Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-06-19
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
Japan’s earthquake strikes have worried many travellers. Though officials ruled it below major alert levels, they warn of potential strong quakes ahead. Insurance pros say buying travel coverage now might void claims, but why do term life insurance and VHIS remain unaffected? Dive into the details and protect your trips smartly!
How Severe is the Nankai Trough Earthquake?
On August 8, 2024, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture in Kyushu, Japan. According to statistics, the probability of another earthquake of magnitude 8 or above occurring within 7 days after a magnitude 7 or above event is only a few percent .
Then, on the evening of January 13, 2025, another 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit off the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture in Kyushu, Japan. Although Japan’s Meteorological Agency held an emergency meeting on the “Nankai Trough Earthquake” and stated that this event did not reach the level requiring a “Nankai Trough Earthquake Temporary Information (Major Earthquake Alert),” authorities noted that the area could still experience strong earthquakes in the coming week. The term “Nankai Trough (南海トラフ)” even became a trending search on Japan’s X platform (formerly Twitter), highlighting the Japanese public’s concern about this type of earthquake.
The Nankai Trough is where the Eurasian Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate meet. Historically, this area has triggered multiple earthquakes roughly every 100 to 150 years. According to expert estimates , there’s a 70 to 80% chance of an 8 to 9 magnitude earthquake occurring in the Nankai Trough within the next 30 years. As per a 2023 government document, it could result in up to 242,000 deaths . High-risk areas include Shizuoka, Wakayama, Kochi, Aichi, Ehime, and Oita prefectures .
Japan’s Earthquakes: Now a Known Risk
Why might people who buy travel insurance only after a warning is issued face disputes when claiming for losses due to an earthquake during their trip? International Professional Insurance Consultants Association President Lo Siu-hung explains that from an insurer’s perspective, earthquakes are considered a “known risk,” so traveling despite the warning might not be covered.
Take the 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, in August 2024, as an example. August 8 was a key date since Japan had already issued warnings. If you bought travel insurance after August 8, you might fall under the policy’s exclusions for “pre-existing conditions.”
That said, this doesn’t mean travel insurance offers no coverage at all. Risks beyond earthquakes, like losing your wallet or being involved in a traffic accident, are still covered and protected under the policy.
In fact, the exclusion clauses in travel insurance documents from different insurance companies also state:
- F company: “ Any loss or event that was known , foreseeable, intentional, or expected at the time of purchasing the policy.”
- P company: “Any situation (including the issuance of travel warnings) that existed or was known to exist at the time of application for insurance, or was announced as expected to occur before confirming the itinerary for annual coverage .”
- Z company: “This policy will not cover any situation that occurred or was announced before the ‘effective date’ and may cause your planned trip to be delayed, canceled, or obstructed”
Why Bowtie Term Life and VHIS Coverage Remains Unaffected?
The reason is simple: these products don’t have the above exclusions! Even if an earthquake occurs, Term Life and VHIS can still provide compensation. For example, with Bowtie Term Life, there’s only one exclusion: death by suicide within the first year of the policy.
With coverage, you can enjoy your trips fully. If it’s too late for travel insurance, why not get Bowtie Term Life and VHIS now for peace of mind!
Need to Claim Insurance While Traveling? Bowtie VHIS Offers Global Support!
All insured persons under Bowtie VHIS can enjoy global emergency support services.
If you encounter an accident abroad and need emergency support, you can call our partner ( 852-2863 5767 ) – International Rescue Assistance (Asia) Company (IPA), and provide the following information to get assistance:
- Policyholder’s name
- Policyholder’s ID or passport number
- Policy number
- Current location and local contact phone number
Global support services include dispatching basic medications/medical equipment/Hong Kong doctors, guaranteeing hospital admission deposits, and covering medical expenses during hospitalization, among others. Check out more service details now .
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