M’sians May Need Private Medical Insurance to Visit Japan as The Country Plans Changes to Entry Requirements

Japan is fast becoming one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, with the country recording its highest-ever foreign tourist arrivals at 36.87 million last year. Out of the 36.87 million visitors in 2024, 506,800 were Malaysians, the highest number of tourist arrivals the Land of the Rising Sun has ever seen from our country.

With that in mind, since the start of the year, the Japanese Government has put forward plans that would affect international tourism in the country, mostly to address overtourism concerns. Most recently, Japan is discussing a rule change that would require all foreign tourists, including Malaysians, to have private medical insurance as a requirement to enter the country.

The Japanese Government is planning to make it mandatory for foreign tourists to have private medical insurance

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As reported by The Independent, the proposed rule change is in response to the issue of foreign tourists leaving without paying their medical bills while in the country.

Accordingly, the new policy will reportedly require foreign visitors to get private medical insurance before being allowed entry into Japan.

Furthermore, it will also allow the Japanese immigration authorities to screen foreign tourists for any history of unpaid bills in the country.

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As part of this effort, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare will reportedly share information on foreign visitors with unpaid medical bills with the country’s Immigration Services Agency, thus allowing for stricter entry screenings.

However, nothing concrete has been put forward yet, with any changes to foreign tourists’ entry requirements expected to be clearly stated in the Japanese Government’s upcoming annual economic and fiscal policy review.

Other proposed changes that would affect international tourists to Japan

Previously, Japan announced that it is making it mandatory for visa-free travellers, including Malaysians, to undergo pre-screening several days before arrival, starting in 2028.

Other touted changes affecting international tourists to Japan include up to RM148 tourist tax, a ‘dual-pricing’ system for foreigners, and up to RM293 per night in accommodation tax.

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So, what do you guys think of the Japanese Government’s proposed plans? Do share your thoughts with us in the comments. 

Also read: PMX Says Govt Spent RM486k to Send Mahathir & His Delegation to Japan for International Forum