Do I need insurance in Japan as a digital nomad?
Yes, you need health insurance in Japan because it’s mandatory for the Digital Nomad Visa and essential for anyone who wants access to the country’s world-class healthcare without paying thousands out of pocket.
- Visa requirement: Proof of health insurance is part of the Digital Nomad Visa application. Without it, your application will be rejected.
- High medical costs: Doctor visits start at around ¥5,000–10,000 ($35–70), while hospital stays can cost hundreds of thousands of yen.
- Upfront payments: Foreigners without insurance usually need to pay cash or card before treatment.
- Tropical + seasonal risks: Heatstroke in summer, snow sports accidents in Hokkaido, and illnesses like food poisoning or influenza are common among travelers.
- Language barrier: Insurance with 24/7 English support helps you navigate Japan’s complex healthcare system when you don’t speak Japanese.
💡 In summary: No matter if you’re applying for the Digital Nomad Visa or just visiting Japan while traveling, health insurance is your safety for avoiding high upfront costs and getting help when you need it most.
Is insurance required for Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, the Japan Digital Nomad Visa requires private international health insurance that covers your entire stay. Without valid insurance, your application will be rejected. To qualify, your policy should include:
- Full health coverage for emergencies and hospital stays.
- Official documentation (certificate) that Japanese immigration accepts.
- Valid coverage duration matching your visa stay.
- Proof of sufficient limits, low deductibles and high coverage caps are preferred.
✅ Both Genki and SafetyWing can provide international health insurance for Japan, though Genki is generally the stronger choice for visa compliance because of its higher medical limits and official certificates.
Travel insurance vs digital nomad insurance: Which one do I need for Japan?
You need digital nomad insurance for Japan if you’re applying for the Digital Nomad Visa or traveling long-term, because standard travel insurance usually won’t meet visa requirements or cover you for extended periods.
Here’s how they differ in practice:
- Duration of coverage:
- Travel insurance usually lasts a few weeks with a fixed return date.
- Digital nomad insurance can be renewed month-to-month or for up to a year, ideal for visa stays.
- Visa compliance:
- Travel insurance rarely provides the official documents required for Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa.
- Digital nomad insurance can issue visa-ready certificates that immigration accepts.
- Healthcare access:
- Travel insurance focuses on emergencies only.
- Digital nomad insurance often includes outpatient care, diagnostics, and prescriptions, essential in Japan where doctor visits are common.
- Flexibility abroad:
- Travel insurance usually has to be bought before departure.
- Digital nomad insurance can be started, paused, or extended while you’re already in Japan.
- Activities & lifestyle:
- Travel insurance often excludes snow sports, diving, or adventure travel.
- Digital nomad insurance usually covers these or offers add-ons, making it better for Japan’s ski resorts, hiking trails, and coastal diving spots.
👉 Need more details? Check our full guide: Travel Insurance vs Digital Nomad Insurance.
What is important when choosing insurance for Japan?
When choosing insurance for Japan, the most important factors are visa compliance, access to private healthcare, and support that helps you with the language and Japanese system.
Key things to look for:
- Private hospital access: Coverage that works with international-standard hospitals like St. Luke’s (Tokyo) or Kobe Kaisei.
- English support: 24/7 help is essential when you face language barriers in Japanese clinics.
- Natural disaster coverage: Earthquakes and typhoons are real risks in Japan.
- Direct billing: Some international hospitals allow insurers to pay them directly, saving you large upfront costs.
- Asia-Pacific coverage: Handy if you plan to travel around the region while based in Japan.
- Deductible size: No or lower deductibles (like Genki’s €50) are better if you expect regular visits, while higher ones work if you only want major emergency protection.
- Visa documentation: Your insurer must provide official proof that meets Digital Nomad Visa requirements.
- Pre-existing conditions: Most basic nomad plans don’t cover chronic or ongoing conditions, but you can usually get add-ons or more premium plans.
- Adventure sports coverage: Activities like surfing in Chiba or hiking in the Japanese Alps may not be fully included without specific sports coverage.
Genki is one of the most reliable options for digital nomads in Japan because it is pure health insurance with high medical coverage and a low deductible. It aligns well with Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa requirements, making it the safer choice if you need official proof of insurance for your application.
Key features of Genki in Japan
- Monthly price: Starting from €52.50 (~$58).
- Coverage limit: Up to €1,000,000 (~$1.1M annually), far higher than many budget travel insurance plans.
- Deductible: €50 per claim (waived for inpatient hospital stays). This keeps outpatient costs in check if you need a doctor visit in Tokyo or Osaka.
- Visa documentation: Can provide the certificates required by Japanese immigration for the Digital Nomad Visa.
- Home country coverage: Up to 6 weeks if you’ve been abroad for at least 4 weeks.
- Waiting period: 14 days for non-emergency care (waived if you had prior coverage or for emergencies).
- Support services: 24/7 English assistance, direct billing for inpatient stays, and active monitoring of hospital treatments.
- Sports & activities covered by Genki:
- Surfing
- Recreational diving (up to 30m, with certification)
- Trekking/hiking up to 4,000m
- Martial arts training (non-professional)
- Skiing & snowboarding (on-piste)
- Paragliding
- Not covered: Extreme/professional sports, heli-skiing, off-piste skiing, glacier travel, big-wave surfing, and similar high-risk activities.
Unique benefits for Japan
- Direct hospital billing at select international facilities, meaning you don’t have to advance large sums for inpatient treatment.
- Family emergency coverage up to €5,000 if a relative needs to visit during a life-threatening emergency.
- Designed for nomads, not tourists: Unlike short-term travel insurance, Genki works for medium- to long-term travelers (1–12 months fixed duration).
- Peace of mind for high-cost care: Private hospitals in Japan can easily charge thousands of dollars for serious care. Genki’s €1M cap gives you far more breathing room than SafetyWing’s $250k.
Limitations to be aware of
- Pre-existing or chronic conditions excluded if treated, diagnosed, or known within the 12 months before coverage starts. Chronic and congenital conditions are not covered.
- Mental health, preventive care, and maternity are excluded.
- Alternative medicine (acupuncture, chiropractic, osteopathy) is not included.
- Dental is accident-only (up to €1,000).
These limitations apply to Genki’s basic plan. Make sure to check their add-ons and advanced plans if you require any of the above.
✅ Best for digital nomads applying for the Japan Digital Nomad Visa, staying 3+ months, or anyone who wants strong medical coverage without paying extra for travel add-ons.
SafetyWing is ideal if you’re using Japan as a starting point to travel across Asia-Pacific or want a single policy that combines health and travel insurance. While its medical coverage is lower than Genki’s, it includes valuable extras like trip interruption, lost luggage, and evacuation due to civil unrest, things Genki doesn’t cover.
Key features of SafetyWing in Japan
- Monthly price: From $56 (~$60 per 4 weeks) for travelers aged 18–39.
- Coverage limit: $250,000 per policy period.
- Deductible: None
- Policy length: Flexible 5–364 day terms, renewable indefinitely until age 70.
- Home country coverage: Up to 30 days every 90 days (15 days for U.S. citizens).
- Pre-existing conditions: Limited emergency coverage only (up to $25,000 lifetime). Chronic conditions are excluded.
- Sports & activities: Wide range included by default, with an Adventure Sports add-on ($100,000 lifetime) for higher-risk activities like skiing or snowboarding in Hokkaido.
- Travel extras: Trip interruption, lost luggage (up to $3,000 per policy, $500 per item, $6,000 lifetime), accidental death & dismemberment, liability coverage, and limited COVID-19 quarantine allowance.
- Add-ons: U.S. coverage, electronics protection, and high-risk sports available separately.
Unique benefits for Japan
- Covers more than health: Travel extras (baggage, trip delays, unrest evacuation) make it practical for nomads bouncing between Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia.
- Flexible renewals: Unlike many insurers, SafetyWing policies renew automatically every 28 days until you cancel.
- Regional advantage: Great if you plan to do side trips from Japan (Bangkok, Seoul, Bali) without buying extra insurance each time.
- Budget-friendly start: Lower upfront price compared to most other nomad insurance options.
Limitations to be aware of
Lower medical coverage cap ($250k) and lifetime caps on certain benefits compared to Genki’s €1,000,000.- Routine check-ups, cancer treatment, maternity, and mental health are not included.
- Some high-risk sports (like advanced diving or pro-level skiing) excluded unless you buy add-ons.
Similar to Genki, these limitations apply to the basic plan. Make sure to check add-ons and advanced plans if you want to include any of the above. If you’re using Japan as a base to explore Asia, see our budget nomad insurance comparison for multi-country trips.
✅ Best for digital nomads who want affordable coverage with both medical + travel protection, and those using Japan as a hub to explore Asia.
Genki vs SafetyWing: Which insurance is better for Japan?
The main difference between Genki and SafetyWing is that Genki focuses on health coverage built for Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa, while SafetyWing combines travel + health benefits for nomads exploring the wider Asia-Pacific region.
Visa compliance for Japan digital nomad insurance
✅Genki provides official insurance certificates for Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa.
⚠️ SafetyWing may not meet Japan’s visa requirements due to its lower coverage limits.
For both, confirm with immigration before purchasing.
Medical coverage limits of digital nomad insurance providers
✅ Genki covers up to €1,000,000 annually.
❌ SafetyWing is capped at $250,000 per policy period.
Deductible for Genki and SafetyWing
❌ Genki: €50 per claim (waived for inpatient.✅ SafetyWing: no deductible.
Travel extras with your insurance
❌ Genki focuses only on health insurance.
✅ SafetyWing includes lost luggage, trip interruption, and evacuation from civil unrest.
Sports & adventure coverage in Japan
✅ Genki includes surfing, diving up to 30m, trekking up to 4,000m, skiing/snowboarding on-piste, martial arts, paragliding.
❌ SafetyWing requires an Adventure Sports add-on for many activities.
Hospital access in Japan
✅ Genki offers direct billing at major international hospitals in Tokyo and Osaka.
❌ SafetyWing usually requires you to pay upfront and claim later.
👉 Choose Genki if you’re applying for the Japan Digital Nomad Visa or want stronger medical protection.
👉 Choose SafetyWing if you prefer a flexible plan that combines health + travel coverage with no deductible for regional trips across Asia.
Still unsure whether a travel insurance plan or a digital nomad insurance plan is right for you? Read through our full breakdown here: Travel Insurance vs Digital Nomad Insurance.
Do expats in Japan need health insurance?
Yes, expats in Japan need health insurance because long-term living comes with different healthcare requirements than short-term nomad stays. While digital nomad insurance is useful for visas or emergencies, expats often need ongoing access to Japan’s healthcare system, including routine check-ups, chronic condition management, and higher coverage limits.
- National Health Insurance (NHI): Most foreign residents on long-term visas are required to join Japan’s NHI system, which gives access to local clinics and hospitals at reduced cost. However, NHI does not cover everything, and the enrollment process can be complex for newcomers.
- Private international coverage: Many expats add an international plan like Genki or SafetyWing for broader protection, higher coverage limits, and support in English. This is especially important in Japan, where language barriers and upfront payments are common at smaller clinics.
- Hospital choice: Japan has world-class hospitals such as St. Luke’s International Hospital (Tokyo), Tokyo Medical University Hospital, and Osaka University Hospital, which are popular with expats. Some accept direct billing with international insurers, but many require payment first.
- Routine and preventive care: Expats often need coverage beyond emergencies, such as annual check-ups, prescriptions, dental care, or maternity services. These are usually excluded from budget nomad plans but can be found in long-term expat insurance.
- Emergency evacuation: For severe cases, transfers to nearby hubs like Seoul, Singapore, or Hong Kong may be needed. A policy with full evacuation coverage ensures you won’t face unexpected costs.
- Best fit: If you’re in Japan for more than 6 months, consider whether basic nomad coverage is enough. Genki offers long-term plans (Genki Native) that include preventive care and routine treatment, making it a stronger choice for expats than SafetyWing’s more travel-oriented coverage.
👉 For a full breakdown of regional long-term coverage, see our guide: Best Long-Term Travel Insurance in Southeast Asia (2025).
💡 Bottom line: Expats in Japan should look beyond emergency-only plans and choose insurance that balances everyday healthcare access with protection against serious medical costs.
Final recommendation: What is the best insurance for digital nomads in Japan?
The best insurance for digital nomads in Japan depends on whether you need visa-ready health coverage or flexible travel + health protection.
- Choose Genki if you are applying for Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa, planning to stay long term, or want stronger medical coverage. Genki provides official visa documentation, direct billing at international hospitals, and a high coverage limit of €1,000,000 annually.
- Choose SafetyWing if you want an affordable, flexible plan that combines both travel + health insurance. It’s a great fit if you’ll be using Japan as a base to explore Asia-Pacific, and value extras like lost luggage and trip interruption coverage.
Both providers are trusted by the nomad community, allow fast online sign-up, and give peace of mind in Japan where medical care is excellent but expensive without coverage.
With the right plan, you can focus on Japan’s incredible lifestyle, from coworking in Tokyo to skiing in Hokkaido, knowing you’re fully protected.
