Japan is preparing major reforms for foreign visitors, centred on travel health coverage and debt accountability. Following a surge in unpaid medical bills from tourists, authorities are moving to implement mandatory private travel insurance and potentially deny entry to those with outstanding debts.
A recent government survey found that around 0.8% of foreign patients failed to pay their hospital bills in a single month – amounting to over ¥60 million. Additionally, nearly 30% of tourists were reportedly uninsured during their visits. These figures have prompted urgent policy responses to protect Japan’s taxpayer-funded universal healthcare system.
Mandatory Travel Insurance On the Way
By late 2025, tourists may be required to show proof of private travel insurance when applying for visas or upon arrival. Authorities are also considering a centralized system to flag individuals with unpaid medical debts, which could result in entry refusal or visa denials.
The move is designed to reduce instances where tourists seek medical treatment and leave the country without payment – leaving hospitals to absorb the losses or seek compensation through complex channels.
Unpaid Debts May Lead to Entry Denial
New policies may go even further. Foreign nationals with a history of medical debt or unpaid national health insurance premiums could be barred from reentering Japan or extending their visas. This measure would apply not only to short-term tourists but also to foreign residents who have failed to make required health insurance contributions.
Japanese officials emphasise that these rules are intended to strike a balance between welcoming tourism and the sustainability of local healthcare services.
Tax Policy Adjustments Under Consideration
While the spotlight remains on healthcare, the government is also reviewing tourism-related tax policies. Proposals include revising or removing the tax-free shopping benefits currently available to foreign travellers and potentially increasing existing departure taxes. These adjustments aim to help offset the financial impact of rising tourist volumes on public infrastructure and services.
What Travelers Need to Know:
- Buy travel insurance: It may soon be a legal requirement to enter the country.
- Pay medical bills: Tourists or residents with unpaid health costs could be denied future entry.
- Watch for tax changes: Duty-free shopping rules and departure levies might shift, affecting overall travel budgets.
Preparing for the New Rules
As Japan continues to welcome millions of travellers post-pandemic, its focus is now shifting to sustainability and shared responsibility. The new measures reflect an effort to preserve public trust in the healthcare system, even as the country boosts its tourism economy.
Travellers should prepare ahead by purchasing comprehensive insurance, checking for any outstanding medical bills, and staying informed about upcoming tax rule changes.
