1. Adding peace of mind to life in Japan! Why insurance is important

2. Personal insurance: What coverage do you need?

3. Business insurance: Protecting your business risks

 
5. Summary:Reliable support from a multilingual insurance agency

To live in Japan with peace of mind, it is essential to have insurance in case of unexpected situations. This is especially important for those who have been living in Japan for only a few years, as it can be difficult to understand which types of insurance are necessary and which products suit them best.

In this article, we introduce common insurance products in Japan and insurance agencies that offer multilingual support. Please use this as a reference when choosing the right insurance for you.

Even if you live overseas or aren’t fluent in Japanese, you can still apply for insurance through our partner agencies.
Feel free to contact us!

Personal Insurance

Below is a list of common types of personal insurance in Japan.

1. Automobile Insurance (Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance)

If you drive a car in Japan, you are legally required to have “Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance” (CALI). This insurance provides compensation for bodily injuries caused to the other party in an accident. However, it does not cover property damage or injuries sustained by the driver or their family. Additionally, CALI only provides a minimum amount of compensation for the other party’s injuries.

For this reason, many people purchase optional automobile insurance to enhance their coverage, including liability for bodily injury, property damage, and personal injuries.

2. Fire Insurance

Regardless of whether you own or rent a home, fire insurance is recommended to protect against fires and natural disasters. Some policies also cover damages from earthquakes, typhoons, and other natural disasters, but coverage varies depending on the contract.

For rental properties, landlords or management companies often require tenants to purchase fire insurance with a liability coverage add-on.

3. Accident & Medical Insurance

This type of insurance provides coverage for injuries and illnesses in daily life. While Japan has a well-developed National Health Insurance (NHI) and Social Insurance system, individuals are still responsible for some medical costs.

Private medical insurance can help cover expenses such as surgery and hospitalization fees. If you are unfamiliar with Japan’s healthcare system, choosing a plan with comprehensive coverage can offer greater peace of mind.

4. Liability Insurance

This insurance covers damages you may cause to others in daily life. Examples include injuring a pedestrian while riding a bicycle or if your child accidentally damages someone else’s property.

In some regions, bicycle insurance is now mandatory. Personal liability insurance is typically not available as a standalone policy and is usually added as an optional rider to automobile, fire, or accident insurance.

5. Life Insurance (Death Insurance, Medical Insurance, Cancer Insurance, etc.)

Life insurance provides financial support to your family in the event of your death. There are various options, such as term insurance and whole life insurance. Many people choose these policies to secure their future or provide financial security for their families.

Even if you live overseas or aren’t fluent in Japanese, you can still apply for insurance through our partner agencies.
Feel free to contact us!

Business Insurance

Business insurance varies depending on the industry and business operations. Below are some common types, but we can also suggest other plans tailored to your specific needs.

1. Liability Insurance

Product Liability Insurance (PL Insurance): Covers damages caused by manufactured or sold products.

Facility Liability Insurance: Covers damages from accidents that occur within business premises such as stores or offices.

Employer’s Liability Insurance: Covers legal risks in cases where employees suffer work-related injuries, mental illness, suicide, or death due to overwork.

2. Cyber Insurance

This insurance covers risks related to cyberattacks and data breaches, which have been increasing in recent years. Businesses of all sizes are considering this insurance as part of their risk management strategy.

3. Income Protection Insurance

This insurance provides compensation for income loss if a business owner or freelancer is unable to work due to injury or illness. Many small business owners and freelancers choose this type of coverage.

4. Employee Accident Insurance

Insurance Requirements & Considerations for Foreign Residents

When purchasing insurance in Japan, consider the following factors:

Residency Status Verification: Some insurance products are only available to long-term residents, requiring proof of residency such as a residence card.

Living Status in Japan: Some insurance policies are not available to those living overseas or may not provide coverage while abroad. Certain policies require that you reside in Japan.

Payment Methods: Most insurance payments must be made via credit card or a Japanese bank account. If you do not have a Japanese bank account, check if international remittance options are available.

Health Condition Disclosure: Life insurance and similar policies often require applicants to disclose their current health condition and medical history. Depending on the disclosure details, policy terms may change, so it is important to provide accurate information.

Conclusion

Our partner insurance agencies provide support in Japanese, English, and Chinese (Simplified & Traditional). This ensures that even those who are not fluent in Japanese or prefer assistance in their native language can comfortably apply for insurance.

If you have concerns such as “Can I get insurance while living abroad?” or “Can I apply for insurance even if I don’t speak Japanese?” feel free to contact us. Our partner agencies will assess your situation and preferences to help you find the best insurance options.

Even if you live overseas or aren’t fluent in Japanese, you can still apply for insurance through our partner agencies.
Feel free to contact us!