Best Travel & Digital Nomad Health Insurance for Japan (2026 Guide)

Japan is a major destination for digital nomads and long-term travellers, and anyone applying for the Japan Digital Nomad Visa or planning an extended stay generally needs private health or travel insurance for Japan that covers medical treatment during their visit. Tourists and short-term visitors are not enrolled in Japan’s national health system, so many travellers use international insurance to manage potential medical expenses.

This guide outlines travel and health insurance options for Japan, compares Genki Traveler and SafetyWing Essential, and explains how their published benefits relate to visa rules, emergency care and longer visits. It also answers common questions about travel insurance for Japan and medical coverage for foreigners.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional insurance advice. Always review the full policy wording and confirm visa requirements with official Japanese authorities before making any insurance decision.

Do I need insurance in Japan as a digital nomad?

Short answer: Yes, if you want to apply for Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa, as it requires private international health insurance, and tourists are not enrolled in Japan’s National Health Insurance (NHI).

Travellers often use insurance to manage the cost of medical treatment during their stay.

• Visa requirement: Health insurance is required for the Digital Nomad Visa.
• Medical costs: Doctor visits, diagnostics and specialist treatment can be expensive for uninsured visitors.
• Seasonal risks: Heat-related illness, winter sports injuries and common travel-related illnesses can affect travellers.
• Language considerations: English support can help when navigating clinics and hospitals.

Do travellers need travel insurance for Japan?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for most tourists entering Japan, but many visitors use it to cover unexpected medical treatment, travel delays, or similar events. Specific visa types, including the Digital Nomad Visa, do require proof of international health insurance.

Is insurance required for Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes. Applicants must hold private international health insurance that covers the full visa duration. Policies typically need to show medical coverage for treatment in Japan and provide documentation confirming the coverage period. Visa conditions may change, so travellers should always check the latest guidance from official Japanese authorities.

Travel insurance vs. digital nomad insurance: Which one do I need for Japan?

Travellers often compare travel insurance and digital nomad insurance when planning a stay in Japan.

• Duration: Travel insurance is usually for short trips; digital-nomad-style plans offer month-to-month or long-term coverage.
• Visa documentation: Digital nomad insurance can often provide the documentation needed for longer stays.
• Flexibility: Some long-term plans can be purchased or extended while already abroad.
• Lifestyle considerations: Nomads staying several months or travelling across Asia often review which type aligns better with their plans.

For more details, see: Travel Insurance vs Digital Nomad Insurance.

What is important when choosing insurance for Japan?

Travellers comparing insurance for Japan often consider:

• Visa documentation requirements
• Access to international or English-speaking clinics
• Support in English
• Coverage related to natural disasters (earthquakes, typhoons)
• Multi-country travel flexibility in Asia
• Deductible levels and coverage limits
• Handling of pre-existing conditions
• Coverage for skiing, hiking, diving or other activities

Genki Traveler for digital nomads in Japan

Genki Traveler is a medical-only international insurance plan that provides worldwide coverage, including treatment received during a stay in Japan. It operates on a flexible monthly subscription and includes a wide range of medically necessary care.

What Genki Traveler includes

• Medical coverage up to €1,000,000 per insurance year
• Outpatient and inpatient treatment
• Prescribed diagnostics (CT, MRI, X-ray, etc.) and medication
• Prescribed materials and devices (bandages, casts, crutches, rental mobility aids)
• Emergency dental care after accidents (up to €1,000 per case)
• Physiotherapy (up to 6 sessions per case) and telemedicine
• €50 deductible per case

Genki Traveler sports coverage

Coverage for many common sports and activities, including climbing, cycling, diving, hiking, martial arts, skiing, snowboarding and surfing (conditions apply).

Genki emergency assistance

• Ambulance transport (road, air, water, rail)
• 24/7 emergency assistance with possible direct billing for inpatient care
• Medically necessary repatriation and family hospital visit benefits (up to €5,000 per case)
• Coverage ends upon arrival if repatriation occurs

Genki home country & regional rules

• Emergency treatment in the home country for up to 6 weeks per stay
• USA/Canada: 7 days of emergency-only coverage per stay, with an option to upgrade to full coverage

Genki exclusions (summary)

Pre-existing conditions, preventive care, maternity care, mental health care, non-accident dental treatment, alternative care, rehabilitative care (except post-hospital transfer), trekking above 4,000m, professional sports, and certain dangerous activities.

Other details

From €52.50/month. Monthly subscription (1–12 months), eligible up to age 69, available for sign-up from home or abroad.

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SafetyWing Essential for digital nomads in Japan

SafetyWing Essential is an international plan that combines medical coverage and travel-related benefits, with flexible 4-week billing and the option to purchase or renew while abroad.

What SafetyWing Essential includes

• Medical coverage up to US$250,000
• Inpatient and outpatient treatment, surgeries, medication
• Medically necessary diagnostics (X-ray, MRI, CT, blood work)
• Emergency dental treatment (up to US$1,000)
• Physiotherapy/chiropractic care (up to 3 visits per injury/illness)
• Prescription drugs (up to 60 days per prescription)
• No deductible

SafetyWing Essential sports & activities

Coverage for common leisure sports and motor-vehicle accidents under specific conditions. Sports add-on available for broader coverage.

SafetyWing emergency assistance

• Medical evacuation (up to US$100,000 lifetime)
• Local unrest evacuation (up to US$10,000 lifetime)
• Medically necessary repatriation (up to US$5,000)

SafetyWing travel-related benefits

• Lost checked luggage (up to US$3,000; max US$500 per item)
• Trip interruption (up to US$5,000)
• Travel delay allowance (US$100/day, max 2 days)
• Death arrangements (transport up to US$20,000; local burial up to US$10,000)

SafetyWing home country rules

Emergency treatment during home visits after 90 days of active coverage (up to 30 days per 90-day period, 15 days if USA).

Exclusions (summary)

Pre-existing conditions (except emergency stabilisation), pregnancy and childbirth (except complications), mental health disorders, routine preventive care, congenital or hereditary conditions, cosmetic or experimental treatment, intoxication-related injuries, unlawful activities, and medical treatment in the USA unless the US add-on is purchased.

Other details

Pricing from US$56.28 per 4 weeks (ages 18–39), with optional add-ons like US coverage, adventure sports and electronics theft.

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Do expats in Japan need health insurance?

Long-term residents in Japan generally need health insurance because short-term plans may not cover routine care or visa-related requirements. Expats often review both Japan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) and international long-term plans when preparing for extended stays.

Key points for expats

• National Health Insurance (NHI): Many long-term visa holders are expected to join NHI, which provides access to clinics and hospitals.
• International long-term plans: Some expats review more comprehensive products such as Genki Native or SafetyWing Complete, which may include broader medical benefits than short-term nomad plans, depending on the policy.
• Language and access: English-language support can help when navigating local healthcare processes.
• Coverage needs: Routine check-ups, chronic conditions, maternity and extended coverage limits are often considered.

Final overview: Health insurance options for digital nomads in Japan

Travellers preparing for a stay in Japan often compare international plans that provide medical coverage and, in some cases, travel-related benefits.

• Genki Traveler offers medical-only coverage including outpatient/inpatient care, diagnostics, medication, physiotherapy, telemedicine, accident dental treatment and emergency assistance.
• SafetyWing Essential combines medical coverage with travel benefits such as lost checked luggage, trip interruption, travel delay allowances and evacuation-related features.

Some travellers and expats also review premium long-term products such as Genki Native or SafetyWing Complete, depending on the policy terms and their stay duration.

Because insurance requirements, including those for the Digital Nomad Visa, can change, travellers should always confirm the latest rules with official Japanese authorities and review full policy wording before making any decision.