In addition to a general web search, I’ve looked over various threads in this sub concerning travel insurance, but haven’t found this particular issue covered, so hoping someone might be able to point me in the right direction.
Myself (Australian), my spouse (Japanese), and our two children (Japanese) are going to visit family for three weeks at the end of this year. So far, we’ve been unable to find a Japanese insurer that is willing to offer accident and emergency or general medical cover to our eldest, who has Down Syndrome.
While he is regarded as having a disability in relation to learning and physical development, he has no chronic conditions or ongoing medical treatment, and generally pays no more visits to the doctor etc than our younger child. To say that doesn’t sit well with me would be an understatement, but all that aside the priority right now is just making sure he’s covered should he happen to do any of the things regular children are prone to do, being kids.
My wife has been looking, of course, but she finds research of this level generally overwhelming, and my Japanese definitely isn’t up to the level required to understand T&Cs, so anyone with knowledge or experience on this subject would be very much appreciated!
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Probably quickest/easiest to ask the insurers. For example, Sompo Japan’s inquiry phone number for travel insurance is 0120-666-756.
What kind of coverage are you looking for here for your children? Most travel insurance (including credit card coverage) usually has statement that says something like below to exempt themselves from chronic conditions that might onset during your travel. But it doesn’t mean you’re not covered when let’s say you were injured when falling or hitting something.
>保険の対象となる旅行期間開始日以前に発病した病気についてはお支払いの対象となりません
>
>No reimbursement will be made for illnesses occurring prior to the start date of the insured travel period
If you want a travel insurance with coverage of possible onset, look for keyword 持病・既往症, meaning chronic condition, in their policy. Especially the one with special policy (応急治療・救援費用補償特約). A simple search shows some well-known insurance website. (Sorry can’t link cause of moderation policy here). Good luck.
What a shit situation.
Assuming you haven’t bought the tickets yet one possible route would be a credit card travel insurance. Amex Gold comes with pretty comprenensive insurance including family coverage but you’d need to pay for the travel using it. Better would be Platinum but it’s pricey (worth it if you travel a lot and make use of the other benefits though and the liability insurance is amazing). I suggest Amex as you’ll have a chance to talk about the insurance with an English speaking operator but other credit card companies should have comparable insurance available.
Another option would be to go in and speak in person at one of the Hoken no Madoguchi locations. I’ve had great experience dealing with them face to face and they represent a huge range of insurers so there should be someone who can cover you.
I have a similar issue (mental illnesses disqualify from a lot of travel insurance in general). AIG ([link](https://travel.aig.co.jp/)) will offer coverage though.
[here’s them covering this point](https://travel.aig.co.jp/ota/faq/qa-01a#qa01)