Japan Earthquake| 3 Must Know Essential Disaster Prevention Websites & Apps! Are You Covered by Travel Insurance in Case of Natural Disasters?

Rumors of Japan’s impending earthquake are back in the spotlight. The Japanese government has recently updated its prediction in March that a major quake in the Nankai Trough could hit within the next 30 years, with the odds of it being 8 to 9 in magnitude. The quake was originally expected to happen at a chance of 70 to 80% but now prophesied to up to 80%. With further bolster from a manga that also predicts a big quake in July 2025, various hearsays have left travelers anxious about visiting Japan. What should you do in case an earthquake or tsunami encounters? Are you covered by travel insurance when natural disasters happen? Let’s check out some handy disaster prevention websites and apps to stay informed and what you need to know about travel insurance coverage.

Japan Earthquake| Japan Disaster Prevention Websites & Apps

● Japan Meteorological Agency

▶Website: Japan Meteorological Agency
▶Available Languages: Japanese, English, Chinese etc.

The Japan Meteorological Agency offers a multilingual website, including a version in Chinese, providing real-time updates on earthquakes—such as date, time, epicenter location, and magnitude. The site also issues alerts for rainfall, typhoons, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. Users can check weather updates based on regions and alert types to better prepare for potential natural disasters.

● App Disaster Preparedness Tokyo App

▶Where to download: Google Play / App Store
▶Supported Platforms: Android 8.0 / iOS 13.0 or above
▶Available Languages: Japanese, English, Chinese etc.

The Disaster Preparedness Tokyo App was developed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Its purpose is to provide basic knowledge and prevention tips in case of natural hazards with illustrations to users. The App also features real-time broadcasting of disaster situations, including information on typhoons, tsunamis, and earthquakes. Additionally, it is equipped with a siren function to send out distress signals in emergencies, enhancing the chances of survival during disasters.

● Safety tips

▶Where to download: Google Play / App Store
▶Supported Platforms: Android 8.0 / iOS 13.0 or above
▶Available Languages: Japanese, English, Chinese etc.

Safety Tips” is an app developed by the Japan National Tourism Organization. The application aims to send real-time alerts about earthquake early warnings, tsunami warnings, and other weather warnings within Japan to tourists. It also includes several useful features, such as an "evacuation procedure flowchart" that guides users on what actions to take in an emergency. The "disaster emergency conversation" feature allows users to communicate effectively with those around them to obtain necessary information. Additionally, the application provides links to practical information related to disasters, helping you better face natural disasters.

Japan Earthquake| In case of Natural Hazards, such as Earthquake and Tsunamis; Will Travel Insurance be Covered?

Before traveling, it's common for travelers to grab travel insurance to keep themselves covered! But with so many options out there, we understand that it can be confusing. Below are some answers to some frequently asked questions.

1. I am planning on a trip to Japan for a concert next week, however the location is currently experiencing an earthquake. Does travel insurance provide coverage?
   A: Chubb Travel Insurance offers “Special Occasion Interruption”coverage. If the insured person’s journey is delayed due to natural disasters and cannot attend planned special events (such as concerts, theme parks, museums, etc.) and has to forfeit non-refundable tickets, Chubb Travel Insurance can reimburse the non-refundable ticket costs.
2. An earthquake happened during my trip, and I have to cancel to my remaining plans to return early to Hong Kong. Does travel insurance cover my loss?
   A: Chubb Travel Insurance offers “Trip Curtailment” coverage, if the insured person’s trip has to cut short due to happening of natural hazards/ issuance of a black travel alert/ event of bodily injury, sickness or death of the insured person, immediate family member, travel companion or business partner; they can be reimbursed with the unused and forfeited or additional travel expenses.
3. If a journey is delayed due to natural catastrophe, does travel insurance provide coverage?
   A: Chubb Travel Insurance offers “Trip Delay” coverage, If the insured person experiences a trip delay due to adverse weather, natural catastrophe (e.g. earthquake), strike, mechanical fault of public conveyance or hijacking, Chubb Travel Insurance will provide different imbursement based on delayed hours, including cash benefit (every 6 hours of delay), forfeited/additional transport/ hotel expenses.

The above information is for reference only. All coverage, exclusions, terms, and conditions are subject to the provisions stated in the policy. For more information about travel coverage from Chubb Insurance Hong Kong Limited, please click here to learn more.