The Osaka Tourism Promotion Board is collaborating with the prefectural government to launch an awareness campaign for travel insurance, following the discovery that unpaid medical bills from foreign tourists have reached 70 million yen (approximately $645,000).
According to authorities, many visitors to Japan do not purchase travel insurance or are unfamiliar with the payment process, leading them to leave medical facilities without covering their treatment costs.
The campaign focuses on providing clearer information about the importance of travel insurance and guiding tourists on how to purchase suitable coverage before arriving in Japan. Flyers and posters will be distributed at airports, train stations, and major tourist spots in Osaka.
The Osaka prefectural government hopes this measure will ease the financial burden on local hospitals while ensuring tourists receive timely medical care without financial complications.
This initiative is part of Japan's broader effort to manage the increasing influx of foreign tourists, especially after the country reopened its borders following the COVID-19 pandemic.
