Travel Insurance

Many people never think of purchasing insurance to cover unexpected events during a trip.  But the recent and continuing events in Japan point to a more careful strategy.

For the benefits, trip insurance is a great value.  At STA Travel, a company that offers student travel insurance, a travel insurance policy for 90 days (the length of a semester) is less than $350.  Covered among many other reasons for cancellation are (1) mandatory evacuation or public official evacuation advisements (where there is no mandatory evacuation issued by local government authorities) at your destination due to adverse weather or natural disaster; and (2) physician-ordered emergency medical evacuation.

Another travel insurance firm, TravelSafe, also covers “mandatory evacuation or public official evacuation advisements (where there is no mandatory evacuation issued by governmental authorities).”  It includes “flood, burglary, or other natural disaster.”

Medical Insurance

In addition to your own health insurance, KCP provides students with minor medical and accident coverage that begins the day after arrival in Japan and lasts through the last day of the program. However, KCP coverage is designed as a “top up” policy only. Students must be insured through another insurance policy while in Japan or while on any independent travel excursion. It is your responsibility to secure additional coverage before departing for Japan.

Make sure your existing plan will cover you while abroad. Read through the insurance policy thoroughly to understand your plan’s limitations. The KCP plan does not cover major medical, and exclusions include: (1) dental disease; (2) pregnancy, childbirth, premature birth, or miscarriage; (3) any pre-existing condition. Students who visit a doctor while in Japan may have to pay out-of-pocket fees.

Students planning to attend KCP longer than one term and who will therefore be obtaining a long-term visa, will participate in National Health Insurance. These students will be responsible for any charges to join and maintain National Health Insurance coverage.

Students who do not have health insurance or who wish to purchase additional insurance may find the following links useful:

CISI—Cultural Insurance Services International 800.303.8120
www.culturalinsurance.com

CMI Insurance 800.677.7887
www.studyabroadinsurance.com

HTH Worldwide 888.350.2002
www.hthstudents.com

One never wants to think of a trip having to be postponed or cancelled, especially if it’s an eagerly-anticipated trip.  But that doesn’t stop crises from emerging.

As you are considering your options for study in Tokyo, we suggest you consider insurance as well.