Craig Weisweaver from Mishawaka, Indiana, is critically ill in Japan. He contracted a virus while visiting family members there.
Because he has no health or travel insurance and because he is too sick to take a commercial flight, Weisweaver is stranded in Japan. Japanese hospitals will not treat him because he has no insurance to cover emergency, hospital and doctor bills.
The alternative would be to air medevac him back to the U. S. but that would cost the family $150,000, an amount they do not have.
Family members, U. S. Congressmen, and local residents are working together to bring Weisweaver home, praying he hangs in there until then.
Unfortunately, this story is not uncommon. In a study conducted by the Injury Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, medical researches found that 2,011 injury deaths of US citizens abroad were reported in 3 years, mainly in motor vehicle crashes and drowning.
Their conclusion was that injuries occur at a higher proportion abroad than in the United States. Unfamiliarity with local customs and safety procedures, coupled with excitement and happy-go-lucky vacation mentality, contribute to negligence while traveling abroad.
Craig’s son, Brian, in a newspaper interview said, “The obvious lesson to be learned here is if you don’t have health insurance and you plan to travel, get travel insurance. “
We sympathize with the plight of the Weisweaver family. International travel insurance would have been the way to go as it would have paid for his in-country medical bills and his air-evacuation costs, all for as low as $1. 50 – $6. 00 per day, depending on Craig’s health and age at the time he took out the travel insurance.
Your Top 7 Questions – Answered by ACP Rail
Which trains can I travel on with a Japan Rail Pass?
The Japan Rail Pass can transport travelers across the six companies that make up the Japan Railways Group (JR Group), including JR Kyushu, JR Shikoku, JR West, JR Central, JR East and JR Hokkaido. Japan Rail Pass holders have unlimited access to travel throughout Japan’s extensive rail network, including Shinkansen ‘bullet’ trains, limited express trains, express trains and local and rapid trains. The only exceptions are the pass is not valid for “NOZOMI” trains on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines or the Tokyo Monorail.
What’s the quality of rail services I can expect in Japan?
Japan’s rail network is considered to be one of the most efficient in the world, spanning its four major islands, with a total length of about 20,000 kilometers of railway. Beyond the convenience of being able to travel far and wide, train travel in Japan also has a reputation for frequent service, punctuality, safety and high speed. Imagine Shinkansen ‘bullet’ trains, travel up to speeds of 300km/hr! Not to mention high standards for modern facilities, comfort and cleanliness, Japan Rail Pass holders can look forward to spacious seating accommodations.
What Japan Rail Pass validities are available?
Am I eligible to purchase a Japan Rail Pass?
You are eligible to purchase a Japan Rail Pass if you are a tourist visiting Japan from abroad, under the entry status of “temporary visitor”, or a Japanese national who can show they have residency abroad. It’s important to note that a Japan Rail Pass cannot be purchased in Japan so be sure to arrange your Exchange Order prior to your trip.
What is an Exchange Order?
Once a Japan Rail Pass is paid for, the customer will receive an Exchange Order, which they will ultimately exchange in Japan for the actual Japan Rail Pass. The Exchange Order must be exchanged for a Japan Rail Pass within 3 months from the date the Exchange Order was issued. At the time of exchange, the customer must specify the date that they want to start using the pass. It can be any date within one month from the date the actual Japan Rail Pass is received. Once the Pass has a starting date written on it, the date cannot be changed.
Do I need a seat reservation when traveling with a Japan Rail Pass?
Shinkansen ‘bullet’ trains and most limited express and ordinary express trains have reserved Green Class seats and both reserved and non-reserved Ordinary Class seats. To find a non reserved seat, simply show your Japan Rail Pass when boarding. However if you prefer to make a seat reservation, possible without additional payment, visit any Travel Service Centre or Reservation Office called “Midori-no-madoguchi” at a JR station in Japan. At one of these locations simply show your Japan Rail Pass and receive a reserved-seat ticket before boarding, thereby guaranteeing you a seat on the train of your choice. It is especially recommended to obtain a seat reservation over holidays and during rush hour, as seat reservations can be difficult to secure. Here are some examples:
Is there any additional advice you would give a Japan Rail Pass holder?
Yes, when traveling with a Japan Rail Pass, do not use an automatic ticket-reading gate, but instead show your pass at a manned ticket gate. Also ACP Rail International is a great resource for additional details, as they outline which stations have Japan Rail Pass exchange offices and they provide a detailed Japan rail map.
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