best south east asia travel insurance

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The Best Travel Insurance Companies for Backpackers

I’m a backpacker at heart. Even after traveling the world for over a decade , I still love to travel cheap, prioritizing experiences over fancy accommodation and transportation. I still love staying at hostels , meeting locals, and sampling as many local delicacies as I can.

Contrary to popular belief, being a backpacker is not about pinching every penny — it’s about finding value. If you want to have a genuine and authentic trip without breaking the bank, then you need to spend your money wisely.

And when it comes to backpacking around the world, one of the wisest choices you can make is to purchase travel insurance .

I know, travel insurance seems like just another expense that will chip away at your budget. I used to think that too.

But it also has the potential to save you thousands of dollars should something go wrong on your trip.

And after traveling around the world for over twelve years, I can confidently tell you this: things will go wrong.

To help you stay safe on your next trip, here is everything you need to know about buying insurance as a backpacker.

Table of Contents

Why Do Backpackers Need Insurance?

What does travel insurance cover, what does travel insurance not cover, the best backpacker insurance companies.

The reason you need to buy travel insurance is because accidents happen. Regardless of whether you’re at home or abroad, things go wrong. At home, you likely have access to medical care and reliable medical facilities.

On the road, that isn’t always the case.

While serious injuries are rare, they do happen. And it’s always better to be safe than sorry. But insurance isn’t just for medical emergencies. It also covers a lot of incidents that are much more common than you think!

I’ve had my bags stolen, I’ve needed to go to the hospital overseas, and I was even stabbed while traveling in South America .

I didn’t plan for any of these things to happen. But when they did, I was glad I had insurance to help me get reimbursed as well as to help me navigate the confusion that comes with having an emergency abroad.

While it’s unpleasant to spend time dwelling on these things, the truth is, you need to be prepared for the worst. Hopefully, you’ll never need to use your insurance plan, but if you need to, you want to make sure you have the coverage you need.

Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect your backpacker insurance to cover:

• Coverage for most countries in the world
• Medical emergencies (surgery hospitalization fees, medical evacuation to the nearest hospital)
• Flight delays and cancellations
• Trip cancellations (due to injury or a death in the family)
• Emergency evacuation (due to injury or natural disaster)
• Dental emergencies
• Lost or stolen baggage
• Death overseas

I know, as a backpacker you like to keep costs low. Insurance isn’t free, after all, which makes it seem like a burdensome and unnecessary expense.

But it’s much better to pay a few bucks a day than risk losing your life savings should an emergency occur while you don’t have coverage.

While most travel emergencies and injuries are covered by travel insurance, it’s important to know what is not covered by your plan. Knowledge is power, after all.

Most backpacker insurance policies do not cover:

• Accidents sustained while participating in extreme adventure activities (which often include hang-gliding, paragliding, or bungee jumping)
• Alcohol- and drug-related incidents
• Carelessness or negligence (such as if your bag gets stolen after you left it unattended)
• Pre-existing conditions or general check-ups
• Stolen cash
• If civil unrest makes your destination unsafe but your government hasn’t called for an evacuation (unless you have more advanced coverage from a company like Medjet )
• Changing your mind about your trip or unfriending/breaking up with your travel partner will disqualify you from trip-cancellation coverage
• If your visa to a destination is refused you won’t be reimbursed if you decide to cancel your trip

There’s only two companies worth using as a backpacker.

They are the best choice for long-term travelers as you can renew your plan while abroad and their $250 USD deductible keeps your monthly fee low. While their coverage isn’t as comprehensive as other companies, it covers the most important stuff, making them a good choice for travelers on a tight budget.

Here’s a quick overview of SafetyWing :

• Super affordable plans (with a deductible)
• Can purchase and renew plans while abroad
• Claims can be filed online
• $250,000 USD in emergency medical coverage
• Friendly and responsive customer service
• After being abroad for 90 days, you keep your medical coverage for 30 days in your home country (15 days for US residents)
• Best for digital nomads and frugal travelers

Insure My Trip also provides comparisons from insurance companies that cover older travelers (many travel insurance companies won’t cover travelers over 65), making them the go-to company for retirees and other senior adventurers.

Here’s a quick overview of Insure My Trip :

• Guaranteed low prices
• Coverage for senior travelers over 65
• “Anytime Advocates” ask the insurer to give your claim a second look if you think it was unfairly denied
• Compares 23 different companies to ensure you get the best plan
• Reviews of each policy so you can see what other travelers are saying

The huge benefit of using Insure My Trip is that they guarantee you won’t find the same policy elsewhere for less money! Click here to get a quote from Insure My Trip.  

Here’s a look at World Nomads at a glance:

• Tiers for basic and premium coverage
• Delay and cancelation coverage
• Can submit a claim after your trip ends
• Offers some COVID coverage
• Everything can be done via the website
• Trusted by brands like Lonely Planet, Eurail, and Intrepid Travel

World Nomads is more expensive than SafetyWing (roughly 3x the price) but they also cover more activities and include more coverage for things like cancelations and delays. In short, they’re best for adventurous travelers or travelers who want more more coverage and have the money to spend.

I never leave home without travel insurance. I’ve experienced first-hand how helpful it can be. It’s saved me thousands of dollars over the years — as well as countless headaches too.

Being a backpacker is all about having amazing, memorable travel experiences all without breaking the bank. And there’s no better way to insulate yourself from expensive (and unnecessary) costs than by buying travel insurance (Remember that Safety Wing is our top pick!)

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Asia travel insurance: how to choose the best coverage

Travel insurance for asia.

Asia is known for its incredible diversity and is home to more than half the world’s population. From culture and history to religion to terrain, the world’s largest continent boasts unparalleled variety in every aspect, making it a popular destination for millions of tourists annually. Whether you’re looking to spend weeks in the mountains surrounded by nature, wish to experience living in a secluded village, or enjoy the best of city life, Asia has it all. This region's fantastic variety of food works like the cherry on top. While this region welcomes people from all across the world, there are specific requirements that tourists have to fulfill to visit and explore it.  

Discover our travel insurance for Asia.

India Travel Insurance | Japan Travel Insurance | Thailand Travel Insurance | Vietnam Travel Insurance  

Do You Need Travel Insurance for Asia?

It depends on the country you’re traveling to. Considering there are 48 countries in Asia, no single rule applies across the region. Some Asian countries require all foreign tourists to carry travel insurance, while some only require tourists from specific countries to have travel insurance, allowing others to visit without it. Moreover, the coverage requirement for each country that mandates travel insurance may also vary. Several countries that previously allowed international travelers to visit and explore their lands without insurance have made it necessary post-COVID.  

Which Asian Countries Require Travel Insurance?

To facilitate your travel planning for Asia, here’s the list of countries that require tourists to carry insurance:  

Countries with Fluid Insurance Coverage Rules for Travelers

Indonesia made it mandatory for all international travelers to carry travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage when it opened up for tourists post-pandemic. However, it is no longer a legal requirement. You have to show your COVID-19 vaccination proof.

Philippines

Philippine laws require unvaccinated tourists to get travel insurance with COVID-19 treatment coverage for a minimum of USD 35,000 from a reputable insurance company. The policy should remain valid for their entire duration of stay. However, fully vaccinated travelers are exempted from this condition and can travel to the Philippines without insurance. The term ‘fully vaccinated’ here refers to two standard doses and a booster for adults over 18 years and two classic shots for tourists aged 17 and under.  

Russia requires all tourists who require a visa to enter the country to get travel insurance. It’s part of the visa requirements. However, tourists from countries with visa-free access to Russia can travel without insurance. American citizens (as anyone can guess) belong to the first category, which means they need travel insurance for Russia.  

You’re only required to have travel health insurance for visiting Thailand when your next destination requires you to take a COVID-19 test before leaving Thailand.  

Travel insurance is necessary for obtaining a Turkey visa. So, everyone needing a visa to travel to Turkey must buy a travel insurance policy. There is no minimum amount limit for coverage; however, it should be for the entire trip duration.  

Asian Countries That Require All Tourists to Carry Travel Insurance

• Israel – travel medical insurance with COVID-19 coverage
• Jordan – travel medical insurance
• Nepal – travel medical insurance with emergency assistance and medical repatriation coverage if tested positive for COVID-19
• Oman – travel– travel medical insurance
• Saudi Arabia – travel medical insurance with full coverage for COVID-19 treatment.
• Singapore – travel insurance with COVID-19 treatment and hospitalization coverage for a minimum of USD30,000.
• Sri Lanka – requires COVID insurance, regardless of travelers’ vaccination status.
• UAE – The insurance must cover international healthcare for the entire trip duration.
• Vietnam – Travel or medical insurance with COVID-19 treatment coverage for a minimum of USD 10,000.
• Laos – travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 50,000
• Iran – requires all foreign visitors to carry travel insurance
• Qatar – All international tourists must have travel insurance

Apart from these, no other Asian country mandates travel insurance.  

Travel Insurance is Always Encouraged 

Though you are legally allowed to visit most Asian countries without travel insurance, it is still highly encouraged to carry one for several reasons. Traveling is never 100% risk-free. No matter how well-planned your trip is or how safe and secure the country or city you’re visiting is, there is always a chance that things might go wrong. You may fall sick, have an accident, miss a flight, or become a victim of crime. Insurance can come in handy in such unfortunate situations and save you from getting into any financial trouble in a foreign country.

Why Choose AXA Travel Insurance for Asia?

AXA is consistently ranked as the most reliable insurance company for a decade. There are several reasons why travelers trust us with their travel insurance plans. Here are some of the major ones:  

We Offer the Most Flexible Travel Coverage

Unlike many other travel policies that just cover emergency medical expenses,  for a limited amount, AXA travel insurance plans protect you against what could potentially go wrong on your foreign trip. Our travel insurance covers: ✔ Emergency medical expenses due to an illness or accident ✔ Emergency medical repatriation ✔ Reimbursement of Non-refundable costs in case of trip interruption ✔ Baggage loss benefits AXA travel insurance also offers 75% coverage for all prepaid, non-refundable trip cost amounts in the event of trip cancellation for any reason and 100% coverage for trip cancelation due to illness, or many other unforeseen situations.  

We Have Multiple Plan Options

Considering that not all travelers’ insurance needs are the same, we offer three different types of travel insurance policies: ✔ Silver – the most basic and cost-effective plan ✔ Gold – offers the same benefits as the silver plan but at a higher coverage amount ✔ Platinum – maximum benefits, highest coverage. It also includes coverage for rental sports equipment, lost ski days, and lost golf rounds.  

We Also Offer Travel Assistance Services

Facing an unforeseen situation in a foreign country can overwhelm many people. Considering this, we also offer travel assistance services to our travel insurance policyholders to ensure they have the necessary information, support, and guidance they may need to deal with the situation 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.  

Talk to Our Licensed Representatives to Find the Best Policy for Your Trip to Asia

With our travel insurance we can take great care of you too

• Single Trip
• Annual Multi-Trip
• Winter Sports & Ski
• Collision Damage Waiver
• Sport & Leisure
• Medical Conditions
• Travel Insurance for Non-UK Residents
• Group Travel Insurance
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• Covid-19 travel insurance
• About Our Travel Insurance
• Holiday Cancellation Insurance
• Emergency Medical Assistance Cover
• Emergency Medical Cover for Travel Insurance
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• Travel Insurance for Under 18s
• Comprehensive
• What's Covered
• Excluded Vehicles
• Range Rover
• Car Hire Excess Insurance
• Policy Information
• File a Claim
• Insurance Glossary
• Coronavirus - Annual Multi-trip Policy

Backpacker Travel Insurance for Asia

When thinking of where to go on a backpacking adventure, many minds wander to Asia. Asia is one of the places in the world that opens the eyes of those who travel there, and allows you to find yourself through experiencing a whole new culture. Travelling through Asia is truly a trip like no other.

Asia is a very vast continent, meaning that there are many terrains and cultures to explore when you are there. If you are interested in visiting several locations when you are in Asia, like so many people are, then you may want to consider what types of things you intend doing in order to plan your trip better.

Travelling to Hong Kong from the UK is one of the quickest ways to get to Asia, so a lot of travellers find themselves here in the first instance. This is a great kick-off point for travellers, as it is very well connected to very popular areas of Asia, such as, mainland China and the Philippines. Some of the other more popular areas to travel in Asia are Thailand , Vietnam and Cambodia. In these areas you can enjoy tropical white sand beaches, ancient temples and explore the jungle, all while enjoying delicious food and vibrant nightlife. These destinations are all great for solo travellers looking to meet new people and make lasting friendships.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg! There are so many experiences to be had in Asia. No matter what countries you intend to visit on your backpacking adventure, it is important that you take out travel insurance to protect yourself against many unforeseen eventualities.

Below is some information about our products, for which Terms & Conditions apply. Please visit the policy information hub for full details.

We also wanted to help you to best plan for your trip through Asia, so you can spend your time booking flights, accommodation and excursions! 

Popular backpacking destinations in Asia

There are several popular destinations that holiday-goers and backpackers flock to year after year. Here are some of the top destinations to explore when you visit Asia:

• Kuala Lumpur

You could spend an entire holiday in each of these destinations, research each location to see what excitement and adventure it could add to your trip. 

Best solo traveller destinations in Asia

If you are travelling alone, it can be daunting to imagine yourself for a prolonged period of time exploring solo. However, backpacking is a great way to meet people and travel alongside strangers. Here are some of the top destinations in Asia for solo travellers:

• Chiang Mai, Thailand
• Koh Chang, Thailand
• Pai, Thailand
• Kuta Lombok, Indonesia
• Gili Air, Indonesia
• Flores, Indonesia
• Nusa Islands, Indonesia
• Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
• Hoi An, Vietnam
• Luang Prabang, Laos
• Siargao, Philippines

Best beaches in Asia

Many travellers go abroad from the UK to enjoy white sand beaches and soak up some rays. Asia is home to many beautiful beaches, here are some that we would recommend visiting during your trip:

• Pink Beach, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
• Pianemo Beach, Indonesia
• Railay Beach, Thailand
• Similan Islands, Thailand
• Khlong Rahan, Thailand
• Nyang Nyang Beach, Bali
• El Nido, Philippines
• White Beach, Boracay Philippines
• An Thoi Islands, Vietnam
• Sok San, Cambodia
• Tanjunh Rhu, Langkawi, Malaysia

How to choose the right accommodation while backpacking

The accommodation you choose really can change the feel of your trip. Choosing the right accommodation as a solo traveller, might be different to those travelling in a couple or as a group.

Hostels are perfect for all types of traveller, alone or in a group. Some hostels are advertised as perfect for solo travellers, and can be a great place to make friends and meet future travelling companions as well. Look into any hostel that you are considering, read reviews and look at their website and social media pages. This will give you the best idea of whether or not that hostel is somewhere that you will enjoy.

Hotels can be a pricier option, but you will often find yourself in more luxury than a hostel. If you are looking to take a break from staying in a dormitory-style room, a hotel can be the next best thing. Most hotels have different standards of room, so if you search properly, you will be able to find something that suits you and your budget.

Airbnb offers a wide range of accommodation types at a wide range of prices. It is well worth looking to see if there are any affordable Airbnb's in the areas that you visit, you might find yourself surprised with the quality and price of some of them.

Travelling accommodation is also another great option for those of you looking to save some money whilst travelling. There are several trains that travel through the night, meaning you can get your accommodation and travel ticket all in one! Go to sleep in one part of Asia, and wake up in another to explore!

The best season to go backpacking through Asia

Travelling through Asia you can experience really high climatic temperatures. This can make it more difficult to explore and make the most of the full days you have. The cooler months in the dry season are between November and February, which means you’ll enjoy great weather and at the same time, be able to be outside more comfortably, for longer.

It gets hotter between March and June and it is more humid than other months of the year, sometimes making it more difficult to explore as it can be uncomfortable.

If you’re planning a backpacking holiday, you’ll understand the importance of being prepared for the unexpected whilst you’re away. The nature of backpacking is to explore the world, travel far and wide and sometimes just see where the wind takes you, so, this can mean that things don’t necessarily always go to plan.

Our Backpacker Travel Insurance is suitable for those that are aged 50 and under and plan on travelling a country, or bigger world adventure in one trip. For full details of the terms and conditions that apply, refer to the policy document .

Packing list for backpacking in Asia

Travelling out of a small wheelie bag or a large backpack can be challenging, but usually those who travel light find it liberating to be not have to worry too much about what to wear each day. We’ve put together a list of things you should consider packing for a trip around Asia:

• 3-4 tshirts/tops
• 2-3 light blouses/tops
• 1 evening outfit
• 1 jumper/zip up for colder weather
• 2 pairs of trousers
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 1 swimwear outfit
• 2 pairs of shoes
• 5-7 pairs of underwear
• 5-7 pairs of socks
• 1 pair leggings/tracksuit bottoms
• Phone & camera chargers
• Asian plug converters
• Any medicine you might need
• Details of your travel insurance policy
• Essentials such as Passport, money and ID

Frequently Asked Questions

Although travel insurance for your backpacking adventure through Asia isn’t a legal requirement, you should still view it as essential for your trip. When you go on a journey through a country, or several countries, unexpected things can happen.

A travel insurance policy from Allianz Assistance can help to protect you against many unforeseen eventualities from lost baggage to medical assistance all the way to covering repatriation to the UK . We have created a policy that offers you the peace of mind you deserve when you are on your adventures through Asia.

Find out more about what is covered in our Single Trip and Backpacker travel insurance policies below:

• Cancelling or curtailing your trip
• Emergency medical and associated expenses
• Loss of passport*
• Delayed personal possessions
• Lost, stolen or damaged personal possessions*
• Loss of personal money*
• Personal accident cover
• Missed departures
• Delayed departures
• Personal liability
• Legal expenses
• End-supplier failure**
• *Not available with Single Trip or Annual Bronze cover
• **Only available with Single Trip or Annual Gold cover
• Terms and Conditions apply.  

In preparation for your backpacking holiday, you should look at purchasing travel insurance to cover you against many unforeseen eventualities relating to your trip. Traveling for prolonged periods of time can increase the chances of you being caught short, taking multiple flights in one trip might mean your luggage gets lost or transport delays might lead to missed connections. All of these circumstances are “what ifs?” But, it is best to be prepared should the worst happen when you are away from home.

Our Backpacking Policy offers you the peace of mind that you deserve whilst you are off on your adventures. 

Our Backpacker insurance can last for a full 365-day period, so if you’re travelling on a gap year, it may be the right type of insurance for you.

If your trip lasts for longer than 365 days, then we’ll sadly be unable to cover you. Please note that no part of a trip booked to last longer than 365 days is covered.  

To qualify for our Backpacker insurance, you need to be aged 50 or under on the day your policy is issued.

If you’re aged over 50, then unfortunately we won’t be able to provide you with Backpacker cover. But, depending on the type of holiday you’re taking, we may still be able to cover you under our Single Trip  (age limit of 80 and under) and Annual  (age limit of 65 and under). Age limits apply at the time of booking. 

Our Backpacker insurance policies can protect you all over the world*. You can select just the countries you're travelling to, which will help make sure you only pay for the cover you need. 

Check your confirmation email to make sure that all the destinations you are travelling to are listed.

*Please note that you cannot travel to a country or region that the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office has advised against all travel or against all but essential travel. 

The best time for you to take out Backpacker insurance is as soon as you’ve booked your trip.

Sadly, accidents do happen and there might be a reason why you can no longer travel. But, if you’ve taken out Backpacker travel insurance , you’ll have cover for cancellation. Your cover starts as soon as you buy your policy, and we’ll pay up to the amount shown in your policy documents for unused accommodation, transport, excursions and other travel expenses you have paid or will have to pay, and that you cannot recover from anywhere else.

Terms and Conditions apply.

How to ensure you have the right cover

Does your bank or credit card company provide cover.

Many bank accounts and credit cards come with some level of travel insurance cover. While some may be comprehensive, they may not cover you for everything you have planned whilst you’re away, particularly if you have adventurous plans or unusual excursions booked. 

Make sure you look into the travel insurance policy that you have before every trip, to make sure it’s suitable for you and your plans.

Purchasing a holiday using a credit card means you are often protected by Consumer Protection cover. In most cases, it allows you to get your money returned to you if your provider defaults and you cannot travel.

Are you covered by ABTA or ATOL?

If you have booked a holiday through a tour operator or travel agent, it may be worth checking if you are covered by ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) or ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s License). This type of cover means that your package holiday is protected if, for example, the travel company providing your holiday arrangements or the travel agent themselves fail financially or close down.

Your travel agents will be able to tell you if your holiday is ABTA or ATOL protected. Alternatively, use the links provided to check your cover at home.

What is an EHIC or GHIC and what can it offer you?

Looking for more cover? Here’s what else we offer

Winter Sports & Ski Travel Insurance

Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

Single Trip Travel Insurance

Collision Damage Excess Waiver Insurance

Sports & Leisure Insurance

Our other types of insurance you may be interested in.

Worldwide Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance for Thailand

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Make A Claim?

Policy documents.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition that we are unable cover under our own policies, you may be able to obtain an alternative travel insurance policy through one of the providers  featured in the MoneyHelper  directory  of specialist travel insurance providers for people with serious medical conditions. Do take time to study and compare the terms and conditions to ensure you have the cover you need. To contact the Money Advice Service for further details of the directory

Call: 0800 138 7777 (lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm) or Email: [email protected]

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Travel Insurance for Japan and South East Asia

by: Toshi Yuuki

I’ve been in the field of travel for many years and I know a thing or two about the importance of purchasing travel insurance before going on a trip across seas, so I decided to reach out to Nihon Scope to offer a few helpful tips to you their readers. These few stories will help you understand why it’s important and how to receive the best insurance for your trip to Japan or anywhere for that matter in Asia (or the world).

Why You Need Travel Insurance

Over 15 years I’ve seen almost everything you can think of when it comes to things not going the way they were planned. From luggage being lost or stolen, or a sudden sickness or if your hotel ended up booking YOUR room to someone else and won’t refund you, or if you’re traveling with expensive equipment and it ends up broken/lost or if they’re stolen this is the point of WHY you purchase travel insurance. Leaving it to fate is not always the best bet, which I will explain here in just a minute.

But first, WHY should you listen to me about this?

Great question, and that comes down to knowing a bit of who I am. I’ve been assisting individuals such as yourself for the last 15 years and through those 15 years I’ve met so many travel hopefuls who decided to leave their trip up to fate. One thing I can honestly say though is that a good portion of these people didn’t need it in the end, which is wonderful. But the damage and the utter heart broken moments of my career are from those who decided against travel insurance while traveling in South East Asia and Japan and their luck turned.

The Japanese Medical System

One thing you should know about the medical system in Japan is that it’s a universal health care type of system (but not for foreigners/tourists without proof of insurance), but because of that the Japanese have a hard time taking foreigners because it’s a system the people all pay into. The Hokensho (health insurance card) that Japanese people carry is something you only get if you end up living in Japan, so to be able to be accepted into clinics and hospitals you need to show proof of insurance, and travel insurance will cover many clinics and most hospitals in about every circumstance.

The sad part about this is that many times people have been denied care even under situations that were life or death. At times (meaning it’s not EVER guaranteed in Japan) hospitals will make it right by saving peoples lives, but there have been people that had to be flown out of the country to go somewhere that would take them, and the immediate flight coupled with medical supervision is very expensive and risky. These types of situations happen often for those looking to go to Japan or throughout South East Asia to go backpacking, trekking, skiing, mountain climbing or scuba diving (or anything else a bit on possibly dangerous side for a given activity)

What to make sure of when you’re purchasing your travel insurance when concerned about sickness, medical of accident:

Full medical coverage and evacuation coverage, Dangerous activity coverage or exclusion and proof of insurance.

I’ve met seniors who saved for years to travel to Japan, Korea, China etc, and have all their luggage stolen or misplaced, making the start of a trip that’s suppose to be a beautiful experience into a dreadful and heart sinking experience having to take the first several days of the trip spending vast amounts of money and time recouping their loss. Could you imagine that? Feeling excited to visit somewhere new and far away from home, only to find everything got turned upside down upon arrival!

I have a family member whose a photographer who traveled to Japan without purchasing travel insurance only to find when they arrived they found the airlines had mishandled their equipment and over $5,000 of damage had occurred leaving him having to fight with airlines about the damages. After 8 months of back and forth he could only retrieve around $1,500 for damages and a free airfare ticket back to Japan.

If you’re traveling with expensive equipment (or anything you don’t want to have to replace on your own) Be sure to check your travel insurance to see if it covers:

So as you can see I’ve met and discussed in detail the importance of travel insurance with many individuals who told me they wouldn’t need it. The sad but interesting part of those people I spoke to about buying travel insurance before booking their flight are more then not the ones who ended up needing it the most and not having it! On the other hand those who took my advice to purchase travel insurance and it ended up safeguarding themselves and their families well-being while at the same time returning their trip to normal with an a matter of an afternoon.

Traveling aboard to Japan or anywhere throughout South East Asia is expensive already. Adding travel insurance should be a no-brainer honestly, it can be seen as important as buckling up when getting in a car, but when travel is involved your chances of having something happen is much greater statistically then the use of a seat belt, but that doesn’t stop us from using seat belts does it?

I’m sure you’re starting to feel why it’s so important to check travel insurance off your list before you leave now right? Don’t leave your trip and experience of traveling to Japan in the hands of fate, many times traveling to such a place is a once in a life time opportunity, make sure it’s a solid investment.

-Toshi Yuuki

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