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Among the top insurance providers for expats in Japan are AXA, Bupa Global, Allianz Care, Cigna, William Russell, VUMI, IMG, DavidShield, and GeoBlue. These companies offer flexible, comprehensive health insurance plans specifically tailored for expatriates, providing coverage options that include inpatient care, outpatient treatments, emergency medical evacuation, maternity benefits, dental, optical, and more.
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Each of these leading providers brings years of expertise in international health insurance, ensuring expats in Japan have reliable and extensive coverage. Securing insurance through an experienced broker can also help you save money and find the best plan suited to your personal needs and budget.
This blog post will answer those questions for you. We’ll introduce you to the 9 best providers for foreigners living in Japan, what their plans are, some of their benefits, and their plan maximum benefit limits. We’ll also teach you why you should secure your insurance through a broker.
When you’re ready to compare health insurance quotes, use our obligation-free quote generator to see hundreds of plans side by side. And of course, you can reach out to our insurance experts online or by calling +852-3113-1331.
Top Health Insurance Companies in Japan for Expats
The top 9 companies that provide international health insurance for expats in Japan are:
These providers are not listed in any particular order, rather each offers spectacular coverage packages that allow expats to travel with peace of mind. Let’s explore each company a little deeper.
1. AXA Global Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Japan
AXA Global is one of the best providers for expats living in Japan. They offer five core plans: Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus. AXA reimburses over 80% of claims within 48 hours, and they provide day or night virtual consultations with a doctor anywhere in the world.
- Foundation is the plan for expats seeking the barest minimum coverage at an affordable price. Benefits cover inpatient hospital care, emergency care and transport, and testing.
- Standard is the most common plan for expats wanting basic coverage. This plan offers a maximum plan limit 10 times higher than Foundation, and it adds dental care benefits.
- Comprehensive is the next step up for expats in Japan who also want to have coverage for outpatient care, chronic conditions, and vision benefits at a higher annual maximum limit.
- Prestige is the most all-inclusive plan that adds the last remaining benefits available from AXA, including maternity care and annual health checks.
- Prestige Plus offers all the same benefits as Prestige, but this is for expats who want the highest annual limit possible at $8,000,000, perfect for expats who expect high medical bills.
Here’s a list of benefits offered by AXA in Japan. Benefit amounts vary depending on your chosen international health insurance plan.
AXA Health Insurance Benefits for Expats in Japan |
|
|
Benefit Type |
Coverage Offered |
| Worldwide Coverage | Included; Optional exclusion of U.S. |
| Inpatient Care | Covered |
| Outpatient Care | Optional add-on for beginning plans; included with Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus |
| Emergency Medical Evacuation | Covered |
| Emergency Transportation and Care | Covered |
| Cancer Care | Covered |
| Maternity Care | Covered with Prestige and Prestige Plus |
| Mental Health Care | Not Covered |
| Dental | Covered with Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus |
| Optical | Covered with Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus |
The next chart shows you the annual benefits limit for each of AXA’s expat health insurance plans.
AXA Plans – Annual Benefit Limits At-a-Glance |
|
|
Plan |
Annual Benefit Limit |
| Foundation | $160,000 |
| Standard | $1,600,000 |
| Comprehensive | $2,400,000 |
| Prestige | $3,200,000 |
| Prestige Plus | $8,000,000 |
Compare quotes for each of these plans by plugging in your travel plans and needs in our online insurance quote generator. This is an obligation-free resource for expats in Japan.
2. Bupa Global Insurance Options for Japan Expats
Bupa Global is a top choice for expats in Japan because it offers an extensive medical network, a wide range of benefit levels, and coverage for a limited number of children at no additional cost. Bupa offers the Major Medical, Select, Premier, and Elite plans. Bupa has over 80 years of experience.
- Bupa’s Major Medical plan is for expats who only want coverage for unexpected medical emergencies and major medical expenses. This plan covers medical evacuation and repatriation, but it does not cover wellness or routine checks.
- Bupa Select is for expats who only want coverage regionally in Japan instead of worldwide. This plan covers routine screenings, well checks, and medical evacuation.
- Bupa Premier adds vaccinations, dental, and optical to the benefits of the Select plan.
- Bupa Elite is the most comprehensive option available, and it covers medical evacuation, repatriation, complementary therapies, routine maternity care, and more.
Here’s a list of benefits offered by Bupa in Japan. Benefit amounts vary depending on your chosen international health insurance plan.
Bupa Health Insurance Benefits for Expats in Japan |
|
|
Benefit Type |
Coverage Offered |
| Worldwide Coverage | Included with the Major Medical, Premier, and Elite plans |
| Inpatient Care | Covered |
| Outpatient Prescriptions | Partial Coverage |
| Emergency Medical Evacuation | Covered |
| Emergency Care | Covered |
| Cancer Care | Covered |
| Maternity Care | Only available with the Elite plan |
| Mental Health Care | Covered |
| Dental | Available with the Premier and Elite plans |
| Optical | Available with the Premier and Elite plans |
The next chart shows you the annual benefits limit for each of Bupa’s expat health insurance plans.
Bupa Plans – Annual Benefit Limits At-a-Glance |
|
|
Plan |
Annual Benefit Limit |
| Major Medical | About $3,174,200 |
| Select | About $1,587,100 |
| Premier | About $2,380,600 |
| Elite | About $4,761,300 |
Compare quotes for each of these plans by plugging in your travel plans and needs in our online insurance quote generator. This is an obligation-free resource for expats in Japan.
3. Allianz Care International Insurance in Japan
Allianz Care provides international health insurance for expats in Japan and over 75 other countries. Allianz’s health plans include Care, Care Pro, and Care Plus. Allianz’s coverage includes family-friendly solutions, an expansive global network, travel security services, and digital tools.
- The Allianz Care plan covers a semi-private hospital room, oncology, medical evacuation, nursing at home, rehabilitation, emergency outpatient care, and more.
- The Allianz Care Plus plan covers a private hospital room, all the same benefits as the Care plan, and additional emergency dental care.
- The Allianz Care Pro plan increases the benefit limits from the Care Plus plan and adds coverage for preventative surgery and laser eye treatment.
Here’s a list of benefits offered by Allianz Care in Japan. Benefit amounts vary depending on your chosen international health insurance plan.
Allianz Care Health Insurance Benefits for Expats in Japan |
|
|
Benefit Type |
Coverage Offered |
| Worldwide Coverage | Included; Optional exclusion of the USA; Optional exclusive Africa coverage |
| Inpatient Care | Covered |
| Outpatient Care | Optional add-on |
| Emergency Medical Evacuation | Optional add-on |
| Emergency Transportation and Care | Covered |
| Cancer Care | Covered |
| Maternity Care | Optional add-on available with Care Plus and Care Pro |
| Mental Health Care | Not Covered |
| Dental | Partial Coverage |
| Optical | Not Covered |
The next chart shows you the annual benefits limit for each of Allianz’s global medical insurance plans.
Allianz Care Plans – Annual Benefit Limits At-a-Glance |
|
|
Plan |
Annual Benefit Limit |
| Care | $2,500,000 |
| Care Plus | $4,000,000 |
| Care Pro | $5,000,000 |
Compare quotes for each of these plans by plugging in your travel plans and needs in our online insurance quote generator. This is an obligation-free resource for expats in Japan.
4. Cigna Global Health Coverage for Expats in Japan
Cigna Global offers international health insurance to expats in more than 50 languages and in over 200 territories, including Japan. Cigna is a world-renowned provider that offers unlimited annual limits with its most comprehensive Platinum plan. Other plans include Silver, Gold, and Close Care.
- The Cigna Silver plan is designed to provide the core medical benefits expats need in Japan. This includes coverage for inpatient and day patient care, palliative care, transplant services, mental and behavioral healthcare, and out-of-area emergency hospitalization care.
- The Cigna Gold plan adds benefits for emergency treatments, advanced imaging, rehabilitation, home nursing, treatment for obesity, and congenital conditions, to name a few.
- The Cigna Platinum plan provides full coverage for inpatient care, palliative care, transplant services, hospital accommodations for a parent or guardian, acupuncture, and much more.
Here’s a list of benefits offered by Cigna in Japan. Benefit amounts vary depending on your chosen international health insurance plan.
Cigna Health Insurance Benefits for Expats in Japan |
|
|
Benefit Type |
Coverage Offered |
| Worldwide Coverage | Included; Optional inclusion or exclusion of the U.S. |
| Inpatient Care | Full Coverage |
| Outpatient Prescriptions | Partial Coverage |
| Emergency Medical Evacuation | Full Coverage |
| Emergency Care | Partial to Full Coverage |
| Cancer Care | Full Coverage |
| Maternity Care | No Coverage with the Silver and Close Care plans; Partial to Full Coverage with the Gold and Platinum plans |
| Mental Health Care | Partial to Full Coverage up to 30 – 90 days |
| Dental | Partial to Full Coverage as an optional benefit |
| Optical | Partial Coverage as an optional benefit |
To help you understand the coverage levels offered by each type of plan, the following chart highlights the annual benefit limit available in each of Cigna’s four plans.
Cigna Global Plans – Annual Benefit Limits At-a-Glance |
|
|
Plan |
Annual Benefit Limit |
| Silver | $1,000,000 |
| Gold | $2,000,000 |
| Platinum | Unlimited |
| Close Care | $500,000 |
Compare quotes for each of these plans by plugging in your travel plans and needs in our online insurance quote generator. This is an obligation-free resource for expats in Japan.
5. William Russell Insurance Solutions for Japan Expats
William Russell is one of the best insurance companies for expats living in Japan because they offer plans with extensive benefits, enhanced member services, and diverse insurance products. William Russell’s health insurance plans are Bronze, SilverLite, Silver, and Gold.
- Bronze is a plan designed for expats only wanting coverage for outpatient services that are incurred after a discharge from the hospital. This is only to cover the most expensive healthcare services and minimal other benefits.
- SilverLite is the basic medical care package, but it lacks post-hospital outpatient services. Japan expats who don’t expect to see the doctor frequently will appreciate this plan.
- Silver is an insurance plan for expats in Japan who want comprehensive coverage with full outpatient services. This is William Russell’s most popular plan.
- Gold offers the most coverage and benefit limits of them all. This is the only plan that includes maternity and basic dental services, in addition to the inpatient and outpatient benefits.
Here’s a list of benefits offered by William Russell in Japan. Benefit amounts vary depending on your chosen international health insurance plan.
William Russell Health Benefits for Expats in Japan |
|
|
Benefit Type |
Coverage Offered |
| Worldwide Coverage | Included; options for regional coverage instead |
| Inpatient Care | Full Coverage |
| Outpatient Care | Partial to Full Coverage |
| Emergency Medical Evacuation | Full Coverage |
| Emergency Transportation and Care | Full Coverage |
| Cancer Care | Full Coverage |
| Maternity Care | No Coverage to Full Coverage |
| Mental Health Care | Covered |
| Dental | Optional add-on |
| Optical | No Coverage |
The next chart shows you the annual benefits limit for each of William Russell’s global medical insurance plans.
William Russell Plans – Annual Benefit Limits At-a-Glance |
|
|
Plan |
Annual Benefit Limit |
| Bronze | $1,500,000 million |
| SilverLite | $1,500,000 million |
| Silver | $2,500,000 million |
| Gold | $5,000,000 million |
Compare quotes for each of these plans by plugging in your travel plans and needs in our online insurance quote generator. This is an obligation-free resource for expats in Japan.
6. VUMI International Health Plans in Japan
VUMI is a world-renowned health and travel insurance provider for expats worldwide. Their long-term medical plans are called Global Flex VIP plans, and they offer levels of coverage Basic, Standard, Superior, Ultra, and Total. Expats in Japan will love VUMI’s exclusive medical network.
- Global Flex VIP Basic is for expats in Japan who only want to pay for the benefits they need. This plan has minimum healthcare coverage.
- Global Flex VIP Standard is for expats in Japan who want foundational medical benefits but still at an affordable price.
- Global Flex VIP Superior is for expatriates who want a compromise between the most comprehensive coverage and the most basic. It includes maternity and optical care, but not dental.
- Global Flex VIP Ultra is the second most comprehensive plan for expats. This plan adds dental care to the package with an increased annual limit for the other benefits.
- Global Flex VIP Total covers maternity, dental, optical, therapy, palliative care, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and inpatient and outpatient care. This is the most advanced VUMI plan offered.
VUMI is also known for its outstanding expat maternity insurance benefits that can be included in the Superior, Ultra, and Total plans. VUMI’s maternity benefits are rare because they have as low as a 12-month waiting period.
VUMI is also a favorite health insurance provider for expats in Japan because declared pre-existing medical conditions may be covered in the Global Flex VIP plans.
Here’s a list of benefits offered by VUMI in Japan. Benefit amounts vary depending on your chosen international health insurance plan.
VUMI Health Insurance Benefits for Expats in Japan |
|
|
Benefit Type |
Coverage Offered |
| Worldwide Coverage | Included; options to exclude the U.S.; options for exclusive coverage in Africa or Southeast Asia |
| Inpatient Care | Full Coverage |
| Outpatient Care | Partial to Full Coverage |
| Emergency Medical Evacuation | Covered |
| Emergency Transportation and Care | Covered |
| Cancer Care | Full Coverage |
| Maternity Care | Covered with Superior, Ultra, and Total |
| Mental Health Care | Covered |
| Dental | Covered |
| Optical | Optional Coverage with Standard, Superior, Ultra, and Total |
The next chart shows you the annual benefits limit for each of VUMI’s expat health insurance plans.
VUMI Plans – Annual Benefit Limits At-a-Glance |
|
|
Global Flex VIP Plan |
Annual Benefit Limit |
| Basic | $3,000,000 |
| Standard | $3,500,000 |
| Superior | $4,000,000 |
| Ultra | $4,500,000 |
| Total | $5,000,000 |
Compare quotes for each of these plans by plugging in your travel plans and needs in our online insurance quote generator. This is an obligation-free resource for expats in Japan.
7. IMG Global Medical Insurance for Japan Expats
IMG is one of the top health insurance providers because it offers diverse products, exceptional member service, and insurance solutions for individuals, families, businesses, students, and more. Japan expats can choose from four coverage levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
- IMG’s Bronze plan offers basic health coverage with benefits for inpatient care surgeries, physical therapy, outpatient visits and surgeries, prescription drugs, emergency ambulance, and evacuation.
- IMG’s Silver plan includes many of the same benefits as Bronze at an increased value.
- IMG’s Gold plan fully covers many of the inpatient and outpatient benefits that Bronze and Silver only partially cover. It also includes an up-to-lifetime maximum for emergency evacuation.
- IMG’s Platinum plan is the most comprehensive with the highest benefit amounts. It is also the only plan with maternity care, newborn care, congenital disorders, and newborn wellness coverage.
Here’s a list of benefits offered by IMG in Japan. Benefit amounts vary depending on your chosen international health insurance plan.
IMG Health Insurance Benefits for Expats in Japan |
|
|
Benefit Type |
Coverage Offered |
| Worldwide Coverage | Included; optional regional coverage instead |
| Inpatient Care | Partial to Full Coverage |
| Outpatient Care | Partial to Full Coverage |
| Emergency Medical Evacuation | Covered up to the maximum limit |
| Emergency Transportation and Care | Partial to Full Coverage |
| Cancer Care | Full Coverage |
| Maternity Care | Included with Platinum |
| Mental Health Care | No Coverage |
| Dental | Optional add-on |
| Optical | Optional add-on |
The next chart shows you the annual benefits limit for each of IMG’s international medical coverage plans.
IMG Plans – Annual Benefit Limits At-a-Glance |
|
|
Plan |
Annual Benefit Limit |
| Bronze | $1,000,000 |
| Silver | $5,000,000 |
| Gold | $5,000,000 |
| Platinum | $8,000,000 |
Compare quotes for each of these plans by plugging in your travel plans and needs in our online insurance quote generator. This is an obligation-free resource for expats in Japan.
8. DavidShield Health Insurance for Expats in Japan
DavidShield is another leading health insurance provider for international expats living in Japan. DavidShield Global is renowned for its customers being able to get healthcare services without paying out-of-pocket fees or having to submit claim forms. Their health plans can have U.S. coverage.
DavidShield is sometimes also known for its product Passport Card.
- The Passport Card Global Plan Excluding the U.S. is a plan that includes comprehensive coverage like the Relocation Worldwide plan, but it does not provide coverage for treatments offered in the United States.
- The Passport Card Relocation Worldwide offers worldwide benefits with inpatient care, emergency evacuation, mental health, maternity and pregnancy care, infant and child care, and even coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.
- The Insurance in Israel plan is a health insurance plan designed specifically for expats who want medical coverage while living in Israel.
Here’s a list of benefits offered by DavidShield/Passport Card in Japan. Benefit amounts vary depending on your chosen international health insurance plan.
DavidShield Health Insurance Benefits for Expats in Japan |
|
|
Benefit Type |
Coverage Offered |
| Worldwide Coverage | Included in the Worldwide plan |
| Inpatient Care | Covered |
| Outpatient Care | Partial Coverage |
| Emergency Medical Evacuation | Covered |
| Emergency Transportation and Care | Covered |
| Cancer Care | Not Covered |
| Maternity Care | Covered |
| Mental Health Care | Covered |
| Dental | Not Covered |
| Optical | Not Covered |
Below is a summary of the annual benefit limits for each DavidShield plan.
DavidShield Plans – Annual Benefit Limits At-a-Glance |
|
|
Plan |
Annual Benefit Limit |
| Passport Card Global Plan Excluding the U.S. | About $4,100,000 |
| Passport Card Relocation Worldwide | $5,000,000 |
| Insurance in Israel | About $4,100,000 |
To get a quote for these plans, use our insurance quote generator or talk to one of our insurance experts.
9. GeoBlue Medical Insurance for US Expats in Japan
GeoBlue is a strong health insurance provider for U.S. expats living in Japan because they have flexible Xplorer options for coverage in Japan, within the U.S., excluding the U.S., or any combination you need. Their Voyager and Trekker travel insurance plans work great for individuals and groups.
- Xplorer Essential is best for expats who don’t need coverage in the U.S. while living abroad. If you intend to return to the U.S. for short trips only, this plan has an optional U.S. coverage add-on.
- Xplorer Premier is best for U.S. residents living out of the country for at least 3 months of the year and who want comprehensive coverage within the U.S. for up to 9 months of the year. Flexible options allow coverage in the U.S. and Japan as you travel back and forth.
- Voyager Choice is a medical travel insurance plan that covers individuals for a single trip up to 182 days. Voyager also has group options for 5 or more people with coverage for up to 6 months outside the U.S.
- Trekker Choice is a medical travel insurance plan with multi-trip coverage for an unlimited number of trips in a year for the first 70 days of each trip. You must be a citizen or legal resident of the U.S. to qualify.
Here’s a list of benefits offered by GeoBlue that apply in Japan (there are separate benefits specific to coverage within the U.S.). Benefit amounts vary depending on your chosen international health insurance plan.
GeoBlue Health Insurance Benefits for Expats in Japan |
|
|
Benefit Type |
Coverage Offered |
| Worldwide Coverage | Included; coverage within the U.S. is optional |
| Inpatient Care | Full Coverage |
| Outpatient Care | Full Coverage |
| Emergency Medical Evacuation | Covered |
| Emergency Transportation and Care | Covered |
| Cancer Care | Not Covered |
| Maternity Care | Optional add-on |
| Mental Health Care | High Coverage |
| Dental | Covered |
| Optical | Optional add-on |
The next chart shows you the annual benefits limit for each of GeoBlue’s expat health insurance plans that cater to the needs of U.S. expats abroad.
GeoBlue Plans – Annual Benefit Limits At-a-Glance |
|
|
Plan |
Annual Benefit Limit |
| Xplorer Essential | $1,000,000 |
| Xplorer Premier | Unlimited |
| Voyager | $50,000 Accidental Death and
Dismemberment Max Benefit |
| Trekker | $25,000 Accidental Death and
Dismemberment Max Benefit |
Compare quotes for each of these plans by plugging in your travel plans and needs in our online insurance quote generator. This is an obligation-free resource for expats in Japan.
Why Expats in Japan Should Use an Insurance Broker
Expats should consider getting their global health insurance through a broker instead of through the insurer directly. This is because brokers can help you save money, compare more plans, expand your understanding of what to look for in a plan and impart their industry-specific knowledge to you.
The benefits of using a broker as an expat are quite extensive and at the bare minimum worth looking into. Feel free to contact our team with any questions you may have on the matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best health insurance providers for expats in Japan?
Top health insurance providers for expats in Japan include AXA, Cigna Global, and Allianz Care. These companies offer comprehensive coverage, direct billing with many hospitals, and English-speaking customer service, making them suitable for non-Japanese speakers.
How do I choose the right insurance plan in Japan as an expat?
When choosing an insurance plan in Japan, consider factors like coverage for pre-existing conditions, network of hospitals, direct billing options, and customer service availability in English. Compare plans from providers like DavidShield, GeoBlue, and Bupa to find the best fit for your needs.
What is the cost of health insurance for expats in Japan?
The cost of health insurance for expats in Japan varies based on factors like age, health condition, and coverage level. On average, premiums can range from USD $150 to $400 per month. IMG, William Russel, and Allianz Care offer a range of plans with different pricing options.
Do insurance providers in Japan cover COVID-19 treatment for expats?
Most top insurance providers in Japan include coverage for COVID-19 treatment in their health insurance plans for expats. It’s important to review the specific terms and conditions of each policy to understand the extent of coverage offered. AXA, Cigna, and GeoBlue are providers with COVID coverage.
Conclusion
We’ve now discussed the top 9 insurance companies in Japan for expats and foreigners. If you haven’t already, check out our insurance quote generator to start comparing premiums and plans yourself.
You should also read our blog posts with the top insurance companies in South Korea and Oman.
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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