discount on all policies. Simply provide your valid AA Membership number on application.

24/7 Emergency Assistance

With AA Travel Insurance, you’ll have access to the Allianz 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team. A single call will put you in touch with a specialist who will be able to help you.

Cover for pre-existing medical conditions

Under the Comprehensive plan, you can apply to get your pre-existing medical conditions covered. If accepted, this can give you that extra peace of mind during your holiday.

Cover for missed connections or travel delays

If you miss connections or have any travel delays because of unexpected situations, you will be able to claim up to the maximum benefit limit based on your policy type. This includes additional hotel and travel costs.

All plans include selected cover for epidemic and pandemic diseases, like COVID-19 in some situations:

• If you're diagnosed with the disease and you can't go on your trip or have to go home early
• If you’re quarantined or put into self-isolation by the NZ Government if you’re suspected of having been exposed to the disease

Cover before you depart

Your trip is protected from unforeseen cancellation and loss of deposits the moment your cover is confirmed.

For all of these benefits, please make sure you read the Policy Wording to understand the benefit limits, terms or exclusions that apply.

^The policy still has a general exclusion for epidemics and pandemics, and does not cover disinclination to travel due to fear or change of mind. Cover is only provided if you have not commenced your journey against the New Zealand Government’s advice not to travel. There is no cover for lockdowns, changes in government alert levels, quarantine or mandatory isolation applying to a population or part of a population. Please refer to the Policy Wording for full details.

^Terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions apply and these are stated in the Policy Wording . Customers considering the purchase of a travel insurance policy should read the Policy Wording to check what is and isn’t covered.

Have a question?

Our friendly New Zealand-based team are here to help. Give us a call anytime from 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday, or pop into one of our AA Centres to speak to a consultant.

Call: 0800 630 115

Frequently asked questions

What countries does my selected cover^ for epidemic and pandemic diseases (including Covid-19) cover?

All countries that do not appear on the Level 4 warning “Do not travel” advisory listed on SafeTravel.

SafeTravel houses all warnings inclusive of non-Covid-19 advisories which are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

If I contract Covid-19 prior to travelling do I have selected cover^ for epidemic and pandemic diseases?

Cover is in place, providing that the country you are travelling to does not have a MFAT, SafeTravel or New Zealand Government Level 4 warning “Do not travel” in place.

If I contract Covid-19 in transit to my destination country do I have selected cover^ for epidemic and pandemic diseases?

Cover is in place, providing that the countries you are travelling to do not have a MFAT, SafeTravel or New Zealand Government Level 4 warning “Do not travel” in place.

Does selected cover^ for epidemic and pandemic diseases still apply if I am unvaccinated?

Cover is in place as there is no requirement to be vaccinated/boosted under our policy. However, if the destination country requires an inbound traveller to be vaccinated, then the traveller must be able to meet these entry requirements. This also applies to the condition of carriage for example of the airline they are travelling. There is no cover if denied boarding or entry to a country due to not meeting the carrier or country vaccination requirements.

Are there any mandatory epidemic and pandemic insurance requirements to enter certain countries?

Many countries, even before the pandemic, had compulsory health and travel insurance requirements, but many more have since added rules – typically around Covid-19 medical expenses and the associated costs. The coverage type and amount varies by vaccination status and country.  Prior to travelling, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination.

If I had Covid-19, should I declare this as a Pre-existing Medical Condition?

At the time of purchasing your policy if you have previously had Covid-19 and are now testing negative, are feeling well with no symptoms at all, then you do not need to declare this as a Pre-existing Medical Condition. A Covid-19 positive test result at a later date would be considered a new infection.

However, if you are:

• still testing positive; or
• still displaying Covid-19 signs and symptoms; or
• have been diagnosed with 'long Covid';

and you wish to have cover, you need to disclose the condition as a Pre-existing Medical Condition and an additional premium may be payable.

Our insurance partner

AA Travel Insurance policies are brought to you by the New Zealand Automobile Association Incorporated (AA), are issued and managed by AWP Services New Zealand Limited trading as Allianz Partners and underwritten by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473 (Incorporated in Australia) ("Hollard"). You should consider the  Policy Wording  before making any decisions about this insurance policy. Terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions apply.

Financial Strength Rating

The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473 (Incorporated in Australia), ("Hollard"), has been given a financial strength rating of A (Strong) issued by Standard and Poor's. View the full details on the  Financial Strength Rating .

An overseas policyholder preference applies. Under Australian law, if The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd is wound up, its assets in Australia must be applied to its Australian liabilities before they can be applied to overseas liabilities. To this extent, New Zealand policyholders may not be able to rely on The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd’s Australian assets to satisfy New Zealand liabilities.

Financial advice

The New Zealand Automobile Association provides general information about AA Travel Insurance products and services so that you can make a choice that best meets your needs. Information provided does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or goals and is not intended to be financial advice. If you'd like to receive financial advice, you can get professional advice from a registered financial adviser.

More information

Contact us Policy Wording Make a claim Terms and conditions AA Traveller Member Benefits

*AA Members can receive a 10% discount on AA Travel Insurance. Simply provide each traveller’s valid AA Membership number on application. Discount applies to AA Member cover premium, including any additional pre-existing cover, but does not apply to additional cover for high value items.

The only travel insurance that earns you Airpoints Dollars ™

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Where are you going.

Single Trip

Select a country in the area of travel based on where you will spend the most time on your journey

Note: If you plan to spend more than 20% of your time in the Americas or Antarctica, you must select a country from the area that includes these countries.

Annual Multi-Trip

Select a country you are planning to visit in the area which will cover all the countries you plan on visiting over the year. If you plan to visit a country in the Americas, or Antarctica, you must select a country in the area that includes these countries.

Cover includes domestic journeys provided the destination is more than 100 km from your home in New Zealand. If less than 100 km, your trip must include at least one night paid accommodation booked with an accommodation supplier or provider.

• United States of America (USA)
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• United States of America
• Virgin Islands, U.S.
• Afghanistan
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Burkina Faso
• Cape Verde Islands
• Central African Republic
• Congo, The Democratic Republic Of
• Czech Republic
• Equatorial Guinea
• Faroe Islands
• French Guiana
• Guinea-Bissau
• Ivory Coast
• Korea, Republic Of
• Liechtenstein
• Moldova, Republic Of
• Netherlands
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
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• Turkmenistan
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• Vatican City
• Northern Ireland
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• Lao People's Democratic Republic
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• Papua New Guinea
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• New Zealand

Dates of Travel

Departure date (travel start date).

Single Trips

The date you depart your home in New Zealand

If you purchase this policy on your trip after leaving home, this cover is subject to a 3-day no-cover period. This means there is no cover under any section of the policy for any event that has occurred already or that arises within the first 3 days of buying the policy.

Cover under the 'Amendment or cancellation costs' benefit begins from the time you buy your policy.

Cover under all other sections begins from the departure date you select.

Annual Multi-Trips

The date your policy will commence

For further information we recommend you read the definition of 'Relevant Time' and 'Period Of Insurance' in the Policy Wording.

Return Date (Travel End Date)

The date you return to your home in New Zealand

Your Annual Multi-trip Policy will expire 12 months from the commencement date of the policy.

Ages of travellers

Who is going.

Enter the current age (at todays date) of each traveller, including children, who you want to cover with insurance.

Click Add+ if you need to add more travellers

Accompanied Children are your children or grandchildren plus one non-related child per adult policyholder who are identified on the Certificate of Insurance and travelling with You on the Journey, provided they are not in full-time employment, they are financially dependent on You and they are under the age of 21 years. See the Policy Wording for more information.

Do all travellers live in NZ?

Most policies can only be issued to New Zealand citizens and permanent residents of New Zealand who:

• Will be returning to New Zealand at the completion of the period of insurance and within 12 months of the journey commencing;

If you are visiting New Zealand from another country you should select New Zealand as your Destination

Travel insurance for your flight, holiday or adventure

Whether you travel once a year or you're a frequent flyer, we have comprehensive travel insurance options for single and annual multi-trips – overseas or travel around New Zealand.

Air New Zealand travel insurance also includes medical expenses and limited cancellation expenses related to Covid-19.

Plus, you can earn Airpoints Dollars™ on every policy or pay using Airpoints Dollars.

Covid-19 cover included

We provide Covid-19 benefits on both Single Trip and Annual Multi-Trip policies to help you travel with greater confidence.

Access to a Travel Doctor

As a policyholder you have access to our bonus Travel GP service free of charge. If you're feeling ill and need to talk to a doctor we can put you in touch with an Australian-based doctor via telemedicine.

Existing Medical Conditions

We can cover a range of existing medical conditions. There are 39 already included in our policies, and you can apply online as part of your policy purchase.

Free cover for children

Free travel cover for accompanying children or grandchildren under 21.

Travel Delay

We automatically include coverage in our comprehensive policies for travel delay of over 6 hours.

Use your Airpoints Dollars™

You can use your Airpoints Dollars to purchase your travel insurance policy. Sign in at any time.

Free look period

Once you’ve purchased make sure you read the policy. If you're not sure you can cancel within 21 days and get a full refund. ** 

Why choose Travel insurance from us?

Air New Zealand has partnered with Cover-More Travel Insurance to bring you world-leading comprehensive insurance for travel within New Zealand and around the world.

Cover-More is part of the Zurich Insurance Group, one of the world’s largest insurance companies. For more than 30 years, Cover-More travel insurance and their 24/7 emergency assistance services have helped Kiwis all over the world.

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Official advice for New Zealanders living and travelling overseas

• Before you go
• Quick checklist and tips
• Disability information
• Dual Citizenship
• Going to Australia?
• LGBTQIA+ travellers
• Staying healthy while travelling
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• Section pages:
• Reviewed: 15 February 2023, 14:12 NZDT
• Still current at: 28 April 2024
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Related news features

• South Korea / Japan: Typhoons Maysak and Haishen Posted: 3 September 2020, 13:26 NZST
• Brexit: New Zealanders in the United Kingdom Reviewed: 5 February 2020, 15:15 NZDT
• Travelling as a Dual Citizen Reviewed: 21 January 2020, 11:58 NZDT
• View all news

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here , alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Exercise increased caution

We advise New Zealanders e xercise increased caution  in Japan (level 2 of 4).

Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant On 11 March 2011, a magnitude 9 earthquake and subsequent tsunami caused significant damage to the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. There are some restricted areas around the plant, as identified on Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry website . Restricted areas are clearly identified.  New Zealanders considering travel to affected areas are advised to follow any advice or instructions issued by the Japanese authorities on precautionary or protective measures.

Security tensions in the region Relations on the neighbouring Korean Peninsula can be tense. North Korea has previously conducted nuclear and ballistic missile tests within the region. Further tests, provocations or reactions, including affecting Japan, remain possible.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula could escalate with little warning and New Zealanders in Japan are advised to monitor the media to stay informed of any developments and follow any alerts and instructions issued by the local authorities.

Crime Although crime levels in Japan are low, petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching does occur from time to time.

There have been reports of foreigners being targeted in Tokyo’s entertainment districts of Roppongi, Kabuki-cho, Shibuya and Ikebukuro for drink spiking, excessive charges, credit card identity theft, and robbery. Extra care should be taken to ensure your drink is never left unattended. We recommend against accepting drinks from strangers or recent acquaintances.

Inappropriate physical touching may occur on busy trains and subways. If this happens to you, the police advise that you shout at the perpetrator, attract attention from other passengers and call the train staff. There are women-only passenger cars which operate during rush hour or throughout the day on some subway and train lines.

Natural disasters Japan is vulnerable to natural disasters due to its topography and climate. Typhoon season is from May to November.

Japanese public broadcaster NHK provides a free smartphone app called "NHK World- Japan" which can be set to receive emergency notifications in English about earthquake and tsunami warnings as well as breaking news alerts. The breaking news alerts include J-Alert warnings and updates on weather-related incidents such as volcanic eruptions and typhoons. After downloading the app, turn on push notifications in the settings menu to ensure activation of the notification function.

Read the advice on preparing for emergencies by Japan’s Cabinet Secretariat for National Security Affairs and Crisis Management . The latest warnings and advisories are published on the  website .

New Zealanders are advised to avoid off-piste skiing and snowboarding in the winter due to the risk of avalanches.

General travel advice Foreigners in Japan are required to carry their passport or resident card at all times. Information on resident cards is available from Japan’s Immigration Services Agency.

Japan has strict rules relating to the import and export of prescription medication. Ignorance may not be considered a defence. New Zealanders are advised to carry a letter from a doctor describing their medical condition and any prescribed medication. Consult Japan’s  Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare  for more information.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment or fines.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Japan should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders in Japan are encouraged to  register their details  with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

• For current health alerts

The New Zealand Embassy Tokyo, Japan

Street Address 20-40 Kamiyama-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150 - 0047, Japan Telephone +81 3 3467 2271 Email [email protected] Web Site https://www.mfat.govt.nz/japan Hours Mon - Fri 0900 - 1730 hrs

New Zealand Honorary Consulate Fukuoka, Japan

Street Address Hakata Centre Bldg, Hakata Ekimae 3-5-7, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-city, Fukuoka 812-0011, Japan Telephone +81 92 734 1552

New Zealand Honorary Consulate Nagoya, Japan

Street Address Rinnai Corporation, 2-26 Fukuzumi-cho, Nakagawa-ku, Nagoya 454 - 0802, Japan Telephone +81 52 361 8257

New Zealand Honorary Consulate Osaka, Japan

Street Address Kubota Corporation, 1-2-47 Shikitsuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka 556-8601, Japan Telephone +81 6 6648 3131

New Zealand Honorary Consulate Sapporo, Japan

Street Address Kinotoya Co Ltd, Room 202, Wall Bldg, 10-2-7 Kita 2-Jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-0002, Japan Telephone +81 011 596 6835

See our regional advice for North Asia

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New zealand embassy japan.

Telephone: +81 3 3467 2271

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/japan

Hours: Mon - Fri 0900 - 1730 hrs

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