What Is a Gap Year?

You may know that travel medical insurance can provide you with coverage in the event of a health emergency abroad. For example, if you fall and break your leg, a travel medical plan like WorldTrips' Atlas Travel® could provide you with coverage for hospital room and board, diagnostic testing, physician charges, surgery, sutures, and more. Travel medical insurance may also provide coverage for travel-related mishaps, such as an interrupted trip, delay, or lost checked luggage. But there are some unique travel medical insurance benefits you may not know exist, such as Pet Return and Crisis Response. Below, we'll share 11 travel medical insurance coverages that might surprise you. 1. Pet Return WorldTrips' Atlas Travel medical insurance plan includes coverage for the cost of sending your favorite furry friend back to your home country if you become unexpectedly hospitalized with a covered illness or injury that will lead to your pet being unattended for 36+ hours. This benefit provides up to $1,000 for one-way economy, air or ground transportation for your pet. 2. Bedside Visit A hospital stay in a foreign country can be lonely and stressful. If you are confined to a hospital's intensive care unit for treatment of a covered life-threatening injury or illness, Atlas Travel's Bedside Visit benefit can pay up to $1,500 for round-trip economy, air or ground transportation for a relative to visit you at your bedside. 3. Emergency Reunion If you are hospitalized following a covered emergency medical evacuation, the Emergency Reunion benefit can pay for a relative's round-trip air or ground transportation to your bedside, as well as their lodging and meals for a period of up to 15 days. The maximum limit for this benefit with an Atlas Travel plan is $100,000. If you upgrade to Atlas Premium, our elite Atlas Travel insurance plan, this coverage automatically increases to $150,000. See the key differences between Atlas Travel and Atlas Premium. 4. Return of Minor Children Are you planning to travel with young children? If you are hospitalized for a covered injury or illness and you're expected to remain in the hospital for 36+ hours, Atlas Travel can transport your dependent children (under age 18) back to the area where you live via one-way economy, air or ground transportation. This benefit offers coverage of up to $50,000. 5. Crisis Response No traveler wants to consider the threat of kidnapping while exploring the world abroad, but foreign travelers and their families can be targets for express kidnappings. This is a method of abduction in which kidnappers demand a small, easy accessible ransom in exchange for a quick release. Atlas Travel insurance includes a Crisis Response benefit designed to help families with their financial and emotional burden of such events - and to ensure their victim's safety above all else. With Crisis Response, you get $10,000 for: Ransom An experienced, multilingual crisis response team Personal belongings surrendered in an express kidnapping Crisis response expenses and fees 24/7 access to the Response Operations Center You'll also have the option to enhance your coverage and increase it to $100,000 (with $10,000 for natural disaster coverage) during the purchase process. And if you upgrade to an Atlas Premium policy - our elite Atlas Travel plan - your Crisis Response coverage will automatically jump to $100,000. 6. Terrorism No one wants to consider the possibility of being subjected to an act of terrorism, but it never hurts to be prepared for the worst. That's why Atlas Travel offers coverage for eligible medical expenses resulting from acts of terrorism if the country or region you're visiting has not been under a level 3 or higher travel advisory in the 60 days prior to your arrival date. The coverage may be valuable in countries where there is a chance of an occurrence but no general reason to expect one. Learn more about terrorism coverage here. 7. Natural Disaster - Replacement Accommodations What happens if there's an earthquake, flood, hurricane, tsunami, or other natural disaster while you're traveling abroad? If you cannot stay in your hotel or other paid accommodations due to an evacuation from a disaster, you may qualify for up to $250 a day in coverage for up to five days so you can secure replacement accommodations. With an Atlas Premium policy, this per-day benefit increases up to $500 for up to 5 days. 8. Personal Liability No one plans to be held liable for causing an injury or accidental damage, but there's always that risk as you travel abroad. With an Atlas Travel plan, you may be eligible to receive up to $25,000 for personal liability coverage if you become legally liable for paying damages resulting from accidental: Bodily injury, including death, illness, and disease of a third person Loss of or damage to a third person's tangible and material property Loss of or damage to a related third person's tangible and material property You'll also have the option to increase your coverage to $100,000 during the purchase process. And if you upgrade to an Atlas Premium policy - our elite Atlas Travel plan - your Personal Liability coverage will have a built-in maximum of $100,000. 9. Sports and Activities Atlas Travel includes coverage for eligible injuries and illnesses that could occur while participating in many popular vacation sports, such as skiing and snowboarding (recreational downhill and/or cross country), snorkeling, water skiing, and more. Certain extreme sports are excluded from coverage. To see the entire list of exclusions, visit the "Sports and Activities" page of Atlas Travel's Description of Coverage. 10. Emergency Dental You don't want to worry about a toothache wreaking havoc on your travels. Atlas Travel can cover up to $300 for emergency dental work necessary to resolve pain or restore or replace teeth that are lost or damaged in a covered accident. 11. Repatriation of Remains or Local Burial or Cremation We hope you will have a safe and wonderful trip abroad, but travel medical insurance often includes coverage in case the worst were to happen and you were to pass away from a covered illness or injury during your trip. Atlas Travel's Repatriation of Remains benefit can cover the air or ground costs of transporting your remains to the airport nearest your home to help ease the financial burden on your family. Or your beneficiary may opt for you to be buried or cremated in the country of death, in which case they would receive up to $5,000 to cover this cost. Consider Travel Medical Insurance to Help You Travel Fearlessly Travel medical insurance like WorldTrips' Atlas Travel offers a range of coverages to help you travel with confidence and prepare for the various situations that could arise during a trip abroad. When you purchase an Atlas Travel plan, you'll also have access to travel assistance services available in several languages. Some highlights include: Provider, embassy, and legal referrals Translations and interpretations Help obtaining replacements for lost travel documents All services are available 365 days a year, and emergency services are accessible 24/7. See all available travel assistance services here. KHE2FFFYH6SP-971744701-1266 WorldTrips international travel medical insurance products are underwritten by Lloyd's. WorldTrips is a service company and a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies. WorldTrips has authority to enter into contracts of insurance on behalf of the Lloyd's underwriting members of Lloyd's Syndicate 4141, which is managed by HCC Underwriting Agency, Ltd.

Few destinations around the world draw the kind of inspiration and amazement Japan does. With a seemingly endless supply of cultural traditions, neon lights, and sights to experience, the Land of the Rising Sun remains one of the most coveted travel destinations. Traveling to Japan for the first time will demand a good deal of research and planning to understand and embrace all it has to offer. Read on to learn about the country’s history and cultural traditions that make it the nation it is today, as well as practical information for planning your first trip to this wondrous destination. Overview of Japanese Culture Japanese culture is vastly different from most Western cultures, so you’ll likely experience some degree of a culture shock when you visit Japan for the first time. Here are some helpful insights to mitigate the effects of culture shock you feel while visiting Japan. How to Perform a Basic Greeting Greetings are important in Japanese culture. Bowing is the main greeting in Japan. Perform a basic bow by bending from the waist with your back and neck straight and your eyes looking down. Men: Keep your hands at your sides. Women: Clasp your hands at your sides. Most people will recognize that you are a foreigner and you may not know the proper way to bow. As a tourist in Japan for the first time, a nod of the head is sufficient. Business travelers to Japan, however, should practice their bowing technique. What to Expect Inside a Japanese Home Being invited to a Japanese home is an honor. The Japanese people make a clear distinction between inside and outside, so you should remove your shoes at the entrance area (called the genkan) and replace them with slippers. These rules also apply to most traditional ryokan (Japanese-style inns) and sections of temples, castles, or other historic buildings. Bare feet are not acceptable. You must wear socks or a pair of indoor slippers. NOTE: You may be provided with a separate pair of slippers to use when you go to the bathroom inside someone's home. Dining Etiquette in Japan Most restaurants in Japan have low tables and cushions on a tatami floor (and/or Western-style chairs and tables). Just as you remove your shoes before entering someone’s home, you are expected to remove your shoes before stepping onto a tatami. You’ll be provided with a wet towel to clean your hands at the beginning of your meal. Bring small bowls close to your mouth when eating but keep larger dishes on the table. Just as you wouldn’t serve yourself with your own fork, use the opposite end of your chopsticks or designated serving chopsticks to choose food from a shared dish. At the end of your meal, replace the lids on dishes and put your chopsticks back on the chopstick rest or in their paper holder. You'll bring your bill up to the cashier to pay at most restaurants in Japan, and you'll most likely need to pay cash. A Quick Lesson in Using Chopsticks Chopsticks alone can make any seasoned traveler wary of meals. But you should be fine if you follow these tips: Hold the upper chopstick like a pencil, leaving about one-third of the chopstick to the right of your fingers. Place the second chopstick against your ring finger and hold it with your thumb. Make sure it points in the same direction as the first chopstick. Use your thumb, index finger, and middle finger to move the upper chopstick. Keep these no-no's in mind: Do not stick chopsticks into your food or spear your food with them. Do not point with your chopsticks. Do not play with your chopsticks. What to Expect from Bathrooms in Japan We’ve all seen a T.V. show or movie where an unexpecting guest is tormented by the novelties of a Japanese toilet. Many Western toilets in Japan have unique features such as a heated seat or an automatic lid opener, but they’re far less complicated to understand than pop culture makes them out to be. You’ll find two types of toilets when traveling in Japan: Japanese style and Western-style. Public bathrooms are usually equipped with both. Keep in mind that toilet paper is not always provided in public bathrooms. Both Western and Japanese style toilets usually have two flush modes: "small" (小) and "large" (大), differing in the amount of water used. Look for these symbols to avoid ending up like your favorite sitcom character. If you're a Japan toilet enthusiast, visit the Toto Museum in Kitakyushu. The museum is dedicated to the history of toilets! Proper Etiquette at Japanese Temples and Shrines As a first-time visitor to Japan, you may have several temples and shrines on your itinerary. It's important to behave properly when visiting these ancient relics. Temples and shrines in Japan are places for reflection, meditation, and prayer, so be sure to behave in a calm and respectful manner. Note that you should not visit a shrine if you are sick or in mourning. When you arrive at a temple in Japan, show your respect by saying a short prayer in front of the sacred object and by throwing a coin into the offering box. You may be asked to take off your shoes when entering temple buildings, so remember to wear clean socks. Most shrines in Japan have a purification fountain near the entrance. Fill one of the ladles provided and rinse both your hands. Do not transfer any of the water directly from the fountain to your person, and do not return any water in the ladle back into the fountain. To make an offering at a shrine, place a coin in the offering box, bow twice, clap your hands twice, bow again, and pray. Pictures are normally allowed on the grounds of temples and shrines but forbidden inside the buildings. Be respectful of signs. How To Travel to Japan Without Knowing Japanese Traveling to any country without knowing the language is difficult. Learning some commonly-used phrase before you travel to Japan will make navigating this country a little bit easier. Here are some common Japanese phrases you may use or hear on your first trip to Japan: Good morning – Ohayou gozaimasu (formal); Ohyayou (informal) Hello – Konnichiwa Good evening – Konbanwa Good night – Oyasuminasai Thank you – Arigatou gozaimasu (formal); Arigatou (informal) My name is [name] – Watashi no namae wa [name] desu This is my [wife/husband/child(ren)/parents/relative/friend/boyfriend/girlfriend] – Watashi no [tsuma/otto/kodomo/oya/shinseki/tomodachi/kareshi/kanojyo] desu Taxi – takushi I want to go to [location] – [location] e ikitai desu Where is [location] – [location] wa doko desuka Up – Ue Down – Shita Right – Migi Left – Hidari May I have [item] – [item] wo kudasai How much is it? – ikura desuka Do you have Wi-Fi? – Wi-Fi arimasuka I don’t feel well – Guai ga warui desu Download the introductory Japanese course for English speakers on Duolingo a few weeks before your trip to help you learn phonetic pronunciations and gain a more robust vocabulary. PRO TIP: Any attempt to communicate in Japanese will go a long way with the Japanese people. The Japanese are known for omotenashi, which translates into “selfless hospitality.” Japanese Currency and Exchange Rates Japan is considered a cash-based society even though most stores, restaurants, and hotels in major cities accept major credit cards. It is prudent to always carry a few thousand Japanese yen (abbreviated JPY or JP¥) just in case. You can buy Japanese currency at physical or digital exchanges. Banks, post offices, and some hotels in Japan handle currency exchanges. Avoid airport-based exchanges – rates tend to be worse there than elsewhere. You can also make ATM withdrawals with foreign cards at over 10,000 7-Eleven convenience stores across the country. Travelex offers a search feature to find the nearest store where you can buy Japanese currency. It also offers the option of purchasing yen online. *Current Exchange Rate in 2024: $1 USD = about ¥161.78 JPY €1 EUR = about ¥175.12 JPY *As of publish date. Japan’s currency tends to fluctuate a bit, but you can use this currency converter to see how much you’re spending. How Much Does It Cost To Go to Japan for a Week? A one-week trip to Japan will allow you to explore the country without racking up crazy expenses. Assuming you keep your spending low, this is what your week in Japan could look like: Roundtrip international air ticket (Narita Airport) = $750 USD Shuttle bus (Narita Airport to Tokyo Station) = $9 USD Hostel in Tokyo: $50 USD/night x 3 days = $150 USD Hostel in Kyoto: $25 USD/night x 2 days = $50 USD Hostel in Osaka: $25 USD/night x 2 days = $50 USD Japan Railway Pass = $270 USD Food budget: $30 USD/day x 7 days = $210 Drinks and other expenditures (souvenirs, experiences, etc.): $25 USD/day x 7 days = $175 Travel medical insurance = $19.36 USD* This example of a 7-night, 8-day trip to Japan adds up to a little under $1,700 USD. Not too bad for such an exciting destination! PRO TIP: Air China consistently offers the best fares for visiting Japan on a whim. Roundtrip flights from the city of Los Angeles can be as little as $600 USD. *This travel medical insurance cost example is for a 35-year-old traveling to Japan for 8 days in August 2024 with a $0 deductible and a $2 million maximum limit under the Atlas Travel policy from WorldTrips. The per-day cost for a trip to Japan depends on your age and the deductible and overall maximum limit you choose. Japan Visa Requirements and Travel Vaccinations An important part of planning your first trip to Japan is ensuring you have the proper documentation to enter the country. U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Japan. A valid passport and onward/return tickets will allow you entry into the country for stays of up to 90 days. NOT A U.S. CITIZEN? See our Japan visa page to determine whether or not you need a visa to travel to Japan. Plus, see visa requirements! There are currency restrictions when traveling in Japan. Amounts equivalent or superior to ¥1 million JPY or above (roughly $6,181 USD in August 2024) are subject to declaration upon arrival and/or departure. Please note the visa exemption arrangement does not apply to: News and media-related activities Citizens attending depositions taken by U.S. Consul S. federal government employees on official business or transit to/from official mission Japan does not require any vaccinations for U.S. citizens to enter the country. Malaria has been eradicated from the tropical areas of the country since 1961. The Best Time of Year To Visit Japan The islands that comprise Japan witness a variety of climates. The best time to visit Japan will be decided by what you wish to do and see while in the country. As a first-time traveler to Japan, spring may be the best time to visit. The popular destinations of Tokyo and Hiroshima enjoy temperate climates, so fall and spring are pleasant times to visit. Cherry blossom season is in April and is a must-see event on many first-time traveler’s bucket lists. Accommodations may be more expensive, but cherry blossom season gives visitors to Japan an authentic glimpse into Japanese tradition and culture. May-August is the best time to visit Japan if you’re traveling on a budget. Temperatures rise in the summer, but hotel prices drop. The natural beauty of the many forests and gardens truly comes to life in the summer months. Be wary of typhoon season, however, if you plan to visit Okinawa during the summer. The island of Hokkaido is a great destination for winter travelers to Japan. The mountains of Hokkaido enjoy robust amounts of snowfall, attracting local and foreign tourists alike to its mountain resorts and traditional onsen (Japanese hot springs). Choosing Where To Travel in Japan Japan is divided into four main islands: Hokkaido Honshu (further divided into Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kinki/Kansai, and Chugoku) Shikoku Kyushu (which includes Okinawa) Hokkaido Hokkaido is the second-largest and northernmost of Japan’s four main islands. It is popular for its winter temperatures and a plethora of snow resorts. The largest city on the island of Hokkaido is Sapporo. Honshu The largest island in Japan, Honshu is home to five regions: Tohoku – Located in the northern area of Honshu, Tohoku is known for its beautiful countryside, mountains, lakes, and onsen (hot springs). Tohoku was hit by the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and subsequent Fukushima nuclear accident, but the area has mostly recovered. Sendai is the largest city in the Tohoku region. Kanto – Translated literally to “east of the border,” Kanto is perhaps most famous for being home to the cities of Tokyo and Yokohama. Chubu – Chubu is best known as the home of Mt. Fuji. This Japanese region borders the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan and houses popular destinations like Nagoya and Niigata. Kansai – The political and cultural center of Japan for centuries, the Kansai region includes the major cities and tourist destinations of Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Kobe. Chugoku – Chugoku makes up the western part of Honshu and is commonly subdivided into the urban/industrial area of Sanyo and the rural area of Sanin. You’ll find Hiroshima and Miyajima in the Chugoku region. Shikoku Shikoku, which translates to “four countries,” is Japan’s fourth-largest island. It is divided into four prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Kōchi, and Tokushima. Unlike the other three main islands of Japan, Shikoku has no volcanoes. Kyushu Kyushu is Japan’s third-largest island. Kyushu was an early center of Japanese civilization and offers visitors natural beauty and many historical treasures. Kyushu is home to several onsen, the city of Nagasaki, and the islands of Okinawa. How To Get to Japan Japan has four major international airports: Narita Airport – Located in Tokyo Haneda Airport – Located in Tokyo Kansai Airport – Located in Osaka Central Japan Airport – Located in Nagoya Direct flights are available to Tokyo from major west coast American cities like Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Honolulu. Flights with one stop (often in Hong Kong, China) also connect the U.S. with important Japanese cities, such as Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya, and Sapporo. Many European and Asian destinations also offer direct flights to Japan. For example, travelers from the U.K. can get a direct flight on British Airways from London Heathrow to Narita Airport in Tokyo. Where To Stay in Japan Luxury, budget, and tradition-seeking travelers alike can find accommodation in Japan that meets their needs. Finding the right place to stay will depend on your wishes and expectations. Those looking for immersive experiences should look at Airbnb lodgings and ryokan (traditional Japanese guesthouses). If comfort is most important, find solace at a luxury hotel. And for budget travelers, there are tons of hostels available. Take a peek at some of the top-ranked accommodations throughout Japan: Top Accommodations in Tokyo: Luxury – Hotel Ryumeikan Ochanomizu Honten This hotel has a 5-star rating based on 114 reviews on TripAdvisor. Founded in 1899, this hotel embodies Japanese tranquility with its simplistic décor. Walk a couple of blocks north to see the Kanda River or access the Ochanomizu train station. Budget – Tokyo Hotel Horidome Villa At $66 USD per night – and with a 4-star rating on TripAdvisor – this Tokyo hotel is a steal. Located in the trendy area of Ginza, this downtown hotel allows guests to experience the vitality of Japanese nightlife. Traditional-Style – Ito Ryokan Experience Japanese tradition and stay close to main tourist attractions like the Imperial Palace in this traditional Japanese inn. Planning to visit Tokyo? Explore our Tokyo City Guide. Top Accommodations in Sapporo: Luxury – Jozankei Tsuruga Resort Spa Mori no Uta This luxury hotel outside Sapporo is a true spa lover's dream. Discover traditional Japanese onsen and various spa treatments in this mountainous resort. Budget – Mercure Hotel Sapporo Get easy access to the many ski resorts in Sapporo at this mid-range hotel. Each room comes equipped with complimentary internet access – a steal for $100 USD/night. Traditional-Style – Suizantei Club Jozankei A bit on the pricier side, this traditional ryokan offers guests a luxury Japanese experience in the mountains of Hokkaido. Take a dip in the hotel onsen or enjoy the culinary delicacies included in your accommodation package. No wonder it has a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor! Visiting Sapporo? Explore our Sapporo City Guide. Top Accommodations in Kyoto: Luxury – Hotel Mume First-class service and beautiful rooms earned this luxury hotel 825 reviews and a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor. Hotel Mume also has a prime location close to several shrines and temples in Kyoto. Budget – Toyoko Inn Kyoto Gojo-Karasuma Only a three-minute walk from Gojo Station and the Karasuma subway line, this budget hotel offers easy access to downtown Kyoto. Rooms may be small at this chain hotel, but they’re packed with features ideal for budget travelers, including breakfast and free nationwide phone calls. Traditional-Style – Tawaraya Recognized as one of the best ryokan in all of Japan, this traditional inn located in downtown Kyoto understands the importance of details. Rooms are sparsely decorated in true Japanese fashion, each one has a private garden attached, and the staff is incredibly knowledgeable. Transportation Within Japan Japan is home to an impressive network of roads, railroad tracks, ferries, and air routes connecting the entire territory. To get between islands, you’ll most likely have to take a short flight or ferry. In-country flights are both readily available and frequent between the nation’s main cities. Key hubs include: Narita International Airport (NRT, Tokyo) Haneda Airport (HND, Tokyo) Kansai International Airport (KIX, Osaka) Chubu International Airport (NGO, Nagoya) Fukuoka Airport (FUK, Fukuoka) Japan is heralded for its extensive rail network. Purchase a Japan Rail Pass for easy travel throughout any of the four main islands. Its ease of use and availability are well worth the cost. What To See and Do in Japan Japan is a land of attractions – the country has endless amounts of historical sites, acres of pristine forests, and a variety of vibrant cities to explore. Here are some of the top tourist sites in Japan: Top Tourist Sites in Tokyo Imperial Palace: The main residence of the Emperor of Japan is located in central Tokyo, a short walk away from the city’s Central Station. Buildings are not open to the public, but the gardens make the visit a true delight. Tsukiji Outer Market: This large seafood and produce market has hundreds of colorful stalls and restaurants. It is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays. Tsukishima: This is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. Travelers from all over the world come here searching for tsukudani - a kind of preserved topping that is served with rice - and monjayaki, a pancake-like dish that is popular in Japan. Shibuya: This popular entertainment area is packed with flashy neon signs, restaurants, and shops. It’s easily accessible through Shibuya Station. Meiji Jingu Shrine: Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken, the Meiji Shrine sits in a 170-acre forest area in Shibuya. It is one of Tokyo’s most visited attractions. The shrine is in close proximity to Harajuku, Tokyo’s hotspot for youth and cosplay. Top Tourist Sites in Kyoto Imperial Palace: This palace is the former residence of Japan’s Imperial family. Visitors can freely enter the palace grounds, but buildings are off-limits. Railway Museum: Japan is a railway powerhouse, and this museum concentrates its history like no other. It’s well worth the ¥1,200 JPY ($7.57 USD in August 2024) price tag. Top Tourist Sites in Osaka Osaka Castle: One of the most iconic buildings in Japan, Osaka Castle is a towering structure evocative of a different era in Japanese history. Nijo Castle: Recognized as one of the surviving buildings of Japan’s feudal era, Nijo Castle features a number of perfectly conserved buildings and beautiful gardens. Visiting the castle is an immersive experience in to Japan’s history and a must-see for anyone visiting Osaka. Discover more things to see and do in Osaka with our Osaka City Guide! Top Tourist Sites in Hiroshima Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Park: The park’s Atomic Bomb Dome was the only structure left standing following the atomic bombing in 1945. For many visitors to Japan, the museum and its grounds are powerful places for reflection. Miyajima Island: This island is home to the Itsukushima shrine, also referred to as the “floating shrine.” One of the largest torii (traditional Japanese gate) in Japan, the Itsukushima shrine is a relic of Shinto-era Japan. Read our Japan 14-day itinerary for even more help planning your first trip to Japan. Japanese Cuisine Japanese cuisine mainly consists of white rice, fish or beef, and vegetables often pickled or served in broth. Common dishes and preparations are sushi, udon noodles, miso soup, tempura, and grilled fish. In addition to traditional cuisine, Japan offers innovation and diversity in fast food, coffee, and craft beer. Western food is available, but usually at a higher price. Where To Eat in Japan You can find food in a variety of places in Japan. Of course, restaurants are popular – and world-class in Japan – but the nation is also known for the high-quality food available in convenience stores and vending machines. Sushi, ramen, and fast food options at small restaurants and street stalls start at $8 - $10 USD per serving, whereas nicer dinners are a bit pricier, starting at $20 - $25 USD. Read through Eater’s list of essential Tokyo restaurants for a full guide to popular restaurants in Tokyo. First-time visitors to supermarkets in Japan will notice it is much cheaper to purchase food at the market than to eat elsewhere, making Japan’s markets a great dining option for budget travelers. Fast food is also a great option for an inexpensive meal and an authentic culinary experience. In fact, fast food is other-worldly for any first-time visitor to Japan. The nation puts its own spin on typical fast-food chains like McDonald’s and Burger King, adding the Japanese flavor profile to American dishes. For example, McDonald’s Japanese menu heavily features shrimp, and classics like the Big Mac are elevated with the addition of bacon and egg. Burger King takes the sweet and savory approach, adding flame-grilled apple slices to the traditional Whopper Jr. Know Before You Go: Japanese History, Culture, and Traditions A large part of Japan’s cultural identity today is based on its history. On your first trip to Japan, you’ll find remnants and symbols of this country’s past in most of its historical sites. Japan’s history can be traced back to the year 660 BCE. During the course of the following centuries, the nation experienced periods of feudalism, expansionism, and war, each leaving its mark on the burgeoning country. Unification is a hallmark of Japanese society. During the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the government attempted to create a strong, centralized state with a singular national identity. Over the years, the cherry blossom, Japanese flag/rising sun, and Chrysanthemum flower have become powerful representations of Japanese identity. Following the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, Japanese culture changed. Economic growth and social stability became national priorities, resulting in a modernized society where ordinary people can experience middle-class urban lifestyles. In the 1980s Japan experienced unprecedented prosperity, catapulting it to superpower status. In modern-day Japanese culture, local and regional identity is celebrated. Almost every town or city is famous for something, like a specific craft, culinary specialty, or song. Discover More Japan Travel Content from WorldTrips Travel Health Insurance for Japan Japan Travel Visa: What You Need to Know Traveling Japan Alone How to Cheaply Travel Japan Explore Japan City Guides from WorldTrips Fukuoka City Guide Nagoya City Guide Osaka City Guide Sapporo City Guide Tokyo City Guide Yokohama City Guide KHE2FFFYH6SP-971744701-1283 WorldTrips international travel medical insurance products are underwritten by Lloyd's. WorldTrips is a service company and a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies. WorldTrips has authority to enter into contracts of insurance on behalf of the Lloyd's underwriting members of Lloyd's Syndicate 4141, which is managed by HCC Underwriting Agency, Ltd.

An Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit in travel health insurance is exactly what its name suggests: a benefit that provides coverage in case of your accidental death or dismemberment while traveling abroad. But what situations qualify for coverage? What scenarios are excluded? Read on to discover exactly what an AD&D benefit covers and why you may need one. What Is AD&D in Travel Health Insurance? The Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit in travel health insurance pays money to you or your beneficiary if you die, lose your sight, or lose a limb due to an accident while traveling abroad. There are stipulations, of course. We’ll get into those details below. What Does AD&D Cover? AD&D insurance provides reimbursement in situations where a covered accident causes your immediate death or dismemberment, or where an accident causes a covered injury that later results in your death or dismemberment. Examples of situations where your AD&D benefit could cover you include a car accident, boating accident, or injury from a fall. Most AD&D Benefits Pay: The full amount outlined in your policy documents to your beneficiary if a covered accident or injury causes your death A portion of the full amount (often half) to you if you are dismembered in a covered accident that causes you to lose one limb or sight in one eye The full amount to you if you are dismembered in a covered accident that causes you to lose two or more limbs or sight in both eyes Your Beneficiary Will Only Be Eligible to Receive Your Accidental Death Benefit If the Following Is True: You die within a certain number of days of the initial accident that causes your deadly injuries (typically 30 days) Illness or disease do not contribute to your death The accident that causes your death doesn’t happen while you’re a paying passenger on a commercial airline or cruise line (Common Carrier Accident is typically a separate benefit – more on that later) The accident that causes your death is not the result of a situation or condition specifically listed in your policy exclusions Many travel health insurance policies, such as the Atlas Travel® plan from WorldTrips include an Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit. You can find the benefit and its coverage limits on the policy documents for any policy you’re considering. You may also find it on the main webpage for the policy. What Are Policy Documents? The policy documents provide the full benefits and exclusions of an insurance plan and explain its claims process. You can typically find a link to these documents on the main webpage for the policy or on the quote form where you provide your trip information and learn how much your policy would cost. (Note that you will receive these documents along with your other fulfillment documents after you purchase a policy as well.) See a sample Description of Coverage for our Atlas Travel insurance policy. Important Definitions You Should Know Accidental Death: This generally refers to a situation where external means cause a sudden, unintentional, and unexpected occurrence that results in your death. Remember: Death must occur within a certain number of days following your injury. (For Atlas Travel, this period is 30 days.) Illness or disease may not contribute to your death. Accidental Dismemberment: This typically means a situation where external means cause a sudden, unintentional, and unexpected occurrence that results in either: Complete severance of one or more of your limbs OR Complete and irreversible loss of sight in one or both of your eyes Loss of Limb: This refers to either: Complete severance of your arm from your body at or above your wrist OR Complete severance of your leg from your body at or above your ankle Loss of Eye: This refers to complete and permanent loss of sight. PRO TIP: Consult the DOC for any policy you’re considering to see its specific and complete benefits. What Is Excluded From Travel Health Insurance AD&D? To Recap: You will only be eligible for the AD&D benefit if your death or dismemberment (or the injury that causes your death or dismemberment) results directly from external and visible means. You are not eligible if illness or disease contributes to your death or dismemberment. Let’s Clarify This With an Example: Say you suffer an epileptic seizure while driving a rental car abroad. The seizure causes you to crash the car, resulting in severe internal and external injuries. Ten days later, you succumb to your injuries in the hospital. In this scenario, you would not be covered by your accidental death and dismemberment insurance, despite dying as a result of your car crash injuries. Why? Because your epilepsy caused you to crash. Epilepsy is a seizure disorder, and health disorders count as an illness. An illness is any sickness, disorder, pathology, abnormality, ailment, disease, or any other medical, physical, or health condition. Examples of Situations Where Your AD&D Benefit Would NOT Cover You There are certain *situations and conditions that could result in your accidental death or dismemberment which would not be covered under your AD&D benefit. Examples of such situations include: Infection (except through a wound caused by an accident) Intoxication (as defined by local laws where the accident occurred) Mental health disorder Participation in a riot Pregnancy Suicide or self-inflicted injury Terrorism Voluntary drug use (except for drugs prescribed by a physician) War *Benefits and exclusions vary from policy to policy, so read all of your policy documents. Review the AD&D section thoroughly and make sure you understand all of the policy’s exclusions. PRO TIP! If you have questions about the policy considering, contact the insurance company directly. They can help you understand the policy's exclusions and verify its benefits. Do I Need Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage? We know it’s uncomfortable to think about what would happen if you were to become seriously injured or even pass away during a trip abroad. But it’s important that you take a second to consider the potential consequences of traveling abroad while uninsured. Who would pay for the resulting expenses in the case of your accidental death? Would you be able to afford the medical expenses resulting from your dismemberment or loss of sight? We believe that all travelers should expect the best but prepare for the worst. That’s why our Atlas Travel insurance policy includes up to $25,000 for a covered death or loss of 2 limbs and up to $12,500 for the covered loss of one limb (for ages 18 through 69). Atlas Travel offers AD&D coverage to individuals under age 18 and those over age 69 as well. You can see those benefit limits here. Does the AD&D Benefit in Travel Health Insurance Cover Repatriation? The Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefit included in most travel health insurance policies does not cover the cost of returning your body or ashes to your home country for proper burial or cremation. Instead, you’ll want a policy that also includes a separate benefit called Repatriation of Remains. The Repatriation of Remains benefit pays to transport your body by plane or ground transportation to your home country if your insurance covers the injury or illness that caused your death. This benefit also covers the cost of preparing your body for transport. Repatriation can cost several thousand dollars, and your family may already have to prepare and pay for funeral arrangements in their time of grief. Your travel health insurance company can coordinate travel arrangements for your covered repatriation, as well as pay all eligible expenses, which may be of support to your family as they grieve. Here’s a true customer story of Atlas Travel’s Repatriation of Remains benefit in action: Real-Life Example: Repatriation of Remains After a Tragic Accident in Thailand Thailand -> United Kingdom = $5,323 A 21-year-old British citizen teaching in Thailand was struck by traffic and died later that day. WorldTrips worked with his parents, the local hospital, and government officials to arrange for the care, preparation, and return of his remains to his home country. The traveler’s Atlas Travel policy paid $5,323 to cover the cost of bringing his body home to his family so they could have a burial for their loved one. Review the policy documents for any plan you’re considering to see if it includes AD&D coverage and a Repatriation of Remains benefit before you purchase. Does Travel Health Insurance Include Flight Accident AD&D? Many travel health insurance policies, like Atlas Travel, include accidental death flight insurance, or flight accident AD&D, in the form of a benefit called Common Carrier Accidental Death. What Does Common Carrier Accidental Death Mean? Similar to the AD&D benefit, Common Carrier Accidental Death covers international travelers who experience an unintentional and unexpected accident or injury that causes their death. Death must occur within a certain number of days following the accident or injury and previous injuries or illnesses may not contribute to it. Unlike AD&D, Common Carrier Accidental Death covers passengers who are aboard a commercial airline or cruise line. PRO TIP: When comparing travel health insurance policies, look to see if the policies you’re considering offer both AD&D coverage and Common Carrier Accidental Death coverage. Get Coverage for You and Your Loved Ones After a Covered Worse-Case Scenario It’s hard to think about how you or your family members would cope if you were to face an unexpected worst-case scenario while traveling abroad. Travel health insurance can’t protect you against accidents, but it can help protect you and your loved ones against some of the expenses that could result from your covered, accidental death or dismemberment during your trip. That’s why our Atlas Travel health insurance plan includes important benefits like: Accidental Death & Dismemberment – Up to $25,000 to your beneficiary in case of your accidental death or dismemberment (ages 18 – 69) Repatriation of Remains or Local Burial/Cremation – Up to your policy’s overall maximum limit for the cost of returning your body to your home country OR up to $5,000 toward the cost of burying or cremating your body in the country of your death (ages 18 – 69) Common Carrier Accidental Death – Up to $50,000 to your beneficiary if you die as the result of an accident while onboard a commercial airline or cruise line (ages 18 – 69) Travel health insurance can be easy to purchase and budget friendly. Atlas Travel policies start at $0.50* per day for travel outside the U.S. or $0.96 per day for travel including the U.S. *Costs based on the Atlas Travel daily rate in August 2024 for a traveler in the youngest age group (14 days - 29 years) who is traveling outside the U.S. with the highest deductible ($5,000) and the lowest overall maximum coverage limit available to this age group ($50,000). **Costs based on the Atlas Travel daily rate in August 2024 for a traveler in the youngest age group (14 days - 29 years) who is traveling to the U.S. with the highest deductible ($5,000) and the lowest overall maximum coverage limit available to this age group ($50,000). Your plan cost will vary depending on: the level of coverage you choose the deductible you choose your age your destination your trip length In addition to choosing your overall coverage limit and deductible, you can select from several add-ons during the checkout process to further customize your policy to your needs and budget. Pro Tip! Start an Atlas Travel quote to see what the price would be for your trip. Atlas Travel’s Accidental Death & Dismemberment Benefit Atlas Travel pays eligible AD&D expenses according to your age group. For each age group, the benefit limit specifies: the amount it will pay out for a covered death or loss of two eyes or limbs the amount it will pay out for the covered loss of one eye or limb The benefit also includes a lifetime maximum amount. This is the maximum amount Atlas Travel will pay toward your covered accidental death or dismemberment expenses during your lifetime. Accidental Death & Dismemberment Excludes expenses resulting from Common Carrier Accident Age Group Benefit Limit 14 Days — 17 Years Old Death - $5,000 Loss of 2 Limbs - $5,000 Loss of 1 Limb Lifetime Maximum: $5,000 18 — 69 Years Old Death - $25,000 Loss of 2 Limbs - $25,000 Loss of 1 Limb - $12,500 Lifetime Maximum: $25,000 70 — 74 Years Old Death - $12,500 Loss of 2 Limbs - $12,500 Loss of 1 Limb - $6,250 Lifetime Maximum - $12,5000 75 Years Old or Older Death - $6,250 Loss of 2 Limbs - $6,250 Loss of 1 Limb - $3,125 Lifetime Maximum - $6,250 $250,000 maximum benefit for any one family or group. This benefit is not subject to the policy’s deductible or overall maximum limit. KHE2FFFYH6SP-971744701-1284 WorldTrips international travel medical insurance products are underwritten by Lloyd's. WorldTrips is a service company and a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies. WorldTrips has authority to enter into contracts of insurance on behalf of the Lloyd's underwriting members of Lloyd's Syndicate 4141, which is managed by HCC Underwriting Agency, Ltd.