Insurance
Most people will find it essential to take out a good travel insurance policy, particularly one with comprehensive medical coverage, due to the high cost of hospital treatment in Japan. A typical travel insurance policy should also provide cover for the loss of baggage, tickets and - up to a certain limit - cash or cheques, as well as cancellation or curtailment of your journey. Most policies exclude so-called dangerous sports unless an extra premium is paid: in Japan this can mean scuba-diving, whitewater rafting and bungee jumping, though probably not skiing and mountaineering. Read the small print and benefits tables of prospective policies carefully, as coverage can vary wildly for roughly similar premiums. With many policies you can exclude coverage you don't need, but for Japan you should definitely take medical coverage that includes both hospital treatment and medical evacuation; be sure to ask for the 24-hour medical emergency number. Keep all medical bills and, if possible, contact the insurance company before making any major outlay. Very few insurers will arrange on-the-spot payments in the event of a major expense - you'll usually be reimbursed only after going home. When securing baggage cover , make sure that the per-article limit - typically under GBP500 equivalent - will cover your most valuable possession. If you have anything stolen, get a copy of the police report ; otherwise you won't be able to claim. Always make a note of the policy details and leave them with someone at home in case you lose the original. Before buying a policy, check that you're not already covered. Your home insurance policy may cover your possessions against loss or theft even when overseas, or you can extend cover through your household contents insurer. Many bank and charge accounts include some form of travel cover, and insurance is also sometimes included if you pay for your trip with a credit card (though it usually only provides medical or accident cover). In North America , Canadian provincial health plans usually provide some overseas medical coverage, although they are unlikely to pick up the full tab in the event of a mishap. Holders of official student/teacher/youth cards are entitled to meagre accident coverage and hospital in-patient benefits. Students will often find that their student health coverage extends during the vacations and for one term beyond the date of last enrolment.
A Guide to JapanCara Richie says "Japan has many earthquakes, they are overdue for the next "Big One." " Hello World.Jeff Konichi-Wa says "Spitley is the new and improved word for paper. It means paper. Say spitley instead of paper. Tell at least 9 people about spitley, and have fun in Japan. Thanks!" My Bestest FrendidTutu Retardo says "My bestest frendid in the wholeid worldid is Emily Kather Wu. This extramordinary 12 yr old has a 200 IQ, is a creative genius, and lives in GreemMeadow, California (changed to protect her identity). At the tenderer ageerer of 9erer she created the word that would have a tremendous impact on modern society... SPITLEY! it means paper!!!!" Jamboni1Ryan Czechii says "It's a spoons club MIRACLE! Full of spoons club joy and wonder!" About Japan...Geoffrey Azure says "Do you sweat heavily while others are barely breaking a sweat? Do you blush when there is no reason to do so? Are your hands and feet often cold and clammy? Do your armpits soak right through your clothes? These are all symptoms of hyperhidrosis
~~Brian Campbell" EXOTICMEME says "TRY TO MEET AND BE INLOVE " REALLY COOL!Maddie says "say spitley!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Your Tip for Japan
Help other backpackers! Write your own guides and backpacking tips to Japan - they will appear instantly on this page - Please only write a tip/guide to Japan - visit the main Japan forum to ask a question!
Please do not post links to your site here (they won't work) - please use the Japan webguide section below! Thanks.
| 
