Japan is one of the world's most fascinating destinations, and for good reason. The ancient temples of Kyoto, the energy of Tokyo, cherry blossoms, exceptional cuisine, ancestral traditions intertwined with futuristic modernity: the Land of the Rising Sun is unlike anywhere else. However, for a successful trip, taking out Japan travel insurance remains essential.
This guide explains the strengths of our travel and repatriation insurance for your stay in Japan, the coverage options to choose based on your traveller profile, and how Europ Assistance supports you before, during and after your trip.
Key Takeaways
In Japan, foreign tourists must pay all medical expenses in full unless they have appropriate health coverage;
A basic medical consultation can cost between 5 000 and 20 000 yen (approximately €25 to €100), while hospitalization can amount to tens of thousands of yen depending on the severity of the condition;
Belgian citizens can travel visa-free for up to 90 days, but a valid passport is mandatory;
Europ Assistance covers medical repatriation from Japan and provides 24/7 assistance in English.
Why Take Out Travel Insurance for Japan?
High Medical Expenses at Your Own Cost
Japan has a healthcare system renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and advanced medical technology. However, this system does not cover foreign visitors travelling for tourism or study purposes.
A basic medical consultation can cost between 5 000 and 20 000 yen (approximately €25 to €100), while hospitalization or surgery may amount to several hundred thousand yen. At these costs, the bill can quickly become substantial for an uninsured traveller.
Unfortunately, your Belgian health insurance fund will not reimburse you in this context: it covers healthcare in Belgium and, depending on your policy, within Europe, but not on the other side of the world. As for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), it is only valid within the European Union and certain associated countries and provides no coverage in Japan.
The Risk of Medical Repatriation from Japan
The distance between Belgium and Japan is approximately 9 500 km. A medical repatriation from Tokyo to Brussels represents one of the most expensive logistical operations imaginable: mobilizing an air ambulance, onboard medical staff and the necessary stopovers can drive costs to extremely high levels.
As you might expect, without Japan repatriation insurance, these expenses remain entirely your responsibility. This risk alone justifies taking out solid insurance cover before departure, regardless of your health condition at the time of travel.
Which Japan Travel Health Insurance Should You Choose?
Essential Coverage to Check
To travel safely in Japan, your insurance should primarily cover:
Medical and hospitalization expenses. This includes consultations, tests, prescribed medication and hospital care. Make sure the coverage limit is high enough to cover an extended hospital stay;
Medical repatriation. This covers the organization and cost of medically supervised transport back to Belgium, as well as accompanying persons if necessary;
24/7 assistance. This allows you to reach an english-speaking support team at any time for medical guidance or logistical assistance on site;
Trip cancellation and interruption. In the event of illness or a family emergency, this guarantee covers non-refundable expenses already incurred;
Loss or theft of luggage and documents. This can be invaluable in a country where language barriers may complicate administrative procedures.
What Is Included in All Our Plans
All Europ Assistance travel insurance plans for Japan include:
Reimbursement of medical expenses up to the limit of the selected plan (minimum €250,000);
Organization and coverage of your repatriation, as well as that of accompanying persons if your medical condition so requires;
Early return in the event of hospitalization or death of a close relative in Belgium;
24/7 assistance in English, ensuring support whenever needed;
Assistance in the event of lost documents (passport, bank card, airline tickets).
Optional Coverage and Additional Benefits
Depending on your travel plans, the annual Smart, Sport and VIP plans allow you to strengthen your protection with:
Cancellation cover. Reimburses expenses incurred if you need to cancel for medical, professional or family reasons;
Sports and activities extension. Ideal if you plan to ski in Hokkaido, hike volcanic trails or enjoy water sports on the southern islands;
Luggage cover. Protects your luggage, camera equipment, laptop and smartphone.
Good to know: some premium bank cards include travel insurance, but reimbursement limits are often insufficient to cover a lengthy hospitalization abroad. Carefully review the terms and coverage limits before relying solely on this protection.
The conditions of our travel insurance plans
Temporary or Annual Travel Insurance for Japan? Comparing Our Plans
Annual Smart
Maximum duration per trip: 3 months
Starting price: €151/year
Medical expenses: €1 250 000
Medical repatriation: included
Search and rescue expenses: €5 000
Luggage: optional
Long Trip
Maximum duration: 364 days
Starting price: €134
Medical expenses: €1 250 000
Medical repatriation: included
Search and rescue expenses: €5 000
Luggage: not included
Japan Travel Insurance Cost: How Much Does It Cost?
The price of Japan travel insurance varies according to several criteria:
Length of stay. The longer the trip, the higher the total cost, although the daily rate is often lower;
Age of the travellers. Seniors generally pay higher premiums than younger travellers;
Level of cover. Medical expense limits and optional guarantees directly impact the price.
For a two-week trip to Japan, expect prices starting from €100 per person with Europ Assistance for standard temporary coverage. For a one-month trip, the base rate for one traveller is approximately €193.
Please note: do not compare travel insurance solely on price. A cheap Japan travel insurance policy with insufficient coverage limits may result in considerable out-of-pocket expenses in the event of hospitalization. Focus on achieving the right balance between cost and level of protection.
Entry Requirements for Belgians Travelling to Japan
No Visa Required for Tourist Stays
Belgian citizens are visa-exempt when travelling to Japan for tourism, provided that their stay does not exceed 90 days and they present a valid passport upon arrival. No prior application is required: the entry stamp is issued directly at the airport.
It is recommended to pre-register on the Visit Japan Web portal before departure. This online procedure, provided by the Japanese authorities, speeds up arrival formalities and helps avoid queues at immigration.
For stays longer than three months or for professional purposes, a visa is required.
JESTA: A New Requirement Expected by 2028
Japan has confirmed the introduction of an electronic travel authorization (JESTA) which will become mandatory from 2028 for visitors from countries currently exempt from visas, including Belgium. This system is not yet in effect for travel in 2026, but it is worth keeping in mind if you plan a trip in the coming years.
Passport Validity
Your passport must remain valid throughout your stay in Japan. As a precaution, ensure that it remains valid until your return date. If you plan to visit neighbouring countries during the same trip, note that most require passport validity of at least six months from the date of entry.
Driving Licence
Contrary to popular belief, the Belgian international driving permit is not valid in Japan To rent and drive a car, you must carry your original driving licence, together with its official Japanese translation (available via the Japan Automobile Federation, JAF), and your passport.
Register on Travellers Online
The Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs advises Belgian travellers to register their trip via Travellers Online before departure. In the event of a crisis, natural disaster or emergency, Belgian authorities can contact and assist you more efficiently.
What Should You Do in the Event of a Medical Emergency in Japan?
Useful Emergency Numbers
119: medical emergencies (ambulance) and fire services
110: police
Embassy of Belgium in Tokyo: +81 (0)3 3262 0191
Belgian consular emergency number (outside office hours): +81 (0)90 7737 9843
Europ Assistance: number available on your insurance contract, available 24/7
Steps to Follow
In the event of a health issue in Japan:
Contact Europ Assistance before seeking treatment whenever possible. Our team will direct you to an appropriate medical facility and, where possible, coordinate payment directly with the hospital;
Keep all medical records and invoices. Without detailed supporting documents, reimbursement may be difficult;
Do not pay without contacting us first. In serious situations, Europ Assistance can arrange direct settlement to avoid requiring significant upfront payments;
When necessary, our teams organize medically supervised repatriation to Belgium in coordination with Japanese medical authorities.
Prepare Your Trip to Japan with Suitable Coverage
A trip to Japan requires careful preparation, starting with adequate insurance coverage. Beyond practical considerations such as travel formalities, transportation and budget planning, travel insurance provides an essential safety net against Japanese medical costs, unexpected events and the natural risks specific to the archipelago.
Before packing your bags, consult our holiday departure checklist to make sure you don't forget anything.
Europ Assistance supports you 24/7 wherever you are and organizes your medical assistance or repatriation whenever the situation requires it.
FAQ — Your Questions About Japan Travel Insurance
Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Japan?
No, travel insurance is not legally required for entry into Japan with a Belgian passport in 2026. This situation may change: as part of the proposed JESTA legislation (electronic travel authorization planned for 2028), the Japanese government has discussed the possibility of requiring proof of travel insurance from 2027 onward, particularly in response to unpaid medical bills left by some tourists in Japanese hospitals.
This requirement has not yet been confirmed. Regardless of future developments, taking out travel insurance for Japan is strongly recommended: without coverage, you are fully responsible for all medical expenses in the event of an unexpected incident.
Why Do I Need Japan Travel Health Insurance?
The Japanese healthcare system does not cover foreign tourists. Any consultation, hospitalization or treatment must be paid directly by the patient. Without insurance, even a simple hospital stay can cost several thousand euros. Added to this are the natural risks specific to the Japanese archipelago, which may result in trip cancellations or interruptions. Japan travel health insurance protects you against all these risks.
Why Is Europ Assistance Travel Insurance Among the Best Options for Japan?
The best travel insurance for Japan depends on your profile and the duration of your stay. For a tourist stay of less than 45 days, Europ Assistance's Temporary Worldwide Travel Insurance covers medical expenses up to €250 000. For stays of up to 3 months and medical coverage of up to €1 250 000, the Smart Travel Insurance plan costs €151. For long stays (WHV, studies, expatriation), choose the Long Trip plan, which provides medical expense coverage up to €1 250 000.
Essential criteria to verify include: Medical expense limits; Included repatriation cover; 24/7 english-speaking assistance; Direct payment arrangements with medical facilities.
How Much Does Japan Travel Insurance Cost?
For a two-week stay, prices start at approximately €100 per person with Europ Assistance for standard coverage. For one month, the cost for one traveller is close to €200. The annual Smart plan costs €151. Long-term plans (more than three months) are subject to specific pricing.
Is Japan Repatriation Insurance Included in Your Plans?
Yes. The organization and cost of medical repatriation are included in all Europ Assistance plans, together with cover for accompanying persons where necessary. Given the distance between Japan and Belgium (approximately 9,500 km), this guarantee is particularly important: a medically supervised repatriation can be extremely expensive without insurance.
Do Belgians Need a Visa for Japan?
No, not for tourist stays of less than 90 days. Belgian citizens benefit from a visa exemption and receive an entry stamp upon arrival when presenting a valid passport. For stays longer than three months or for professional purposes, a visa is required.
Does My Bank Card Cover My Trip to Japan?
Some premium bank cards include basic travel insurance, but coverage limits are often insufficient to cover serious hospitalization in Japan. Carefully check your card's terms and conditions, reimbursement limits and exclusions. If in doubt, dedicated travel insurance remains the safest option.
Does Travel Insurance Cover Earthquakes and Typhoons in Japan?
Europ Assistance insurance applies regardless of the cause of the accident or illness.
Discover our cancellation insurance plans
Can I Take Out Japan Travel Insurance After Booking My Ticket?
Yes, you can subscribe to your insurance contract up until the day before departure. However, to benefit from cancellation cover, it is recommended to take out the policy within a few days of booking your trip. Waiting until the last minute generally excludes this protection.
How Can I Contact Europ Assistance in an Emergency in Japan?
The Europ Assistance assistance number appears on your insurance contract. Our teams are available 24/7, including from Japan. In the event of a medical emergency, contact us before seeking treatment whenever possible: we will direct you to an appropriate facility and, if necessary, arrange direct settlement with the Japanese hospital.
Does Japan Travel Insurance Cover a WHV or Long-Term Studies?
Yes, provided you choose the appropriate plan. Europ Assistance's Long Trip Travel Insurance is specifically designed for stays longer than three months, whether for a Working Holiday Visa, university studies or expatriation. It covers medical expenses up to €1 250 000 and addresses the specific needs of long-term stays abroad.
What Should I Do If I Lose My Passport in Japan?
Report it immediately to the local police, then contact the Belgian Embassy in Tokyo (+81 (0)3 3262 0191) to obtain a temporary travel document. Europ Assistance also assists you with these administrative procedures: assistance in the event of lost documents is included in all our plans.
