Many people prepare for a trip while wondering whether or not to purchase travel insurance, thinking, "It's just a domestic trip, so it should be fine, right?" or "Is it really necessary to buy insurance?" It's true that with domestic travel, it's easy to feel like you can handle anything that happens. However, in reality, unexpected things can happen during a trip, such as injuries or illnesses, luggage problems, or sudden changes to your itinerary. That's when domestic travel insurance comes in handy, providing peace of mind. This time, we'll compare popular domestic travel insurance policies and also introduce the features of insurance services included with credit cards.

1. Recommended domestic travel insurance

Sompo Japan "Domestic Travel Comprehensive Insurance"

Sompo Japan's "Domestic Travel Comprehensive Insurance" covers a wide range of risks during domestic travel, including medical expenses for injuries and illnesses, damage to or theft of personal belongings, and liability during travel. Plans are finely tuned according to the number of days of travel and the coverage required, and are available from one day up to a maximum of one month. The price varies depending on the coverage amount and travel period, but it is affordable, starting from 527 yen for a 1-night, 2-day trip. Applications can be made from 45 days before departure up to the day before departure, so even those who decide on their trip at the last minute can use it with peace of mind.

Sompo Japan "Domestic Travel Comprehensive Insurance"

Tokyo Marine & Nichido "Domestic Travel Accident Insurance"

Tokyo Marine & Nichido's "Domestic Travel Accident Insurance" is a comprehensive insurance policy that primarily covers death and permanent disability resulting from injuries or accidents during domestic travel, and also broadly covers liability, theft or damage to personal belongings, and rescue expenses. By adding special riders, it is also possible to cover expenses related to flight cancellations or changes in landing destinations, search and rescue expenses, and injuries sustained during dangerous activities. With support available from anywhere in the country through the 24/365 accident reception center (Anshin 110), you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Applications are accepted up to 10 days before departure. Procedures are handled through an agent.

Tokyo Marine & Nichido "Domestic Travel Accident Insurance"

Rakuten Insurance "Travel Assist (Domestic Travel Accident Insurance)"

Rakuten Insurance's "Travel Assist (Domestic Travel Accident Insurance)" is insurance that covers injuries and accidents during domestic travel. The premium varies depending on the length of the trip, and a major feature is its reasonable price: 100 yen for a 1-night, 2-day trip, 117 yen for 3-4 days, 139 yen for 5-7 days, 190 yen for 8-14 days, and 303 yen for 15-30 days. You can even enroll on the day of departure. Up to 10 people can be applied for simultaneously with one contract. The fact that you can easily apply online is another great point. Rakuten Points can also be used to pay the insurance premium, making it a convenient service for Rakuten users.

Rakuten Insurance "Travel Assist (Domestic Travel Accident Insurance)"

Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance "Domestic Travel Insurance"

Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance's "Domestic Travel Accident Insurance" covers a variety of risks during travel, including death and permanent disability due to injury, hospitalization, outpatient treatment and surgery expenses, liability to others, damage to or theft of personal belongings, and rescue expenses. Travel periods can be selected from one day to a maximum of one month, accommodating a wide range of trips from day trips and business trips to long-term travel. Applications can be made from 60 days before the departure date until 11:30 PM on the day of departure, and applications are made through an agent.

Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance "Domestic Travel Insurance"

AIG Insurance "Domestic Travel Accident Insurance"

AIG Insurance's "Domestic Travel Accident Insurance" covers a wide range of troubles during travel, including injuries, baggage damage, and liability. It also covers accommodation and meal expenses due to flight delays or cancellations, and (in some plans) compensation for theft at home during your trip. Applications can be made online from 90 days before departure up to the day of departure, making it suitable for last-minute trips. Payment is by credit card in a single lump sum. It's a simple yet comprehensive insurance plan that protects against a wide range of risks.

AIG Insurance "Domestic Travel Accident Insurance"

2. If you're unsure which one to choose – Types of domestic travel insurance

When choosing domestic travel insurance, many people are unsure which one to select. One reason for this is that the coverage varies from one insurance product to another. The scope of coverage, the amount of coverage, and the availability of options can significantly affect the protection you receive in the event of an emergency, so it is important to carefully compare the details.
For example, while the most basic "accidental death and permanent disability" coverage is included in most plans, whether or not "medical expenses such as outpatient visits, hospitalization, and surgery" are covered depends on the plan. Also, "liability coverage" for injuring others or damaging property, and coverage for "damage to or theft of personal belongings" may not be included in all insurance policies.
Furthermore, "transportation delay compensation," which covers additional costs due to flight cancellations or delays, "rescue expenses," which cover the cost of family members coming to your aid during your trip, and "cancellation fee compensation," which covers the cost of canceling your trip if unavoidable, are often treated as options and are generally not included in standard or light plans.
The key to choosing the right insurance is to check if the coverage matches your travel style. Compare multiple plans based on whether you need minimal coverage or comprehensive coverage to be prepared for any eventuality.

3. Travel insurance as a credit card benefit

Some credit cards include travel insurance. However, this is not included with all cards, and the coverage and conditions vary depending on the type and rank of the card, so caution is advised.
For example, the Rakuten Premium Card automatically includes domestic travel insurance, meaning you are covered simply by "owning" the card.
On the other hand, while the Epos Platinum Card also includes domestic travel insurance, it is conditional on usage. In other words, paying for transportation fares and other expenses used during your trip with the card is a condition for receiving coverage.
As you can see, even if a card says "travel insurance is included," the actual coverage conditions can differ significantly depending on whether it's automatically included or requires activation. Furthermore, even within the same credit card company, the coverage of domestic travel accident insurance may vary depending on the card's rank (grade), with higher-ranking cards generally offering higher coverage amounts.

4. Should I get insurance for domestic travel?

Domestic travel insurance isn't always necessary, but it can be helpful in certain situations. For example, if you're participating in activities like snorkeling, or traveling to remote islands or other places with limited access during typhoon season, it's reassuring to have insurance to prepare for injuries or problems caused by transportation cancellations. If you prepare with the mindset of "it's a bonus if I don't need to use it," you'll be able to handle any unforeseen circumstances calmly, so consider what coverage you need depending on the nature of your trip.