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Japan lures millions of travellers each year, and there’s little wonder why. It’s a destination rich in culture and home to ancient temples, striking landscapes, and legendary ski slopes. 

Whether you plan to stroll the streets of Kyoto, hit the slopes of Niseko, or explore the island of Okinawa, unexpected mishaps have a way of spoiling even the most well-laid plans. 

With nib, you can protect your trip with a travel insurance plan designed to help when unforeseen travel mishaps arise. 

What's covered by nib travel insurance?

With nib you can choose the level of cover that best suits your trip to Japan, whether that means including ski and snowboard cover in your policy so you can hit the slopes or choosing an annual multi-trip travel insurance plan because Japan is just one of many countries you plan to visit this year. 

Depending on the policy you choose some of the key benefits of our travel insurance plans include: 

  • Trip cancellation and trip interruption

If you have to cancel or rearrange your trip because the unexpected has come up, nib travel insurance may be able to help cover the costs of rearranging your trip or with non-refundable pre-paid expenses.

  • Overseas emergency medical cover

Medical expenses can add up quickly. But in an emergency, medical bills are the last thing on your mind. Overseas emergency medical cover may be able to help ease the cost so you can focus on getting better.

  • Natural disasters

Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons. Visitors to Japan have seen them all. Find out what you may be covered for if a natural disaster derails your trip to Mount Fuji — check out our natural disaster coverage article.

  • Snow sports cover

Our snow sports cover option is designed to help when the unexpected happens while you’re on the slopes, with benefits including ski run closure, ski lift passes, and other claims arising from participation in snow sports.

  • Luggage and personal effects

Finding yourself in a foreign country sans luggage can be one of the most anxiety inducing travel mishaps. From accidental loss, theft of, or damage done to your luggage and personal effects, we may be able to help when you’re separated from your things.

  • Coronavirus-related events

Whether you tested positive right before your planned trip or need to quarantine while you’re there, our overseas travel insurance plans offer cover for a variety of coronavirus related events. 

  • Medical evacuation and repatriation

Whether you’re on the slopes of Niseko or amidst the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, illness or injury could see you needing emergency medical evacuation or repatriation home so you can get the medical care you need. 

Traveller tip: You can drive for up to 1 year with an Australian driver's licence and an International Driving Permit. If you're staying longer, you will need to obtain a local licence. Heavy snowfalls and ice in winter can make driving dangerous. It's illegal to drive with any alcohol in your bloodstream in Japan. 


Kabukicho red light district, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
Cherry blossoms and tourists in the boat on the Sumida river at rainy day, Koto ward, Tokyo, Japan, Spring

Why you should consider travel insurance when you travel to Japan

If you want to ski or snowboard in Japan

From Hakuba to Sapporo, Japan is home to some of the best slopes and powder skiing in the world. We offer additional cover for snow sports with ski and snowboard cover so you can hit the slopes knowing you’ve secured a safeguard.

Because you never know what nature has in store

From the towering peaks of Mount Fuji, the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, to the serene beauty of Yakushima’s forests, Japan’s diverse climate, culture, and cities have so much to offer all types of travellers. But Japan’s climate also can be very unpredictable. From volcanic eruptions to earthquakes, tsunamis to typhoons, Japan is no stranger to natural disasters.

The ease of mind that comes with access to Emergency Assistance 24/7

Our nib 24/7 Emergency Assistance team are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help. Whether that means assistance finding a doctor, locating your nearest medical facility if you or someone on your policy require medical or dental assistance.

Traveller tip: We offer cover for overseas medical expenses on our Comprehensive and Essentials plans if you’re injured while travelling. Always make sure that you are safe and contact the 24-hour Emergency Assistance team.

What's not covered

Travel insurance is designed to help when things get hairy while you’re away from home. But it’s not designed to cover everything. Some things we don’t cover include:

  • Any medical, hospital, emergency services transport, dental expenses incurred while you’re in Australia
  • Changing your mind: If you decide not to travel because you’ve changed your mind
  • Unattended Luggage or personal belongings: If your luggage or belongings are stolen while left unattended, or where you’ve not taken reasonable care to look after it
  • Reckless behaviour: if you knowingly and intentionally participate in activities or place yourself in a situation which poses a risk to your personal safety

Traveller tip: Japan has strict rules about bringing medicine into the country, including some ingredients in ADHD and cold and flu medication. For more information on what medication you can or cannot bring into Japan click here. 

At nib, we believe you should know exactly what you’re getting when you buy travel insurance. That’s why we encourage you to check and understand the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions outlined in our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) — because it’s always a good idea to read the fine print.

Bags packed and ready to jet off to Japan? Get a nib travel insurance quote today.


Young Asian female traveller exploring and strolling along the busy and colourful neon signboard downtown city street at night in Osaka, Japan

Need to know more?

If you still have questions we’re here to help. Get in touch and we can help answer any queries you might have.

In case of a medical emergency, our experienced 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team are always on hand to help.

FAQs

I am overseas right now – can I buy, change, or upgrade my policy?

If you’re already in Japan slurping ramen and soaking up Japanese culture, it’s not too late to buy travel insurance. With nib, you can purchase travel insurance while travelling.

Do I need a visa or special requirements to visit Japan?

Australians do not require a visa when visiting Japan as a tourist, for business or transit, as long as the trip is less than 90 days. The Embassy of Japan in Australia website is a great resource that details any specific information you might need to know regarding special requirements.

The above features and benefits are a summary of cover only. Cover is subject to the full terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions outlined in the Product Disclosure Statement.

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