Do you need insurance for a trip to Japan?
Russian citizens need a visa to travel to Japan. Documents are submitted through the consulate or a visa centre. According to most sources, medical insurance is not part of the mandatory package for a Japanese visa, but some visa services list it among the documents. Before applying, check the current list with the consulate: it is easier to attach a policy right away than to come back for it.
Even if the policy is not formally required, travelling without one is risky. Medical care for tourists in Japan is paid and expensive, and a foreigner without insurance pays for consultations, tests and hospital stays out of pocket. A travel medical insurance policy (known in Russia as VZR) shifts these costs to the insurance company.
What the policy should look like
For Japan we suggest a sum insured of USD 100,000. This is not a consulate requirement but a sensible margin: in a country with costly healthcare, even a few days in hospital plus diagnostics can add up. What to check in the policy:
- Dates. The policy must cover every day of the trip, including the departure and return days.
- Territory. Japan or Asia; if your route includes other countries, choose a wider territory.
- Deductible. A programme without a deductible is more convenient: you will not have to pay part of the costs for each claim.
- Scope of cover. Emergency care, hospitalisation, transport and medical repatriation home.
- Personal details. First and last name in Latin letters, exactly as in your international passport.
Japan specifics: risks to consider
| Situation | What to add to the policy |
|---|---|
| Earthquakes, typhoons in season | Natural Disasters option |
| Hokkaido ski resorts, snowboarding | Skiing or snowboarding on marked runs |
| Mountain hiking routes | Active leisure, accident cover |
| Hypertension, heart and vascular conditions | Chronic Conditions option |
| Long flight with a connection | Flight delay, baggage insurance |
Natural events. Japan lies in a seismically active zone, and typhoons reach the islands in summer and autumn. A basic policy often excludes events related to natural disasters, so the Natural Disasters option is particularly relevant here.
Mountains and skiing. Hokkaido is famous for its snowy ski resorts. Skiing and snowboarding are added to the policy separately; otherwise an injury on the slope may not count as an insured event. Read more about choosing a programme for the slopes on the ski insurance page.
Onsen. Hot springs are one of the highlights of a trip, but hot water noticeably affects blood pressure. People with hypertension or heart conditions should add the Chronic Conditions option: it covers emergency care in case of a sudden flare-up. Planned treatment is not covered by insurance.
How to choose the sum insured and programme
For a short city trip around Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, a solid medical programme of USD 100,000 without a deductible is enough. If you plan mountains, skiing or a winter trip to Hokkaido, add the sports options and accident cover. For families with children, emergency dental care is useful: toothache on holiday happens more often than you might think. If you have paid for flights and hotels in advance, consider the Trip Cancellation option.
Planning to combine Japan with other countries? Compare the conditions on the pages for insurance to South Korea and insurance to China, or choose the Worldwide territory.
What to do if you fall ill or get injured
- Call the assistance company on the phone number shown in your policy and give your policy number and what happened.
- Wait to be referred to a clinic approved by the assistance company. Do not pay for treatment yourself without approval: such costs may not be reimbursed.
- Keep all documents: doctor's reports, invoices, receipts for medicines, prescriptions.
Step-by-step guidance is available in the Insured Event section.
How to buy insurance for Japan online at polisre.ru
It takes a few minutes. Calculation and purchase go through the Cherehapa service (Polis Re's partner): you see offers from 16 insurance companies on one screen, and the policy is issued by the insurer you choose.
- Enter your travel dates and travellers' ages in the calculator.
- Choose the sum insured and options: natural disasters, skiing, chronic conditions.
- Compare programmes and prices from different insurers.
- Enter travellers' details in Latin letters, as in their international passports.
- Pay by card and receive the policy by e-mail.
If you are already in Japan and realise you forgot about insurance, some insurers offer programmes for people who are already travelling; check the conditions (for example, a waiting period) in the calculator. All destinations are collected in the travel insurance section, and you can get a quote in the travel insurance calculator.