In Japan, there is no reciprocal healthcare agreement between France and the local health system: foreign tourists pay 100% of their medical bills, with no automatic reimbursement from the French Assurance maladie. More than 9,000 km from home, an unexpected hospitalisation or medical repatriation can run to tens of thousands of euros. Yupwego compares travel insurance policies so you can travel to Japan without that financial risk.
Get my quoteIs travel insurance compulsory in Japan?
Travel insurance is not compulsory to enter Japan: the Japanese authorities do not ask for it at the border. That said, there is no safety net once you are there: foreign tourists pay the full cost of medical care out of their own pocket, including emergencies and hospital stays. Taking out a policy before you leave is plain common sense, not a luxury.
Why take out travel insurance for Japan?
- Medical costs entirely at your own expense: Japan has no social security agreement with France. A GP consultation costs between 40 and 80 €, and a hospital stay with surgery can exceed 20,000 €, with no automatic reimbursement.
- Repatriation from more than 9,000 km away: Arranging a medical flight from Tokyo or Osaka to France can cost over 50,000 €. Travel insurance covers the logistics and pays the bill directly, with no upfront payment from you.
- Earthquakes and typhoons: Japan is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, and typhoons strike regularly from May to October. A natural disaster can force you to cancel or cut your trip short: travel insurance covers these situations, subject to the terms of your policy.
- Trip cancellation or curtailment: Illness, accident, bereavement: several circumstances may make your departure impossible or require an early return. Cancellation cover reimburses pre-paid costs (flights, hotels) under the conditions set out in your policy.
- Theft and baggage loss: Cameras, electronics, personal belongings: the baggage cover in your travel insurance policy covers theft or loss, subject to the limits and conditions in your contract.
What your Yupwego Japan travel insurance covers
For a trip to Japan, Yupwego recommends medical cover of at least 500,000 € to meet the real cost of care on the ground and a potential repatriation to France.
- Medical expenses and hospitalisation: Yupwego settles the hospital bill in Japan directly, up to the limits of your policy, so you pay nothing upfront and can focus on your recovery.
- Medical repatriation: In the event of a serious emergency, a medical flight to France is arranged and covered, including a companion if your condition requires it.
- Personal liability: If you accidentally cause harm to a third party during your stay, your insurance steps in up to the limit specified in your policy.
- Cancellation and curtailment: Whether you cancel before departure or return early for a covered reason (illness, natural disaster), non-refundable costs are covered under the terms of your policy.
- 24/7 teleconsultation: A French-speaking doctor is available around the clock from anywhere in Japan for a first medical opinion or a prescription, without you having to leave your accommodation.
Health and medical care in Japan
Japan’s healthcare system is of a high standard, with well-equipped hospitals in major cities. However, foreign tourists pay 100% of their medical costs themselves, with no contribution from the French Assurance maladie. No vaccinations are compulsory to enter Japan, but keeping DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis) up to date and getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended depending on the length and conditions of your stay. For travel to rural areas during the transmission season, vaccination against Japanese encephalitis may be worth considering: consult a doctor or an international vaccination clinic at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
Entry requirements for Japan
French nationals are exempt from visa requirements for tourist stays in Japan of up to 90 days: a valid passport and a return ticket are all you need. To streamline customs and immigration formalities on arrival, the Japanese government recommends registering in advance on the “Visit Japan Web” platform. For longer stays (studies, internship, working holiday), different conditions apply: see our young traveller, student and working holiday insurance or long-stay travel insurance page, depending on your profile.
Car hire and road accidents in Japan
Driving in Japan is on the left; most hire companies require an international driving licence, which must be obtained in France before departure. Before signing your rental agreement, take out the CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) offered by the hire company: travel insurance does not cover physical damage to the hired vehicle. However, if you are injured in an accident, your own medical costs and repatriation are covered by your travel insurance; personal liability to third parties is also covered, subject to the conditions and limits of your policy.
