As Japan experiences another scorching summer, the demand for heatstroke insurance is rapidly growing. In July, temperatures in various locations in Japan exceeded 40 degrees Celsius, leading to heatstroke alerts. Over 12,000 people were hospitalized due to heat-related issues in the week ending July 28 [405261c1].
Sumitomo Life Insurance Co., a major insurance company in Japan, reported that its subsidiary has sold over 100,000 heatstroke insurance contracts this year as of July 25. The insurance policy offers monthly coverage or a contract that can be chosen for one to seven days. The premium for one-day coverage is 100 yen per person. Another insurance service was launched in June by a group company of Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co. and NTT Docomo Inc. [405261c1].
The scorching summer in Japan highlights the increasing need for protection against heat-related illnesses. As temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, it is crucial for individuals and communities to take proactive measures to stay safe and mitigate the impacts of extreme heat.