Japan
Digital Nomad Visa: health insurance requirements
Yes: health insurance is required
Yes, and unusually specifically. Japan's Digital Nomad Visa (a Designated Activities status launched in 2024) requires private health insurance valid in Japan for the whole stay, covering at least ¥10 million for injury, illness and death, with proof submitted up front. It is for high earners from countries that have both a tax treaty with Japan and visa-exempt entry, on income of at least ¥10 million a year from non-Japanese sources, and grants a single stay of up to six months that cannot be renewed or extended.
The requirements at a glance
| Minimum coverage | ¥10,000,000 |
|---|---|
| Minimum policy duration | Full duration of stay (up to 6 months) |
| Local-licensed insurer required | No: compliant international IPMI is accepted |
| Accepted proof | Private medical insurance valid in Japan for the entire stay, covering at least ¥10 million (about US$66,000) for death, injury and illness. An international policy that meets this and is valid in Japan is accepted; you submit the certificate with the application. |
For nationals of countries that have both a tax treaty with Japan and visa-exempt entry. Annual income of at least ¥10 million from a foreign employer or your own foreign-registered business; all work must be for entities outside Japan, so providing services to Japanese companies is not permitted. The stay is up to six months on a single visa, non-renewable, with no re-application allowed within six months of leaving. A spouse or child can apply for an accompanying visa of the same length.
Our take
The insurance ask here is precise: ¥10 million of cover for injury, illness and death, valid in Japan, proven before you arrive. A generic travel policy rarely states that, so check the certificate names Japan and the amount.
Six months, non-renewable, is the real constraint. Treat this as a long working trip rather than a base, and line the insurance dates up exactly with the stay.
What happens if you get it wrong
A policy that is not valid in Japan, or below the ¥10 million floor, holds up the visa.
Assuming you can renew or roll straight into another six months: you cannot, there is a waiting period after you leave before you can apply again.
Interactive
Verified pricesWhat would it cost in Japan without insurance?
You pay, out of pocket
$3,000–$40,000
Uninsured admission or surgery; cardiac care reaches the top end.
Bars to scale. A flight home is in another league.
That is the bill you carry alone. Insurance exists for exactly this.
See what cover costsTypical private-care estimates for illustration, not a quote. Actual bills vary by hospital, city and severity.
FAQ
Yes. Private health insurance valid in Japan for the whole stay, covering at least ¥10 million for injury, illness and death, and you submit proof with the application.
At least ¥10 million a year (about US$66,000) from non-Japanese sources, such as a foreign employer or your own foreign-registered business.
Up to six months on a single visa. It is non-renewable, and you cannot re-apply within six months of leaving Japan.
Nationals of countries that have both a tax treaty with Japan and visa-exempt entry, working remotely for entities outside Japan.
Yes. A spouse or child can apply for an accompanying visa for the same six-month period.
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