Dreaming of cherry blossoms, bullet trains, and unforgettable cuisine? Japan is one of the most popular destinations for Australian travellers over 60 – and for good reason. It’s safe, clean, culturally rich, and incredibly easy to explore.
Travel is about enjoyment – but it also comes with risks, especially as we get older. Even experienced travellers visiting Japan can face unexpected events such as illness, injury, or travel disruptions. This is why travel insurance for Japan is so important for over 60s.
What does travel insurance cover in Japan?
Comprehensive travel insurance policies include cover for:
- Overseas medical expenses
- 24/7 emergency medical assistance
- Overseas repatriation and evacuation
- Cancellation fees and lost deposits
- Lost or stolen luggage
- Travel delays and missed connections
It’s important to read the policy wording as limits and sub limits may apply.
Healthcare in Japan – what you need to know
Japan has an excellent healthcare system, however there’s no reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and Japan.
This means if you need medical treatment while travelling in Japan and you don’t have travel insurance, you’ll likely be paying significant medical costs.
Even a short hospital stay can be expensive, and emergency evacuation and repatriation back to Australia can run into tens of thousands of dollars. Having travel insurance will cover your medical costs in Japan should you become ill or get injured.
And if your doctor has prescribed blood thinners, you should ensure that you have sufficient quantities for the duration of your trip. The newer types of anticoagulants are very expensive in Japan and visitors pay the full unsubsidised amount for prescriptions.
The importance of declaring pre-existing medical conditions
Most people over 60 have at least one pre-existing medical condition, even if it’s a minor condition such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Unless your existing medical condition or conditions is/are automatically covered by the travel insurance provider, it’s important that you declare them. If you have a medical event while in Japan and a doctor deems that the cause is a pre-existing medical condition, failure to declare the condition when purchasing your travel insurance policy could invalidate your claim.
Final things to consider
A trip to Japan is an incredible experience – whether you’re exploring temples, enjoying regional cuisine, or travelling on the famous Shinkansen.
With the right travel insurance in place, you can relax and focus on what really matters: enjoying every moment of your journey. It’s advisable to purchase travel insurance immediately you pay for airfares or make deposits on tours and accommodation. Comprehensive travel insurance is about protecting your health and non-refundable deposits. And 24/7 emergency assistance is just a phone call away.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or insurance advice. Terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) to ensure that the policy is suitable for you.
