travel insurance online for china

China Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for china.

Home to the Great Wall of China, a major tourist attraction for Americans. Tourists can also experience China’s multi-faceted cultures, history, and Asian cuisine.

Before you pack your bags to Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai or other parts of the country, travel insurance is a valuable coverage that adds protection over your trip.

• What should your Travel insurance cover for a trip to China? 
• How does Travel Insurance for China Work?
• Do I need Travel Insurance for China? 
• How much does Travel Insurance cost for China? 
• Our Suggested AXA Travel Protection Plan
• What types of medical coverage does AXA Travel Protection plans offer?

Are There Any COVID-19 Restrictions for Travelers to China?

Traveling with pre-existing medical conditions , what should your travel insurance cover for a trip to china.

At a minimum, your travel insurance should cover trip cancellation, trip interruption and emergency medical expenses. When it comes to international travel, the US Department of State outlines key components that should be included in your travel insurance coverage. AXA Travel Protection plans are designed with these minimum recommended coverages in mind.

• Medical Coverage   – The top priority is making sure your health is in order. With AXA Travel Protection, you can have access to quality healthcare during your trip overseas in the event of unexpected medical emergencies.    
• Trip Cancellation & Interruptions  – Assistance against unexpected trip disruptions can dampen the mood, AXA Travel Protection offers coverage against unforeseen events.   
• Emergency Evacuations and Repatriation   – In situations where transportation is dire, AXA Travel Protection offers provisions for emergency evacuation and repatriation.   
• Coverage for Personal Belongings  – AXA offers coverage for your belongings with assistance against lost or delayed baggage.   
• Optional Cancel for Any Reason  – For added flexibility, AXA offers optional Cancel for Any Reason coverage, allowing you to cancel your trip for non-traditional reasons.  Exclusive to Platinum Plan holders. 

In just a few seconds, you can get a free quote and purchase the best travel insurance for China.

How Does Travel Insurance for China Work?

Fortunately, China is a fairly safe travel destination, although small risks such as petty theft and pickpocketing have been known to occur in public spaces and on public transportation. If your passport or other identification ends up missing on the train from Beijing to the Gobi Desert, your AXA Travel Protection Plan will help you replace your documents. Here is how travelers can benefit from an AXA Travel Protection Plan:

Medical Benefits:

• Emergency Medical Expenses: Should you fall ill or have an accident during your trip, your policy may offer coverage for medical expenses, including hospital stays and doctor's fees. 
• Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation: In case of a serious medical emergency, your policy may include provisions for evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility or repatriation. 
• Non-Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation : In non-medical crises (e.g., political unrest), your policy may cover evacuation or repatriation, subject to policy terms. 

Pre-Departure Travel Benefits: 

• Trip Cancellation: You may be eligible for reimbursement if you cancel your trip due to a sudden illness or injury. 
• COVID-19 Travel Insurance: Coverage is available for trip cancellation and medical expenses related to COVID-19, subject to policy terms and conditions. 
• Trip Delay: If your flight faces delays due to unforeseen circumstances, you may have coverage for additional expenses such as meals and accommodations. 

Post-Departure Travel Benefits

• Trip Interruption: In case of an unexpected event, you could be eligible for reimbursement for the unused portion of your trip.
• Missed Connection: If you miss a connecting flight due to delays or cancellations, this coverage may help with expenses like rebooking fees and accommodations.

Baggage Benefits: 

• Luggage Delay: If the airline delays your checked baggage, your policy might offer reimbursement for essential items like clothing and toiletries. 
• Lost or Stolen Luggage: In the unfortunate event of permanent loss or theft of your luggage, your policy may offer reimbursement for its value, assisting you in replacing your belongings. 

Additional Optional Travel Benefits 

• Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver) : Exclusive to Gold & Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit gives travelers extra coverage on their rental car against damage and theft. 
• Cancel for Any Reason: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders; this optional benefit gives travelers more flexibility to cancel their trip for any reason outside of their standard policy. 
• Loss Skier Days : Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate some costs associated with pre-paid ski tickets that you or your traveling companion cannot use due to specified slope closures. 
• Loss Golf Days : Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate the expenses linked to prepaid golf arrangements that you or your travel companion are unable to utilize due to specified golf closures. 

Do I Need Travel Insurance for China?

While the Chinese government does not require travelers to purchase travel insurance , it offers valuable protection when you are far from home on an overseas trip. Unexpected issues are less problematic when you can rely on your travel insurance plan to help assist you with issues that may come up. Why? There are several reasons:

Trip Interruption: Severe weather, illness or another eligible event may disrupt your trip or cause you to end it sooner than you planned. Travel insurance may pay reasonable expenses according to the per-day limit and maximum benefit.

Lost Baggage: Airlines sometimes mishandle baggage, and the last thing you want is to be without your essentials in an unfamiliar place. Travel insurance offers to cover the cost of replacing necessary items, allowing you to continue on.

Missed Connections: Direct flights to China are available but some travelers may have connecting flights. If you miss a connection because of unforeseen circumstances, travel insurance can pay reasonable expenses up to a daily limit for meals, transportation and accommodations.

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost for China?

In general, travel insurance costs about 3 – 10% of your total prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses. The cost of travel insurance depends on two factors for AXA Travel Protection plans: 

• Total Trip cost:  The total non-prepaid and non-refundable costs you have already paid for your upcoming trip. This includes prepaid excursions, plane tickets, cruise costs, etc. 
• Age:  Like any other insurance type, the correlation is rooted in increased health risks associated with older individuals. It's important to note that this doesn't make travel insurance unattainable for older individuals. 

With AXA Travel Protection, travelers to Spain will be offered three tiers of insurance:  Silver,   Gold  and  Platinum . Each provides varying levels of coverage to cater to individual's preferences and travel needs. 

Our Suggested AXA Travel Protection Plan 

AXA presents travelers with three travel plans – the  Silver Plan , Gold Plan , and Platinum Plan , each offering different levels of coverage to suit individual needs. Given that Argentina hospitals often do not accept U.S. health insurance or Medicare, we genuinely recommend travelers consider purchasing any of these plans, particularly for the crucial coverage they offer for emergency accident and sickness medical expenses.

Broader coverage is available under the Platinum Plan which is a good choice for China travelers who want additional coverage. For example, Cancel for Any Reason is an optional coverage that offers greater flexibility to travelers. The Collision Damage Waiver coverage is another option, and it covers collision, theft or damage to a car you rent for your China trip.

With over 500 golf courses to explore, China is a golfer’s paradise, and Lost Golf Rounds can pay up to $500 per day if you have to cancel a tee time due to weather or some other unexpected reason.

What Types of Medical Coverage Do AXA Travel Protection Plans Offer?

AXA covers three types of medical expenses: Emergency medical Emergency evacuation & repatriation Non-medical emergency evacuation & repatriation.

Emergency Medical: Can cover illnesses such as heart or breathing problems and injuries such as a broken arm or back pain.

Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: Can cover your immediate transportation home in the event of an accidental injury or illness. 

Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: Can cover evacuation expenses if you need to leave the country at the last minute due to a non-medical event such as an earthquake, fire or flood.

The People’s Republic of China requires travelers from the United States to present a negative COVID-19 test and they screen passengers for a fever via a scanner. Their entry and exit requirements and quarantine requirements are subject to change so check the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in China regularly prior to your trip.

Traveling with preexisting medical conditions can complicate your plans, but with AXA Travel Protection, we are here to support you during your trip. Our Gold and Platinum Plans offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.

The Platinum plan is our highest-offered choice for travelers who want our highest coverage limits and optional add-ons, What does this mean for you? If you have got a medical condition that has been hanging around, you can qualify for coverage under our Gold and Platinum plan with a preexising medical condition, so long as it is within 14 days of placing your initial trip deposit and in our 60-day look-back period. We are here to make sure you travel with ease, no matter your health situation.

1.Can you buy travel insurance after booking a flight?

You can buy travel insurance even after your flight is booked.

2.When should I buy Travel Insurance to China?

It is advisable to purchase travel insurance for your trip as soon as you have made your initial trip deposit (prepaid and non-refundable trip costs.) AXA Travel Protection offers coverage as soon as you purchase your protection plan. We can give coverage against unforeseen events before you leave for your trip. Additionally, our policies offer coverage for preexisting medical conditions and Cancel for Any Reason if you purchase your protection within 14-days of making your initial trip deposit.

3.Do Americans need travel insurance in China?

No, travel insurance is not currently required to visit China, although you may find it valuable.

4.What is needed to visit China from the USA?

If you are visiting China from the USA, all you need is a passport that is valid for at least six months. Be sure to carry it with you at all times.

5.What happens if a tourist gets sick in China?

If you become sick in China, travelers with AXA Travel protection can contact the AXA Assistance hotline 855-327-1442 . Contact information is typically provided within the insurance documentation. Please ensure to read through your policy details and information.  

Disclaimer: It is important to note that Destination articles are for editorial purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional. Specifics of travel coverage for your destination will depend on the plan selected, the date of purchase, and the state of residency. Customers are advised to carefully review the terms and conditions of their policy. Contact AXA Travel Insurance if you have any questions.  AXA Assistance USA, Inc.© 2023 All Rights Reserved.  

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Top Travel Insurances for China You Should Know in 2024

Byron Mühlberg

Monito's Managing Editor, Byron has spent several years writing extensively about financial- and migration-related topics.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

China is famous for its rich cultural heritage, in particular the Great Wall of China, the Terra-Cotta Warriors, and the Forbidden City, as well as its delicious cuisine and bustling cities. Although travelling to China can be an accessible holiday destination for many people, and although healthcare costs in the country aren't outrageously expensive, it's still a very good idea to arrive there with travel insurance anway, as you'll want the highest-quality healthcare you can find.

Luckily, online global insurances (known as 'insurtechs') specialize in cost-savvy travel insurance to China and other countries worldwide. Our list below explores the four services we believe provide the best deals for young travellers, adventurers, everyday holidaymakers looking for comprehensive but affordable coverage, and longer-term expats.

China Insurance Profile

Here are a few of the many factors influencing the scope and cost of travel insurances for China:

Best Travel Insurances for China

• 01. Should I get travel insurance for China? scroll down
• 02. Best medical coverage: VisitorsCoverage scroll down
• 03. Best trip insurance: Insured Nomads scroll down
• 04. Best mix for youth and digitial nomads: SafetyWing scroll down
• 05. FAQ about travel insurance to China scroll down

Heading to China soon? Don't forget to check the following list before you travel:

• 💳 Eager to dodge high FX fees? See our picks for the best travel cards in 2024.
• 🛂 Need a visa? Let iVisa take care of it for you.
• ✈ Looking for flights? Compare on Skyscanner !
• 💬 Want to learn the local language? Babbel and italki are two excellent apps to think about.
• 💻 Want a VPN? ExpressVPN is the market leader for anonymous and secure browsing.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for China?

No, there's currently no legal requirement to take out travel insurance for travel to or through China.

However, regardless of whether or not it's legally required, it's always a good idea to take our health insurance before you travel — whether to China or anywhere else. For what's usually an affordable cost , taking out travel insurance will mitigate most or all of the risk of financial damage if you run into any unexpected troubles during your trip abroad. Take a look at the top five reasons to get travel insurance to learn more.

With that said, here are the top three travel insurances for China:

VisitorsCoverage: Best Medical Coverage

Among the internet's best-known insurance platforms,  VisitorsCoverage  is a pioneering Silicon Valley insurtech company that offers comprehensive medical coverage for travellers going abroad to China. It lets you choose between various plans tailored to meet the specific needs of your trip to China, including coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and travel disruptions. With its easy online purchase process and 24/7 live chat support, VisitorsCoverage is a reliable and convenient option if you want good value and peace of mind while travelling abroad.

• Coverage 9.0
• Quality of Service 9.0
• Pricing 7.6
• Credibility 9.5

VisitorsCoverage offers a large variety of policies and depending on your needs and preferences, you'll need to compare and explore their full catalogue of plans for yourself. However, we've chosen a few highlights for their travel insurance for China:

• Policy names: Varies
• Medical coverage: Very good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, mental health-related conditions, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Excellent - but only available for US residents.
• Customer support: FAQ, live chat and phone support
• Pricing range: USD 25 to USD 150 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: Lloyd's, Petersen, and others
• Best for: Value for money and overall medical coverage

Insured Nomads: Best Trip Coverage

Insured Nomads is another very good travel insurance option, especially if you're adventurous or frequently on the go and are looking for solid trip insurance with some coverage for medical incidents too. With Insured Nomads, you can choose the level of protection that best suits your needs and enjoy a wide range of benefits, including 24/7 assistance, coverage for risky activities and adventure sports, and the ability to add or remove coverage as needed. In addition, Insured Nomads has a reputation for providing fast and efficient claims service, making it an excellent choice if you want peace of mind while exploring the world.

• Coverage 7.8
• Quality of Service 8.5
• Pricing 7.4
• Credibility 8.8

Insured Nomads offers three travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences. We go through them below:

• Policy names: World Explorer, World Explorer Multi, World Explorer Guardian
• Medical coverage: Good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Good. Includes coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, lost or stolen luggage (with limits), adventure and sports activities, and many others.
• Customer support: FAQ, live chat, phone support
• Pricing range: USD 80 to USD 420 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: David Shield Insurance Company Ltd.
• Best for: Adventure seekers wanting comprehensive trip insurance

SafetyWing: Best Combination For Youth

SafetyWing is a good insurance option for younger travellers or digital nomads because it offers flexible but comprehensive coverage at a famously affordable price. With SafetyWing, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you're covered for unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. In addition, SafetyWing's user-friendly website lets you manage your policy, file a claim, and access 24/7 assistance from anywhere in the world, and, unlike VisitorsCoverage, you can even purchase a policy retroactively (e.g. during a holiday)!

• Coverage 7.0
• Quality of Service 8.0
• Pricing 6.3
• Credibility 7.3

SafetyWing offers two travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences, which we've highlighted below:

• Policy names: Nomad Insurance, Remote Health
• Medical coverage: Decent. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, repatriation, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Decent. Includes attractive coverage for lost or stolen belongings, adventure and sports activities, transport cancellation, and many others.
• Pricing range: USD 45 to USD 160 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: Tokyo Marine HCC
• Best for: Digital nomads, youth, long-term travellers

How Do They Compare?

Interested to see how VisitorsCoverage, SafetyWing, and Insured Nomads compare as travel insurances to China? Take a look at the side-by-side chart below:

Data correct as of 4/1/2024

FAQ About Travel Insurance to China

Travel insurance typically covers trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost or stolen luggage, travel delay, and emergency evacuation. Some travel insurance packages also cover medical-related incidents too. However, remember that the exact coverage depends on the insurance policy.

No, you'll not be required to take out travel insurance for China. However, we strongly encourage you to do so anyway, because the cost of healthcare in China can be high, and taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself if you need medical attention during your stay.

Yes, medical travel insurance is almost always worth it, and we recommend taking out travel insurance whenever visiting a foreign country. Taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself in case you need medical attention during your stay. In general, we recommend VisitorsCoverage to travellers worldwide because it offers excellent value for money and well-rounded travel and medical benefits in its large catalogue of plans.

Health insurance doesn't cover normal holiday expenses, such as coverage for missed flights and hotels, but in case you run into medical trouble while abroad, it may cover some or all of your doctor or hospital expenses while overseas. However, not all health insurance providers and plans offer coverage to customers while abroad, and that's why it's generally best to take out travel insurance whenever you travel.

Although there's overlap, health and travel insurance are not exactly the same. Health insurance covers some or all of the cost of medical expenses (e.g. emergency treatment, doctor's visits, etc.) while travel insurance covers non-medical costs that are commonly associated with travelling (e.g. coverage for missed flights, stolen or lost personal belongings, etc.).

The cost of travel insurance depends on several factors, such as the length of the trip, the destination, the age of the traveller, and the level of coverage desired. On average, travel insurance can cost anywhere between 3% and 10% of the total cost of the trip.

A single-trip travel insurance policy covers a specific trip, while an annual one covers multiple trips taken within a one-year period. An annual policy may be more cost-effective for frequent travellers.

Yes, you can sometimes purchase travel insurance after starting your trip, but it is best to buy it before the trip begins to ensure maximum coverage. If you do need to buy insurance after you've started your trip, we recommend VisitorsCoverage , which offers a wide catalogue of online trip and medical insurance policies, most of which can be booked with immediate effect. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

Yes, you can most certainly purchase travel insurance for a trip that has already been booked, although we recommend purchasing insurance as soon as possible aftwerwards to ensure all coverage is in place before your journey begins. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

See Our Other Travel Insurance Guides

Looking for Travel Insurance to Another Country?

See our recommendations for travel insurance to other countries worldwide:

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Travel insurance for China (what you need to know)

Posted by Mike Cairnduff | Updated March 19, 2023 | Travel

Don’t leave for China without travel insurance.

The Chinese medical system is not the same as back home. Hefty medical costs may be required upfront, and English may not be spoken.

So, if something bad were to happen, would you be able to cope – both mentally and financially – if you didn’t have cover?

In this article, I’ll share information about China travel insurance, health and safety tips, as well as links where you can get a quote and buy an insurance plan.

Do I need travel insurance for China?

If you’re not insured and you get injured, you could be up for thousands. Image by George Rudy on Shutterstock.

Travel insurance isn’t mandatory for China.

However, it’s recommended if you want cover for medical treatment while you’re there, which can be very expensive.

Accidents and medical emergencies happen all the time in China, and foreigners are not immune.

Whether you’re in Beijing or Shanghai, or somewhere off the beaten track, paying a little bit of money upfront for insurance can save you from potentially forking out thousands of dollars for medical care.

Hopefully you don’t need to use your travel health insurance in China. But it’s nice knowing it’s there if you do need it.

What’s the best travel insurance for China?

I recommend VisitorsCoverage when traveling to China.

With VisitorsCoverage, it’s easy to find, compare and buy the best travel insurance for your China trip.

For total peace of mind, a comprehensive plan is best for China. It’s especially recommended if you have any pre-existing conditions or if you’re elderly.

If you’re looking for basic coverage at an affordable price, a limited plan may suit you best.

It really depends on your personal circumstances (such as your health), how long you’re going for, and how much money you want to spend to look after you and your loved ones.

What’s the cheapest travel insurance for China?

If you want basic coverage and limited benefits, you can choose a limited plan with VisitorsCoverage . This is also known as a fixed benefit plan.

Just keep in mind that the cheapest plan may not include things like COVID-19 treatment or pre-existing conditions.

Whenever I travel to China, I take out comprehensive insurance and I’m relatively fit and healthy. I never scrimp and save when it comes to my health.

To keep your premium low, you can also choose a higher deductible no matter the plan.

Cover for COVID-19 in China

Do you want cover for COVID-19 treatment in China?

If so, simply choose a travel insurance medical plan with VisitorsCoverage that includes this benefit. You’ll find these plans clearly marked with a green tick.

You can also select a plan that doesn’t include COVID-19. Generally, these plans are a bit cheaper.

For me, it’s a no brainer. Cover for COVID-19 in China is a must-have!

Cover for medical evacuation from China

In the best interests of your health, sometimes you need to return home straight away.

Medical evacuation from China can be super expensive. That’s why it’s important to check that your insurance policy includes this benefit.

Sometimes it’s referred to as medevac insurance.

What are medical facilities like in China?

The quality of medical care depends on where you are in China. Image by Junrong on Shutterstock.

China has international-standard hospitals and medical services. However, treatment can be expensive which is why taking out travel insurance is recommended.

Some hospitals in the biggest cities, like Shanghai and Beijing, even have special departments for treating foreigners.

Outside major cities, however, the standard of medical care and the range of medications may be limited. Medical staff in rural areas may not be trained to the standard you’re used to.

Hospitals may ask for cash up-front before treating you.

Health and safety tips for China

Take care while traveling in China. Image by Elizaveta Galitckaia on Shutterstock.

China is a safe destination for travelers.

Having said that, it’s always worth taking extra care when you’re traveling overseas. Here are some tips to help you.

There’s still a risk that you can get COVID-19 in China and become very sick. Try to avoid very crowded places if you can (this can be hard in China!).

If you test positive for COVID-19 and your symptoms are mild, you should rest in your hotel or hostel until you feel better.

However, there are no longer any legal requirements to self-quarantine, so you’re free to keep sightseeing if you choose. Just make sure you wear a mask to help protect others.

If your symptoms are more serious and you’re very sick, you should see a doctor straight away.

Food and drink

To minimize your chance of getting a tummy bug or food poisoning, eat thoroughly cooked food that has been prepared in hygienic conditions.

Please don’t drink the tap water in China. It’s unsafe to drink, even in hotels. You should drink bottled water instead, which is available everywhere.

It’s OK to brush your teeth with the tap water – just don’t swallow it.

Stay away from both domestic and wild animals in China as you can get sick or even die if you’re bitten.

For example, you could get rabies from a pet dog or cat. And, people have died from bird flu in China, so stay away from live poultry too.

Insect-borne diseases

Japanese encephalitis and malaria exist in southern China, particularly in rural areas in the warmer summer months.

Dengue fever cases have also recently risen sharply , especially in Guangdong. Risks increase during the wet season.

There are numerous vaccinations for China you should get, depending on which parts of the country you’re visiting and the time of year. You can also protect yourself from insects by using repellent and covering up.

Sexually transmitted diseases

If you’re going to have sex with a local, make sure you use protection. HIV/AIDS is a significant risk in China.

And, although prostitution in China exists, it’s actually banned and there are severe penalties if you get caught including fines and deportation.

Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly throughout your trip.

Public toilets in China can be unhygienic, and there is usually no toilet paper or hand soap. You’ll need to bring your own paper and hand sanitizer.

Chinese roads are busy and accidents happen all the time, so take care when crossing the road. Cars may not stop for you, even at pedestrian crossings.

If you plan on riding an e-bike or e-scooter in China, make sure your insurance plan covers these kinds of vehicles. And always wear a helmet!

High pollution in China is a big problem in many cities, particularly if you have pre-existing conditions or respiratory issues. Consider buying a face mask that blocks out pollution, and stay indoors on the worst days.

You can check this page for the latest pollution levels in the cities you’re traveling to.

Altitude sickness

Some regions in China , such as Tibet and Qinghai, are at altitudes of over 3,000 m (almost 10,000 ft). Altitude sickness is common among travelers to these areas.

Take plenty of rests especially if you have pre-existing conditions such as heart or respiratory problems.

Psst! A quick travel tip

Download a VPN before you arrive in China. Image by Gemmy on Shutterstock.

You may not have heard that the Chinese internet is censored.

So, when using Wi-Fi, you won’t have access to your favorite sites and apps like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Gmail, Google and heaps more, unless you get a VPN before you arrive.

You can read my review about the best China VPN (or skip the review and go straight here ).

A summary of travel insurance for China

Too long, didn’t read? Here are the most important bits.

Although travel insurance isn’t an entry requirement for China, it’s recommended you get cover. If something bad were to happen to you in China, you could be up for thousands of dollars as medical care can be expensive there.

With VisitorsCoverage , there are two main types of medical insurance for China – comprehensive and limited.

Comprehensive gives the best level of protection. Just make sure it includes everything you need, such as COVID-19 and medical evacuation cover.

Although China is a safe place to visit, accidents happen all the time, and there are risks associated with other people, food, animals, insects, traffic, hygiene and pollution.

That’s why having travel insurance for China is so important.

Heading to China soon?

As well as getting medical insurance, make sure you’ve got the other essentials sorted:

• Visa – if you’re only staying for a few days, you may be eligible for visa-free travel .
• Payments – your credit card may not be accepted, so bring yuan or get Alipay .
• Packing – knowing what to pack can be hard, so use the China packing list .

Have an amazing, safe time in China. And don’t forget your travel insurance!

Help in China

Here are some helpful, local phone numbers if you need help in China.

Emergency assistance

• Medical – call 120
• Police – call 110
• Fire – call 119

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number as well.

• United States: +86 10 8531 3000
• United Kingdom: +86 10 5192 4000
• India: +86 10 8531 2500
• Canada: +86 10 5139 4000
• Australia: +86 10 5140 4111
• Singapore: +86 10 6532 1115
• Indonesia: +86 10 6532 5486
• Germany: +86 10 8532 9000

You can look up your country’s embassy or consulate in China here .

FAQ about travel insurance for China

Is travel insurance required for china.

No, it’s not required to enter China. However, it’s recommended if you want to avoid paying potentially huge medical bills if something bad were to happen.

Why would I need travel insurance for China?

It’s worth getting travel insurance for China in case you get sick or injured while you’re there. A suitable insurance plan can cover big medical expenses if you end up in a Chinese hospital and require care. If you don’t have travel insurance and something happens to you, then you could be up for significant out-of-pocket costs, which you may have to pay upfront.

What’s China’s medical system like?

China has an advanced medical and hospital system, despite the fact that it’s still classed as a developing country. Medical facilities in the big cities like Beijing and Shanghai are better than those in smaller towns.

Is China a Schengen country?

No, China isn’t part of the Schengen area. This means if you’re traveling to Europe on a Schengen visa (with Schengen travel insurance) and China is included on the trip, then you wouldn’t be covered in China unless you took out separate insurance.

Can I take out Beijing travel insurance?

Not specifically. Your travel insurance plan would cover all of China, not just Beijing. This is actually beneficial as you make take trips to other cities in the country.

The China travel insurance information on this page is a brief summary only and does not take into account your individual circumstances. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage, terms, conditions and exclusions. Coverage may not be available in your jurisdiction.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CHINA

Get the peace of mind you need in China with VisitorsCoverage.

Main image credit: Humphery on Shutterstock.

Commercial relationship disclosure: The Helpful Panda has commercial arrangements with organizations that may appear on this page, such as affiliate links. See our terms for more info.

Mike Cairnduff

Mike has lived and worked in China, and has traveled extensively across the country. He loves Chinese food and has a keen interest in Chinese culture. You can follow him on X and LinkedIn .

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Travel Insurance China

Natural wonders, thousands of years of history and a rich culture.

Make your holiday to China unforgettable for the right reasons.

China is a breath-taking country, with its natural wonders, a rich culture, a civilisation dating back thousands of years and, of course, the giant panda.

It can also be a daunting place to travel to and around, with a challenging language and teeming crowds. But with the right planning, a holiday in China is amazing.

Covid-19 - what our travel insurance covers

Our travel insurance now covers you for certain events related to Coronavirus (COVID-19), provided you have proof of a positive Covid-19 test and your cover is active at the time of the event.

What we cover

We provide cover for some costs related to Covid-19: please see Section 1 'emergency medical costs and repatriation' and Section 2 'cancelling or cutting short your trip' in your policy book for full details on what's covered.

We'll cover you if:

• you were diagnosed with Covid-19 before your trip was due to start
• a close relative died or became seriously ill as a result of Covid-19 before your trip was due to start
• you weren't allowed to board your pre-booked outbound travel due to symptoms of Covid-19
• an insured person or a close relative died during the trip because of Covid-19
• you couldn't take part in an excursion due to you self-isolating after getting Covid-19

What we don’t cover

You won't be covered if:

• you had reason to believe your trip may be cancelled, postponed or cut short when you booked it, purchased your policy or started your trip
• any government or public authority imposes travel restrictions or quarantine on a community, location, or vessel because of Covid-19 (this includes, but is not limited to, local lockdowns, entry requirements, being denied entry and airspace closures)
• you have to quarantine after arriving in the UK or abroad
• the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) change their advice to avoid ‘all travel’ or ‘all but essential travel’ to your destination because of Covid-19

For more information about how Coronavirus (COVID-19) affects your travel cover, see our FAQ page . And remember to check the policy booklet carefully before you buy to make sure our cover meets your needs.

Travel Insurance China: what cover do I need?

We divide travel insurance into four zones:

• Worldwide excluding the USA, Canada, Caribbean and Mexico

For trips to China, you’ll need at least the second option of worldwide travel insurance : worldwide excluding USA, Canada, Caribbean and Mexico.

We offer three tiers of cover, with increasing coverage and product benefits.

Choose from three levels of cover

We also offer a choice of single trip travel insurance and annual travel cover . Travelling to a country as far away as China means you could be gone for longer than usual. Our single trip policy offers cover for up to 365 days and is ideal for extended holidays, as well as gap year travel .

If you’re on a gap year and are planning to work or volunteer while you’re there, our China travel insurance will cover you to carry out some jobs, such as working in an office or as a waiter or waitress, but not manual work.

Our annual, or multi-trip, travel insurance, covers you for several separate trips each year, for up to 31 days per trip.

According to the Foreign Office , more than half a million British nationals visited mainland China in 2017. China has one of the lowest murder rates in the world – lower than the UK and America – and most visits are trouble-free.

However, the country’s strict laws and zero tolerance approach to, for example, drugs, means visitors need to take extra care regarding their behaviour.

What do I need to know before I go to China?

Coronavirus.

At the time of writing (July 2020), the existing FCDO advice against non-essential international travel continues to apply for mainland China. Admiral Travel Insurance doesn’t cover you to travel where the FCDO has advised against ‘all travel’ or ‘all but essential travel’.

The Chinese authorities continue to impose various control and quarantine measures across the country, including restrictions on movement, reduced transport, entry and exit controls for towns and villages, and isolation requirements for travel between different parts of the country.

Check the FCDO’s travel advice for China for the most up-to-date information. 

China visa requirements

Before you arrive, you’ll need a visa. Anyone aged 14-70 needs to apply for their visa in person at a Visa Application Centre and provide biometric data (scanned fingerprints).

Foreign nationals over the age of 16 always need to carry their passport, while visitors need to register their place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau – the police authority – within 24 hours of arriving (this is often done for you depending on the hotel or hostel you choose to stay in but be sure to check).

Check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office website for more information on China tourist visa requirements.

Best travel insurance for China

Having comprehensive travel insurance in place before you go is essential in covering you and your belongings against anything going wrong, such as:

• Theft or loss of your possessions
• Trip disruption
• Emergency medical treatment

It’s a good idea to carry with you the details of your insurance policy, including emergency phone numbers, and to leave copies with family or friends back home. If you’re taken ill in China, we have a multilingual, 24-hour emergency helpline for all policyholders to use.

China doesn’t recognise dual nationality, so if you have both British and Chinese nationality you may be treated as a Chinese citizen by the authorities even if you have a British passport, and the British Embassy may not be able to help in an emergency.

Healthcare in China

Healthcare in China can be very expensive and, if you’re unlucky enough to have a medical emergency, your travel insurance will prove invaluable. Hospitals in the major cities are excellent, with many English-speaking staff.

If you’re taken ill in a remote area, however, it’s likely you’ll need to be evacuated to better facilities, and the language barrier could prove challenging. In an emergency, dial 120 and ask for an ambulance.

China has high levels of air pollution in its cities and industrialised areas, which can aggravate conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. Tap water is generally not safe to drink, so always buy bottled water.

Four to six weeks before you travel to China, visit your GP’s surgery to check if you need any vaccinations. You may need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from or transiting through a country with a high risk of transmission, although this doesn’t apply if you’re only travelling in Hong Kong or Macao.

It’s recommended you have hepatitis A and B vaccinations, as well as ensuring your diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis injections are up to date (within the last 10 years).

Travelling in China

China offers the trip of a lifetime for tourists, whether you choose to visit its major cities or head further out to experience rural life.

You might think no holiday would be complete without walking along a section of the Great Wall, seeing the Army of Terracotta Warriors up close or visiting the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City in Beijing.

If hiking, mountain climbing and rafting are more your thing, head to one of China’s breath-taking national parks – there are more than 200 in total! Remember that, while our standard travel insurance covers many activities, you may need some add-on cover for extreme sports, such as bungee jumping.

With more than 1.3 billion people living in China, its urban areas are among the most crowded in the world, and the jostling crowds in cities can be overwhelming for some travellers.

You’ll find more space and peace the further you go into the countryside, whether visiting China’s rice field communities, canalside villages or sprawling lakes.

Bear in mind, however, that there’s often only a small police presence or none at all in rural areas, compared to the efficient policing in cities.

Take a look at our China travel guide for more tips.

What if I have a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition is a short or long term illness or injury you have or have had before you buy travel insurance. This includes having symptoms, tests, diagnosis or medical treatment for a condition.

You can declare your pre-existing conditions during the quote process to see if we can offer cover. If you’re unsure what needs to be declared or if you're unable to find your condition on the medical conditions list, please contact us on 0333 234 9913 .

Your pre-existing conditions won’t be covered unless you’ve:

• Declared them all on your policy
• Received written confirmation that we’ll cover your medical condition
• Paid any additional premium in full

Policy terms and conditions apply. Please note, if you’ve had a positive diagnosis of Covid-19 and been prescribed medication, received treatment, or had a consultation with a doctor or hospital specialist for any medical condition in the past two years, this needs to be declared on your policy.

If you don’t tell us about your pre-existing conditions or give us incorrect information, your policy may be invalid, and we may refuse all or part of any claim you submit.

For a quote with us, click the green button above.

The MoneyHelper directory

If you require cover for more serious medical conditions, MoneyHelper may be able to help you find specialist travel insurance through their medical directory.

If you wish to get in touch with them you can call them on 0800 138 7777 or find them online . (Monday to Friday 8:00-18:00, closed on Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays.)

Your questions answered

Do i need a visa for china.

Yes you do, and you’ll need to apply in person at a Visa Application Centre. Find out more on the FCDO website. Your passport will need to be valid for at least six months when you enter China.

Do I need vaccinations for China?

There are no specific vaccination requirements for China but your doctor may recommend the following:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Tick-borne Encephalitis

Cholera and Japanese Encephalitis are recommended for the highest risk people.

You should make sure your usual recommended vaccinations and boosters for life in Britain are up to date.

Do I need travel insurance for China?

It’s not a legal requirement, but think about what you’d do should the worst happen when you’re in China. Having travel insurance is a good idea to make sure you don’t end up out of pocket, particularly if you need medical treatment.

Is China safe to travel alone?

China is a relatively safe country to travel around by yourself. But all travellers should keep an eye on their money and valuables – don’t fall victim to pickpockets or scammers.

Other than that, the most challenging thing is likely to be the language barrier.

Is China safe for tourists?

The FCDO advice states that China isn’t an unsafe country, but scammers do tend to operate in tourist areas. You may be invited to a bar for a massage or tea tasting, only to be told you need to pay a huge fee and possibly even threatened.

You should also check the QR sticker on bikes before renting them, as there have been instances in the past when the correct sticker has been replaced with a fake one, with the money going into an incorrect account.

Does travel insurance cover pickpocketing?

Your travel insurance covers theft of your personal belongings, money or documents, but you must report the theft to the police or your travel operator within 24 hours of discovering it. You’ll need to get a written police report (or a Property Irregularity Report from your transport operator if the theft happened when they had your things).

Getting the most out of your trip

Going anywhere nice.

Off to one of the destinations below? Take a look at our guides for some hints and tips on what you need to remember.

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Whether you're travelling solo, with your family, or with a little one on the way, read our guides to make sure our cover is right for you.

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Travel Insurance China

Travel Insurance China You Can Count On

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Find the best travel & health insurance today.

Travel Insurance China  offers travel insurance online to citizens of China and travellers to China. Get a quote now and purchase travel medical and evacuation coverage online via a secure server. Our travel insurance plans are great for Chinese nationals immigrating to the USA, Canada, Europe and beyond! In fact, most of our plans are available to citizens around the world. We are a premier supplier for travel insurance for people going to and from China.

Travel Insurance China Products Available

Travel Medical Insurance

Obtain a quote for several different travel medical insurance plans under one umbrella via Visitors Coverage.com

International Health Insurance for Expatriates in China

Get a quote from one of our international health insurance providers .

International Health Insurance for Chinese Expatriates

We offer an array of excellent global medical plans for Chinese nationals who live outside China.

Travel Insurance For Canadian Residents

Available to Canadian residents only who are covered by provincial medical plan and are currently in Canada.

Visitors to Canada Single-Trip Hospital and Medical

Emergency Excess Hospital/Medical insurance coverage that covers Insured individuals visiting Canada for single trips.

EXPAT FINANCIAL & Design is a registered trademark of TFG Global Insurance Solutions Ltd. Note: Some of the products and services described or advertised on this site may not be available to residents of certain jurisdictions, depending on regulatory constraints, including Canada and the U.S. Please contact TFG Global Insurance Solutions Ltd. for more information about your specific jurisdiction. If you or your company requires a policy that is billed to the USA, please contact us and we will refer you to a broker located in the USA. The policies we offer via TFG Global Insurance Solutions Ltd. or its related web sites are not available to citizens currently residing in the USA when taking out the policy.

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China Travel Insurance Plans

Safety Tips and Travel Insurance for Visitors in China

China is a hot new destination for world travelers and visitors in more ways than one. Travel here is booming. It is the 4th most visited destination in the world (after France , the United States , and Spain ). The country also ranks first in the world regarding the travel industry’s contribution to employment. And it’s a country on the cutting edge of cuisine, fashion, technology, and entertainment.

China wasn’t always so accessible. In fact, between 1949 and 1974, the tourism industry was closed to all but select foreign visitors. Today’s tourists are often playing catch-up when it comes to their knowledge about the country. Our guide to China covers Chinese travel insurance  and safety advice to help every traveler have the best possible trip.

Travel Insurance for China

When traveling to China, you will want one of two different types of coverage. Travel medical insurance plans cover medical emergencies and offer additional benefits like medical evacuation and trip interruption coverage. Your other option, trip cancellation insurance , offers the same benefits but covers the cost of your flight to Asia and other travel expenses.

Travel Medical Insurance Plans for Visitors

Comprehensive travel medical insurance is essential in China. Treatment at the best private hospitals is extremely expensive compared to the more basic public hospitals. If serious health services are needed in a remote area, expensive airlift services are required. It’s best to be prepared. Choose a travel insurance policy from a company that includes translation services, medical evacuation, and private hospitals to maximize your comfort. Both include cover for Covid-19 (Coronavirus).

For all nationalities (excluding Canada and Australia), the Atlas Travel Insurance plan is an excellent option.

• Emergency medical, evacuation, repatriation benefits
• Choose between the basic and more extensive coverage
• Meets Schengen visa insurance requirements
• 24/7 worldwide travel and emergency medical assistance

For US citizens, the GeoBlue Voyager plan is an excellent option.

GeoBlue Voyager Plan

• For U.S. citizens up to age 95
• Includes pregnancy coverage, baggage loss, trip interruption & more
• 24/7/365 service and assistance

Trip Cancellation Insurance for US Citizens Traveling to China

We recommend Trawick Safe Travels Voyager – trip cancellation for US residents traveling to China.

Safe Travels Voyager

• Comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and post-departure travel coverage
• Cancel for Any Reason available
• Up to $250,000 in emergency medical coverage

Medical Insurance in China for Foreigners

If you are looking for health insurance for foreigners living in China, the Cigna Global Plan is a comprehensive, annual renewable plan. This plan provides an unlimited amount of coverage annually, and benefits include cover for doctor office visits expenses, prescription drugs, maternity, surgery, hospitalizations, diagnostic testing, lab work, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, etc. This plan will cover your medical expenses all over the world – including China – and you can choose to include or exclude the US in coverage. Learn more about international health insurance plans.

Cigna Global Insurance Plan

• The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
• Access to Cigna Global’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
• The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service

Related: Expatriate Insurance Plans

General Travel Tips and Safety Advice for Visitors to China

China is larger and more diverse in ethnicity, geography, food, and tradition than most travelers realize. Regardless of where you visit, keep these tips in mind.

Work hard to break the language barrier. English language skills are growing rapidly, especially among young people and urban dwellers. However, knowing several basic Mandarin phrases is invaluable. Hire a tutor for the most efficient learning experience. Even a few hours of free online instruction will make a huge difference when you arrive. (And if you need extra motivation, note that a typical scam is taxi drivers who don’t turn on the meter. Ask your tutor for a phrase or two to use in this situation!)

As with travel to all major cities, please keep your wits about you. Pickpockets love large crowds and distracted foreigners. In addition, if you are worried about getting lost and are not sure you will be able to find your way back to your hotel, take a photo of the hotel’s business card (written in Mandarin) and a photo of the exterior.

Research the weather while planning your trip. The country is vast, with an equally significant amount of climate zones. Knowing what to expect will help you be more comfortable during your trip.

Make communication plans. Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube are officially banned in China. Make arrangements to keep in touch by email or invest in a VPN (a virtual private network).

Expect pollution and congestion. Air quality is poor to bad in many locations, and smog levels are notorious in China’s cities. The U.S. Embassy in Beijing and U.S. Consulates in Hong Kong, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenyang make air quality data available to travelers so they can prepare themselves prior to travel. Cigarette smoking is also widespread. Speak with your doctor before your trip if you are prone to asthma.

Also Read: Dept. of State Travel Advice for China

Vaccines Required for Visitors to China

Before any trip, check that your routine vaccinations are up to date. This list includes tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, chickenpox, polio, and influenza. Additionally, travelers to China should be vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B. In particular, Hepatitis B is widespread in China, with approximately 10% of the population infected.

The CDC also recommends travelers speak with their doctors about vaccines for typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, as well as a preventative treatment for malaria. Whether or not you’ll require these different forms of protection depends on where you’ll be traveling and what you’ll be doing.

Depending on where you are traveling to in China, the following diseases are common, so take normal precautions:

• hepatitis A and B
• tuberculosis

Diet, Water, and Medication Considerations

Tap water in China is not potable. Bottled water, soft drinks, beer, and hot coffee and tea are widely available. Identify safe street food vendors by a long line of locals eager to eat their fare. Look for a busy cook who continuously cooks to fill orders (and does not let food sit and cool). Treat undercooked or raw meat and eggs with serious caution.

Most cities, including those in Tibet, Qinghai, parts of Xinjiang, and western Sichuan, are at altitudes over 10,000 feet. Altitude sickness can be a problem, so take precautions.

Cash payment for services, including emergency cases, is often required prior to treatment. Travelers will be asked to post a deposit prior to admission to cover the expected cost of treatment. Hospitals in major cities may accept credit cards.

When with prescriptions or other medications, always check with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to ensure the medicine or drug is legal in China. Carry prescription medication, along with your prescription, in its original packaging. Many common drugs and medications are not available in China, and counterfeit, low-quality knockoffs are prevalent. If you try to have medications sent to you from outside China, you may have problems getting them released by Chinese Customs, and/or you may have to pay high customs duties.

Your packing list should always include sunscreen, a bug spray with 20% Deet, and a basic first aid kit. Prescription medication must be in the original packaging from the pharmacy, with the prescription label attached.

Emergency Assistance Numbers for Visitors

• Emergency services Beijing: dial 999
• Emergency services Shanghai: Dial 120
• Fire department services: dial 119
• Police services: dial 110

Note: Chinese ambulances can be slow to arrive and often lack modern medical equipment or trained responders.

Embassies in China

• United States: 86 10 8531-3000
• United Kingdom: 86 10 5192 4000
• Canada: 86 10 5139 4000
• Australia: 86 10 5140 4111
• France: 86 10 8531 2000

Understanding the Chinese Medical System

Healthcare in China is a mix of public and private services. Nearly 95% of the population has some form of basic public health coverage. However, the public plan covers only a portion of the cost associated with personal medical treatment. The system is restructuring, in part, to shrink the coverage gap between rural and urban regions. Cities like Beijing and Shanghai offer Chinese hospitals world-class care and have excellent specialist services. However, rural regions may have basic or even non-existent health services.

Traditional medicine has been practiced in China for more than two thousand years. It is often practiced alongside Western techniques and treatments, though not always harmoniously. Few practitioners are equally competent in both fields. In rural areas, healthcare options are often limited to traditional medicine, including herbal remedies, acupuncture, and acupressure.

Resources for Expats or Visitors to China

• What is the Cost of Living in China
• List of Diplomatic Missions in China – Wikipedia
• Living in China: A Guide to Moving to China as an Expat: Expat Info
• Health Insurance for US Citizens Living Abroad

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Travel Insurance for a China Vacation (2024)

If you’re planning a trip to China, having the best travel insurance will give you peace of mind.

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Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

Sabrina Lopez is a senior editor with over seven years of experience writing and editing digital content with a particular focus on home services, home products and personal finance. When she’s not working, Sabrina enjoys creative writing and spending time with her family and their two parrots.

When planning a trip to China, travel insurance is essential. After spending thousands of dollars on an overseas trip, the last thing you want is to lose your investment due to a change of plans or inclement weather.

The best travel insurance plans will help you recoup losses from delayed and canceled flights, cover medical expenses and reimburse you for lost personal belongings. Doing so will give you peace of mind that you are fully covered should you need emergency assistance on your trip.

Compare China Travel Insurance Companies

Before selecting travel insurance for your upcoming trip to China, compare costs and coverage across top providers in the table below

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Do I Need Travel Insurance for China?

Travel insurance is not mandatory to enter China , but traveling uninsured poses a significant risk. No matter how you spend your time in China, you should have a travel insurance plan that will provide coverage for delayed or canceled flights and other concerns.

Mainland China is a popular vacation destination for travelers looking for adventure. Activities like hiking the Great Wall of China, seeing the terracotta warriors and exploring the Forbidden City will excite the culture-inclined. Foodies can enjoy delicacies like Peking duck, Chinese Hot Pot and traditional Char Sui. Meanwhile, cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing offer a metropolitan escape.

Your trip to China could be canceled due to a disease outbreak, or you could require medical coverage if you become ill during your trip. Likewise, U.S. exit bans can be enforced without warning, which could leave you stranded if you don’t have insurance coverage.

The following sections will tell you about the different types of coverage you can purchase when traveling to China and the benefits that they offer.

Cancel for Any Reason Coverage

Cancel for any reason coverage (CFAR) is typically an add-on provided by most insurance companies. It will allow you to claim back any pre-booked expenses for your trip if you need to cancel for a reason that is not covered in basic travel insurance plans.

For a China trip, you might want CFAR to cover the following:

• COVID-19 concerns, should restrictions change
• Safety risks, such as natural disasters or political unrest like the Hong Kong demonstrations
• Pre-existing medical conditions (standard medical coverage will often have exclusions for pre-existing conditions should you choose to cancel your trip)
• Personal and professional obligations that mean you can no longer travel to China
• Travel delays affecting your planned trip

Be aware that CFAR often needs to be purchased two weeks before your travel date, and to be reimbursed you will need to cancel your trip 48 hours prior to your departure date. Always check your travel insurance policy and contact your travel insurance company, as they will have different restrictions.

Gear Theft Protection

Gear theft protection covers valuables like laptops and cameras if they are damaged or stolen on your trip. It is usually included in travel insurance plans up to a certain amount, but this may not fully cover the cost of your belongings should they be damaged.

Consider what items you will take on your trip before you purchase travel insurance. You may want to insure expensive gadgets individually. Consider leaving certain valuables at home.

Medical Emergency Insurance and Emergency Medical Evacuation

Medical emergency insurance will cover you should you find yourself in need of emergency medical care. Chinese healthcare can be expensive — the best treatment is available from private hospitals, so having medical coverage protects you from paying treatment costs out of pocket.

You may also find yourself in need of emergency transport to a medical center. While this won’t be too difficult in cities like Chengdu and Xi’an, this could cost significantly more or take longer in a rural area.

Travel insurance plans can have exclusions regarding the medical treatment of pre-existing conditions. However, some travel insurance companies will provide specialized coverage, so it is worth shopping around.

Emergency medical evacuation involves returning travelers to their home country for medical treatment if they cannot receive it in China. Having health insurance will cover these costs, and most policies will include medical repatriation in the insurance plan if you pass away while abroad.

Rental Car Protection

Car rental in China can be a challenge. China does not recognize foreign licenses, but if you plan to rent a car, you can apply for a temporary provisional license for your stay. You will need a valid visa in order to be eligible for car rental as well.

Rental car protection can be added to your travel insurance plan, or you may be able to purchase extra coverage from your rental car provider.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

With any trip, there is a chance that things won’t go as planned. In this event, having travel cancellation and trip interruption insurance will protect you from sunken costs should you need to cancel your trip.

Trip cancellation insurance is included within most travel insurance plans, but they are subject to exclusions which can vary depending on your insurance provider and chosen policy. You should check with your credit card company, as they may offer this coverage if you purchase your airline tickets with them.

Valid reasons for trip cancellation typically include:

• Death of traveler(s) or family members
• Illness or injury preventing travel
• Military deployment
• Subpoena to appear in court
• Other legal responsibilities that prevent you from traveling

Trip cancellation will typically be included in a policy up to a certain amount. It is worth checking multiple insurance providers to see how much you can be reimbursed.

How Much Does China Travel Insurance Cost?

The cost of travel insurance will vary depending on the individuals traveling. Cheaper travel insurance options will provide less cancellation and personal effects reimbursement, whereas higher-end insurance provides more robust coverage in all categories.

We requested quotes from ten travel insurance companies for their most affordable plan for a trip to China. The below quotes are for a 30-year-old traveler from Florida, traveling to China for ten days in September 2024, with a total trip cost of $4,000. Policies include coverage for cancellations, interruptions, delays, medical care and evacuation.

These quotes were collected in April 2024 for a trip in September 2024.

Overall, insurance plans with higher costs will offer more medical coverage and reimbursement for your belongings. Most providers will offer 100% of your trip cost in their cancellation coverage, but premium plans will reimburse you for much more. This can be seen in the Explorer Plan from World Nomads , which offers up to $10,000 in cancellation coverage, whereas others will only reimburse the total trip cost.

How Do I Get Travel Insurance for China?

The first step when you buy travel insurance for a China trip is to compare policies from multiple providers. Consider companies you have used previously, as you may be eligible for rewards or extra add-ons.

If you are planning multiple trips, it could be worth getting multi-trip insurance, also called annual travel insurance , which covers all trips you take for one year. This is also applicable if you are stopping in nearby countries like Thailand and want more comprehensive coverage.

Many insurance companies will have an online tool to get a quote for your insurance plan. Be sure to compare coverage for all aspects of your trip. For example, injuries from certain sports or activities may not be included in your medical coverage.

Once you find a quote that suits your budget and needs, you can usually purchase it online. Be sure to keep a printed copy with you when you travel should you need to provide your insurance details.

China Safety Tips

While China’s top procuratorate says that violent crime rates have dropped in recent years , the country does have significant risks that should be considered when traveling. The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for China , highlighting arbitrary enforcement of laws and wrongful detentions as reasons to reconsider travel. Travelers should also anticipate petty crimes like pickpocketing in crowded areas. Be aware that the quality of health care may also be lower than in the U.S., even in major cities, and the State Department advises that English-speaking travelers frequently encounter difficulties .

Crime and Safety

Though uncommon, tourists can expect to be targeted by pickpockets and should remain vigilant when traveling through busy areas. Keep all personal belongings on your person and never leave your valuables where someone could easily take them. You may also be targeted by scams in markets selling counterfeit goods, so always make purchases carefully.

Traveling through China is not without its risks, and travelers from the U.S. are particularly vulnerable due to short-notice travel bans and wrongful detentions. Many officials will only speak Mandarin and may limit your contact with the U.S. Embassy, so have their contact details readily available.

You could also be detained for sending private messages that the Chinese government considers critical of them. Similarly, taking part in demonstrations or protests is considered illegal, so tourists should remain clear of these activities.

Day Trips, Tours and Excursions

China has many sights that you would be hard-pressed to fit into one trip. When taking part in excursions or tours, you should choose guided tours over self-led ones, as these are much safer and also tend to provide a better and more insightful experience.

Guides for places like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China will be able to tell you more information on your tour and will be better equipped to handle crowds and keep you safe. Be sure to book with trusted and established guides to avoid scams.

Public transport is generally a safe option when taking day trips within China, but be mindful of illegal taxis as they are not licensed and may overcharge you.

COVID-19 is still a concern in China, and the U.S. Embassy in China posts updated requirements for travelers. As of May 2023, travelers may choose to take antigen tests, rather than nucleic tests like PCR, within 48 hours of boarding. While airlines won’t check pre-departure testing results, they will need to declare their negative test result to Chinese Customs.

Face coverings remain mandatory on public transport, and other COVID guidelines should be adhered to while in the country. Though not required, it is recommended that you travel with your COVID-19 vaccination documents, as well as other vaccination papers should you require medical treatment.

Is Travel Insurance for a China Vacation Worth It?

Travel insurance coverage may not be mandatory when traveling to China, but most travelers will find it to be a valuable purchase. Coverage for cancellations and baggage delays gives you a safety net for your flights, and travel medical insurance can help you pay for any treatment you might need while you are abroad.

Travel insurance is worthwhile since it alleviates some of the financial risks associated with traveling to China and will allow you to enjoy your trip with peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance in China

How much compensation am i entitled to if i cancel my trip.

Compensation will vary depending on your policy, but you will be reimbursed for all non-refundable deposits made before the trip commencement date. This could include your flights, accommodation plus other expenses like rental cars or extra baggage allowance.

Learn more: How To Claim Compensation for Delayed and Canceled Flights

Is healthcare free in China?

There is free public healthcare in China for permanent residents, but this does not extend to foreign travelers. In fact, cash payment for services may even be required up-front . If you are planning an extended trip, it is worth having medical coverage as medical bills can be expensive.

What documents are required for travel to China?

When traveling to China you will need a valid visa and passport within six months of expiration. These should be kept on you at all times should you find yourself in an emergency situation, as these are required by local regulations.

Will travel insurance cover me if I get coronavirus?

You will be covered for medical expenses incurred from COVID-19 as long as your chosen travel insurance has COVID-19 inclusions. This is highly recommended for travel to China and should be selected as an add-on if not covered in the basic plan.

If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at  editors@marketwatchguides. com .

More Resources:

How to Choose Your Travel Insurance for China (and why you need it)

Note : If you are only interested on getting a free quotation for a travel insurance, then we recommend World Nomads (click here to get your free quotation) .

Travel Insurance for China – Index

Why do i need an health insurance when i travel to china, hospitals in china, privacy at the hospital in china, what insurance do we recommend, what should a good insurance cover, travel insurance for people over the age of 65, what should i do when i need medical assistance, frequently asked questions.

When I decided to go to China for the first time, finding an affordable and comprehensive health insurance was one of my first concerns, as I knew that, while in my country I was covered by the welfare system, in China I was on my own. This also applies to short-term travelers: unless you have international insurance, you won’t be covered while traveling around Asia.

Health insurance isn’t compulsory when you travel, so you can still go to Asia without any insurance and hope to never get sick, have an accident, lose your luggage, or having your flight canceled by a storm.

However, I won’t do it myself. It’s too risky. Especially when you consider that a good travel insurance only costs you a couple of USD per day.

Chinese hospitals are business-oriented and they won’t help you unless you can pay cash in advance or they can verify that you’re covered by adequate medical insurance.

I repeat, if you can’t pay nobody will help you. Also, international hospitals in China (where doctors and nurses can speak English) are often more expensive than hospitals in the U.S.

I’ve heard plenty of horror stories of western tourists or expats that were left to die or lose a foot in an Asian hospital because, after being a victim of an accident or bad food poisoning, they didn’t have insurance or enough cash to pay for the emergency treatments they needed. Can you afford to pay 5,000 or 10,000 USD cash?

If you can’t, then I suggest you get a quality travel medical insurance before going to China, Thailand, or wherever you are going.

In China there are mainly two kinds of hospitals:

1) The public hospitals where nobody speaks English, and where you’ll have to wait for ages, you won’t have any privacy, and where the hygienic conditions are somewhat dubious (there are exceptions but in this case, the prices are usually higher).

2) The international hospitals , where doctors and nurses can speak English, the service is faster, you’ll get privacy conditions similar to the ones that you find in the west and the overall hygienic conditions are usually better.

If you don’t speak Mandarin, you want to end up in an international hospital, especially if you are seriously sick. Because of this, when in 2010 my former boss explained to me that I was going to get an insurance that was going to only cover my expenses in a public hospital, I chose to purchase private insurance by myself.

I took the above pic in one of the best public hospitals in Hangzhou (a metropolis neighboring Shanghai) in 2011: my girlfriend was discussing her case with a doctor and several patients gathered around her looking at her problem and even giving advice to the doctors regarding the treatment. I was amazed by the complete lack of privacy. Chinese people aren’t bad. They just don’t know what the word “privacy” means.

For traveling o short-term stays, we recommend World Nomads because it’s quite flexible (you can choose the duration of your policy), it covers you almost worldwide (so you won’t have to subscribe to a new policy if you live in China and decide to take a holiday in Thailand), it can easily be extended online, you can buy it online even if you have already left your country, its price is quite cheap for the value it offers, it gets consistently good reviews and it comes recommended by Lonely Planet, Rough Guides and many more.

Also, besides covering you in the case of sickness and injuries, it provides emergency medical evacuation, it covers you if you have to cancel your trip due to unforeseeable events outside of your control, and it covers your gear (laptop, smartphone, camera, etc) if it gets stolen or damaged whilst traveling.

However, note that if you’re going to move to China – or another Asian country – and stay there for a long period of time, let’s say more than 6 months, you may want to check other (more expensive) insurance companies ( click here to learn more ). The reason is that World Nomads, if you have a severe health problem, will send you back to the country where you enjoy national health coverage (for instance to the UK, if you’re a UK resident and are covered by NHS).

Thus, if you’re giving up your coverage in your former country of residence because you’re moving out for long periods of time, World Nomads may not be the most appropriate choice.

In my opinion, the basic requirement you should have is that your insurance covers you for medical expenses, hospitalization, and treatments, medicines, and emergency transport or repatriation.

Another important point is to make sure that the insurance covers you for personal liability. This means that if you hurt somebody, you can settle for monetary compensation instead of going to jail. You don’t want to pay the compensation yourself, do you?

Also, as already said, there are a lot of nice bonuses you can get such as trip cancellation or interruption reimbursement, extreme sports coverages, stolen or lost personal effects reimbursement, and so on.

Regardless of the insurance plan you choose, before purchasing it, I do recommend that you check by yourself what your policy will cover and what situations will be excluded by the coverage.

Just to give some examples, if you’re already sick before purchasing the insurance, you won’t be covered for that particular sickness; and if you get drunk, start to punch people on the street, and end up in jail, you’ll be left on your own as well. Just read the policy before buying anything!

Click here to check the prices and benefits of World Nomads health insurance.

If you’re aged 65 or above, it can be difficult to find an insurance company that’s willing to cover you. However, there are a few options available in the market, and where the International Medical Group (IMG) is one of the biggest companies.

The company was founded by Dr. Ian Clarke who is a missionary, physician, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, born and educated in Northern Ireland. He has resided in Uganda since 1988 where he started the company and has run it ever since.

Let’s review one of their most popular options for senior travelers and that can be used if you’re a US citizen or permanent resident. If you have any other recommendations, feel free to contact us or write a comment below.

GlobeHopper Seniors Single Trip travel insurance

As mentioned, GlobeHopper Senior travel insurance is provided by IMG and it’s suitable for US citizens and US permanent residents who are aged 65 or above.

Worth mentioning is that the insurance offers flexible protection to travelers who purchase an annual plan to cover multiple trips over a 12-month period. Each trip can be a maximum of 30 days during this period, this is also something you should have in mind before buying the insurance.

The plan starts from as little as USD 114, depending on the deductible and max coverage option, and can be used for persons who are 65. The eligibility and requirements to get this insurance is listed below:

• The insurance is only valid for medical expenses outside the US
• You have to be a US-citizen or US permanent residents
• You have to be qualified for Medicare and enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B
• Enrolled in a Medigap Plan or Medicare Advantage Plan
• The plan is secondary to Medicare, a Medigap and/or a Medicare Advantage Plan (Medicare supplement insurance)

The features, on the other hand, are beneficial and provides you the following:

• Maximum limits starts at USD 50,000 – USD 1,000,000
• Only one deductible within each 12 months coverage period
• No maximum age limit at all!
• You get reimbursed for both emergency and non – emergency care expenses
• Gives immediate access to care and reimbursement for medical expenses
• Ability to choose a hospital or doctor or your choice
• No coinsurance
• Offers pre-existing conditions coverage

The insurance is used for:

• Vacations / Holidays
• Visitors / Immigrants
• Employers / Business Travelers

IMG also has other travel insurance options for seniors who wish to travel to China. For more information, you can request a quote by clicking the link below.

[Disclaimer: We don’t work for an insurance company and these are just general guidelines. You should always talk with an operator of the insurance company from whom you purchased a policy to be sure of what to do].

First of all, I suggest you have your insurance provider’s emergency phone number and policy number (you’ll get the info as soon as you purchase a health insurance plan) saved on your phone.

If you can call your insurance company yourself – for instance, in the case you’re the victim of food poisoning – then do so before going to the hospital because, if you go to the “wrong” hospital, the insurance may not cover your expenses. Also, some hospitals will only accept cash.

It’s not a big deal: just call an operator and tell them your name, policy number, the nature of your problem, and any other useful information and they will redirect you to the nearest hospital that accepts coverage by your insurance company.

You should also keep this information in your wallet in case you can’t call yourself (for instance in case of a bad incident that lets you faint or can’t speak).

Download, fill out and print this simple form

We prepared a simple file to fill out, print, and keep in the wallet to always have the necessary information available.

The goal is twofold:

• When you show up at a clinic or hospital, you will have all the necessary information in a single file
• If you have a serious accident and you are not able to communicate, the person that will help you will most luckily find and use the information to help you

Click here to download the Word version (or Open Office), which you can fill out on your pc before printing it.

Click here to download the PDF version (if you prefer, print and fill it out by hand).

Here’s how to fill out the form:

• Information for taxi drivers : Note that depending on your health insurance policy, you might not have access to all hospitals in your city. So I recommend that you discuss this with your insurance company before choosing a hospital (or risk them not reimbursing you);
• Personal data : Insert your name, date of birth, passport and visa number, address, and telephone number in Asia. They’ll ask you for this during the hospital check-in, so you should have it handy;

Emergency contact : Name and telephone number of the person to contact in the event of an emergency. Note that putting your mother’s name who lives in another part of the world won’t help you much. Insert the name of a person you trust who lives in your city and if possible, speaks the language of the country you’re in;

If you’ve just moved to Asia and know almost no one, you could put the name and number of your boss, teacher, or anyone you think could help you in case there’s a need. I recommend that you ask for their permission before putting someone down as your emergency contact;

• Your insurance company’s information : At a minimum, you have to enter the name of the company, your policy number, and the number to call in case of an emergency. In any case, I recommend that you contact your insurance company to ask them what information you should insert;
• Your consulate information : If something really serious happens, it could be useful to have the emergency number of your consulate so that they can advise your family and, when possible, help you;
• Language : As you’ll see the form contains two pages, one in English and one in Chinese. If you’re in China, I suggest that you fill out and print them both, front and back.

Once you have filled out and printed the form, keep it in your wallet, purse, or wherever is most convenient for you, together with a copy of your passport and insurance policy.

We additionally recommend that you don’t travel around without a telephone and make sure that it’s connected to the internet (4G, for example), so that you can use the maps , etc.

To conclude, we always suggest that you carry a little cash with you (even just for a taxi).

The price is usually the same unless you’re traveling to the United States (those traveling to the United States pay more since American hospitals are the most expensive on the planet).

Moreover we recommend keeping a copy on your smartphone, in the form of a PDF document or screenshot.

*For Canadian and US residents, unfortunately, due to financial services laws, World Nomads cannot provide a discount. This promotional code cannot be used with any other discount offer, including World Nomads Members’ discount for travel insurance policyholders.

Photo Credits: Photo by Pixabay on Pexels

About The Author

Sapore di Cina

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Do I need travel insurance for China?

How much is travel insurance to china, what is the best travel insurance for china, how does china travel insurance work with covid-19, get the best-suit travel insurance plan for you.

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best places to visit in china

Great wall of china.

The Great Wall of China  is a series of fortifications that were built across the historical northern borders of ancient Chinese states and Imperial China as protection against various nomadic groups from the Eurasian Steppe.

The magnificent Great Wall of China – known in Chinese as ‘Changcheng’, or the ‘Long Wall’ – stretches more than 6,000 km and boasts numerous battlements and watchtowers. The Wall spans from the fortresses of Shanhaiguan in the east all the way to Jiayuguan in the west, passing through Hebei, Tientsin, Beijing – where the best preserved sections of the wall can be visited – Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, and Gansu.

Li River or Li Jiang is the name for the upper reaches of the Gui River in part of Guangxi, China. It streams through the town and surrounding karst mountains creating a unique scenery that has attracted poets and artists and has been the subject of countless fairy tales and legends over the years.

These days, it’s popular with tourists from around the world wanting to see this natural gem up close. You can enjoy the area by taking a cruise along the Li River. The most popular stretch is from Guilin to Yangshuo, where the river meanders peacefully through some 80 km of remarkable rock formations and caves. You can choose a tourist cruise ship or a small bamboo punt for your trip which will determine the trip duration (from a few hours to multiple days).

Continents:

The European continent is located completely in the northern hemisphere and mainly in the eastern hemisphere. Europe borders onto the Arctic Ocean in the North, the Atlantic Ocean in the west and the Mediterranean Sea in the South. There are 50 countries in Europe with a total of more than 748 million people living on the continent in 2021.

There are 49 countries in Asia according to the UN. The 10 biggest countries are listed in the right column of this page. Two of the Asian countries, Russia and Turkey, also share part of their territory on the European continent. Additionally there are two countries that only have limited international recognition: State of Palestine and Republic of China/Taiwan and some dependencies. Asia is the most populous continent with more than 4.7 billion people living there. (2022)

There are 54 countries in Africa – and 9 dependent territories. More than 1.3 billion people live on the African continent. This means about 15% of the world’s total population live in Africa! Even though Nigeria is only a third of the size of Algeria, it is the most populous country in Africa, with more than 219 million people.

NORTH AMERICA

Oceania is in a continental group consisting of 14 countries and includes Pacific islands and Australia. Often Australia is named as a continent, but this means that the many islands and countries except Australia would then be not included. Oceania in fact is mostly ocean and spans a vast area as you can see below.

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What are Chinese visitors to Hong Kong now buying? Insurance

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Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.

Hong Kong was once a favourite luxury shopping destination for mainland Chinese visitors. This year, fewer visitors are not only making shorter trips to Hong Kong but spending less. But there is an exception, somewhat less glamorous than designer watches: insurance.

The Hong Kong insurance industry posted a 12.2 per cent increase in total gross premiums to $21.1bn in the first quarter of this year, according to provisional statistics released by the city’s Insurance Authority. Total revenue premiums of active policies increased by 14 per cent, mostly driven by individual life insurance and individual retirement annuity businesses which increased by nearly a fifth.

Mainland visitors are the driving force behind this increase, with insurance sales to this group up nearly two-thirds to $2bn in the first quarter.

They are already boosting sales at AIA, which counts Hong Kong as its biggest market, with the value of new business in the city up 43 per cent, pushing up its value of new business margin to 64.3 per cent. Rival Prudential’s new business profit in Hong Kong has also been growing rapidly in the past year.

There are several reasons for the strong growth, despite the fact that the number of mainland Chinese travellers remains significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels. Chinese investors are losing their appetite for Chinese equities, which are down about 40 per cent from their 2021 peak, as well as local property. That has meant a stampede into insurance policies, which in some cases guarantee principal for more than a decade after buying the policy. 

Hong Kong’s insurance policies, especially those that offer dividend payments, have also been popular with investors in other parts of Asia — especially countries that have lower interest rates than Hong Kong, where the base rate is at 5.75 per cent. 

Increasing demand for more healthcare options offers a further boost. While China has a free public healthcare system, wealthier locals increasingly seek private healthcare insurance, one of the fastest-growing categories for insurers.

Shares of AIA are down nearly a third in the past year. But at 14 times forward earnings it trades at more than double the multiple of rival China Life Insurance, the largest mainland insurer. The premium reflects attractive long-term prospects. Ageing populations in the region — including in China, where an estimated 400mn people will be aged 60 and over by 2035 — should help sustain Hong Kong’s position as a higher-yielding destination for the insurance industry.

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Hitting Chinese EVs with new tariffs raises fears of retaliation against Canada

Ottawa announces 30-day consultation on how to protect sector in which it has invested billions

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The federal government is set for a 30-day consultation on how to protect Canada’s electric-vehicle sector against what Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland calls “unfair” Chinese trade policies, but some are urging restraint on the most obvious policy tool — tariffs.

Hitting Chinese EVs with new tariffs raises fears of retaliation against Canada Back to video

United States President Joe Biden in May announced sweeping tariffs on Chinese-made EVs and other products, leading to questions about whether Canada would follow suit.

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Ontario Premier Doug Ford has led a chorus of voices urging the federal government to also enact tariffs on Chinese-made EVs, saying it needs to protect the tens of billions of dollars in tax credits and other incentives it has offered to automakers to set up operations in Canada.

But some have said they see this as one area where Canada may not need to follow the U.S. in lockstep because of the potential damage a trade war with China would cause.

“Obviously, we need to protect our billions of dollars of investment in battery manufacturing and electric vehicles,” David Adams, president of the Global Automakers of Canada, said. “But we do not want to attract unnecessary attention from the Chinese because, you know, we’re not the U.S. We’re smaller and I think we run potentially a greater risk of retaliation.”

He said the federal government has to be careful about how China could retaliate against other parts of Canada’s economy.

China is Canada’s second-largest trade partner — behind only the U.S. — and accounts for 6.6 per cent of the country’s imports and 4.4 per cent of exports. But China’s economy is about nine times as large as Canada, with about $18 trillion in gross domestic product compared to $2.14 trillion here, according to the World Bank. As a result, trade disruptions could have a disproportionate effect on Canada.

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For example, geopolitical tensions with China escalated after Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.’s chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou was arrested in Vancouver in 2018. Several months later, China revoked the licences of two Canadian canola seed exporters. Canada filed a World Trade Council dispute, but canola exports to China fell dramatically, reportedly causing more than $1 billion in losses .

Of course, Canada’s trade relationship with the U.S. far overshadows its relationship with China, accounting for 62 per cent of this country’s imports and 45.2 per cent of exports.

The U.S. has already announced 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese-made EVs in addition to numerous other tariffs on the EV supply chain. Proponents of tariffs argue Canada cannot afford to diverge too much from our largest trading partner.

“This isn’t about our relationship with China; it’s really about our relationship with the U.S.,” Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development in Ontario, said. “We need to mirror the U.S. approach on tariffs because we have to be aligned.”

He said both the federal government and provincial governments, particularly Ontario, have attracted automakers such as Germany’s Volkswagen AG, Japan’s Honda Motor Co. Ltd. and others to build out EV and battery manufacturing operations here by offering lucrative direct and indirect subsidies, such as production tax credits and subsidies.

Fedeli said China is using “cheap labour and dirty energy” and could soon “flood our markets” with cheap EVs. But he also acknowledged that China has used its economic heft in the past to retaliate against the Canadian economy.

“That’s why we say to the feds, ‘Be cautious,’” he said.

So far, Freeland has said she shares the view that Chinese EV manufacturers are benefiting from lower labour and environmental standards than would be required if they set up shop in Canada.

Freeland has also repeatedly said she believes China is engaging in “a deliberate national economic policy of creating oversupply because there is insufficient domestic demand” for its EVs.

“That is actually not playing by global trade rules and Canada will not stand for it,” she said at a press conference on Monday, announcing a 30-day consultation on this issue.

But Freeland repeatedly declined to say whether tariffs are the appropriate policy tool, and said the government wants to consult with industry players and labour leaders before making any policy decisions.

Among other topics, the government is seeking information on whether to apply tariffs or whether to adjust federal incentives designed to encourage the purchase of EVs so Canada can meet federal goals of having 100 per cent of new vehicle sales be zero-emission vehicles by 2035.

Canada currently has six per cent tariffs on Chinese-made EVs.

Freeland recently said she would not allow Chinese manufacturers to use Canada as a backdoor to gain entrance to the U.S. market. But it was unclear what this meant.

Adams said there aren’t Chinese automakers with operations in Canada, although in recent months he has heard rumours that some Chinese automakers are looking to come here.

One Chinese automaker, BYD Auto Co. Ltd., has operated a bus assembly plant in Newmarket, Ont. for several years, but Adams said he considers that different from light-duty vehicles.

Jean Simard, chief executive of the Aluminum Association of Canada, said he is concerned about Chinese automakers building operations in Mexico — echoing others in the industry — in order to take advantage of that country’s free trade agreements with the U.S. and potentially bypass U.S. tariffs.

“We have to get more transparency” from Mexico, he said.

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Election latest: Farage urged to 'get a grip' of Reform UK amid racism row

John Healey, the shadow defence secretary, has urged Nigel Farage to "get a grip" of Reform UK after a racism row involving the prime minister. It comes as a Reform UK canvasser who used a racial slur against Rishi Sunak called himself a "total fool" and said he has learned his lesson.

Saturday 29 June 2024 15:10, UK

• General Election 2024

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• Farage urged to 'get a grip' of Reform UK
• Reform canvasser in PM racism row says he was 'a total fool'
• Faultlines:   Eight-hour school runs and kids too hungry to sleep - the families caught up in housing 'social cleansing'
• Politics at Jack and Sam's : The last weekend
• Live reporting by Faith Ridler

Election essentials

• Manifesto pledges: Conservatives | Greens | Labour | Lib Dems | Plaid | Reform | SNP
• Trackers:  Who's leading polls? | Is PM keeping promises?
• Campaign Heritage:  Memorable moments from elections gone by
• Follow Sky's politics podcasts:  Electoral Dysfunction | Politics At Jack And Sam's
• Read more:  Who is standing down? | Key seats to watch | What counts as voter ID? | Check if your constituency is changing | Guide to election lingo
• How to watch election on Sky News

Reform UK has withdrawn support from three of its candidates, the party has confirmed.

Nigel Farage's party is no longer backing Edward Oakenfull, Robert Lomas, and Leslie Lilley - who were all previously candidates for Reform.

Mr Oakenfull reportedly penned social media posts about the IQ of sub-Saharan Africans - which he told the BBC were "taken out of context".

Meanwhile, Mr Lomas allegedly said black people should "get off [their] lazy arses" and stop acting "like savages".

Ms Lilley is accused of describing people arriving on small boats as "scum".

The candidates will remain on the ballot paper, but are no longer endorsed by Reform UK.

It comes as Sky News identified two additional Reform UK parliamentary candidates who shared material deemed "vile" and in breach of the internationally-recognised definition of antisemitism.

Our live poll tracker collates the results of opinion surveys carried out by all the main polling organisations - and allows you to see how the political parties are performing in the run-up to the general election.

With under a week to go, the Tories and Labour have taken a drop, while support for Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats is on the rise.

Read more about the tracker  here .

First Minister of Scotland John Swinney has joined criticism of "racist and homophobic comments" allegedly made by Reform UK campaigners.

Despite this, he said they are "not a surprise to me".

Mr Swinney, also the leader of the SNP, said: "I think this is where the politics of Reform ends up and I deplore it. I deprecate it. I want nothing to do with it. 

"We will always rail against racist and homophobic comments, and I can't believe that there's a single thing Nigel Farage can do to control a problem that he himself has started."

The SNP leader goes on to claim that this is not a case of bad apples, but "an ingrained problem of Reform".

He says: "Nigel Farage has set this all up. He has stoked it all.

"With every word over all these years, he has incited all that intolerance and prejudice in our society. 

"I want to have nothing to do with it. 

"And I don't think there's anything Nigel Farage can do to stop it, because he created it."

Reform UK has reported Channel 4 to the elections watchdog for alleged "scandalous... interference" over what the party claims was a fake rant planted by the broadcaster.

Footage from an undercover Channel 4 reporter showed Reform campaigner Andrew Parker using a discriminatory term about the prime minister, as well as saying the army should "just shoot" migrants crossing the Channel.

Police are now assessing the comments to establish if an offence has been committed, while Mr Sunak  said the insult directed at him "hurts and it makes me angry".

Mr Farage, the leader of Reform UK, has since suggested that Channel 4 may have paid an actor to make racist comments about the prime minister, posing as a canvasser for Reform.

In a letter to the Electoral Commission, party secretary and leading barrister Adam Richardson claimed that "Mr Parker is not a property developer as he has alleged but a jobbing actor".

He added it was "entirely evident that Mr Parker was a plant within the Channel 4 news piece". 

The letter said: "It is wholly unbelievable that by complete coincidence Channel 4 were performing an undercover investigation and by chance were paired up to go canvassing with a man who was pretending to be someone else, using a false voice and saying almost exclusively racist and bigoted remarks."

Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, has said he is refusing to appear on Laura Kuenssberg's Sunday morning politics show until the BBC apologise for a "dishonest" audience.  

He claimed this audience existed during his appearance on Question Time.

Mr Farage says: "I have just been invited to appear on Laura Kuenssberg. 

"I'm refusing until the BBC apologises for their dishonest QT audience. 

"Our state broadcaster has behaved like a political actor throughout this election. 

"Reform will be campaigning vigorously to abolish the license fee."

Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, has insisted that his party shares "no values with Nigel Farage" in the wake of a new racism row.

It comes after Mr Farage, the leader of Reform UK, suggested that Channel 4 may have paid an actor to make racist comments about the prime minister, posing as a canvasser for Reform.

Sir Ed says: "Liberal Democrats share no values with Mr. Farage. He can sort himself out. My job as a Liberal Democrat leader is to tell you what we're about. 

"I want to fight a positive campaign about how we rescue our NHS and make sure we get the investment in health and care. Make sure we sort out the cost of living problems that people are really suffering under, and deal with things like the environmental issues, like sewage. 

"You know, and I think people get fed up in this campaign when there's all these diversions and nastiness. They want to know what you're going to do for them. 

"And that's what the Liberal Democrats are going to say."

The Archbishop of Canterbury urged people to avoid "personalised abuse" in the closing stages of the election campaign as he encouraged voters to go to the ballot box.

The Most Reverend Justin Welby said: "In these last few days before the election, let us pray for all candidates taking part in this most essential act of democracy.

"Let us encourage courteous and kind debate and not use personalised abuse.

"Let us carefully consider issues and the common good, and above all vote."

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told former soldiers of his plans for a veterans' bill, if the Tories are re-elected, during a campaign visit in his North Yorkshire constituency.

Mr Sunak drunk tea and munched on a cake at the Ellerton Lakeside Cafe, near Northallerton, as he chatted with about a dozen veterans who had gathered for Armed Forces Day, joking that: "You need a lot of sugar to get through my day."

Listening to the men, he said: "That's why we now have, like they do in the US, we have a dedicated office for veteran's affairs, a minister in the cabinet, funding. 

"So, we're at the start of that journey."

He said: "If we're re-elected, we're actually going to have a veteran's bill, we're going to pass our first ever veteran's bill in parliament. 

"That will bring together all the things that we need to do - put some things in law that will improve the service that we've providing. 

"That hasn't happened before - a flagship veteran's bill that (veterans' minister) Johnny Mercer's been working on which will just continue to improve the support."

Mr Sunak listened as he was told about initiatives to tackle veterans' homelessness, mental health problems and issues facing service families at the nearby Catterick Garrison.

He said: "We want to make sure all of you get the support you are entitled to."

By Ben Bloch , political reporter

Two Reform UK parliamentary candidates have shared material deemed "vile" and in breach of the internationally-recognised definition of antisemitism.

Candidates of the right-wing party have previously shared on social media material defending Adolf Hitler, denying the Holocaust, conspiracy theories about the Rothschild family and Jewish financier George Soros, denial of antisemitism, and comparisons of the state of Israel with Nazi Germany.

The uncovering of these social media posts, in a dossier compiled by the Campaign Against Antisemitism and verified by Sky News, raises yet further questions about the vetting process undertaken by  Reform UK  ahead of nominating these candidates to stand for parliament.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has threatened to take legal and police action against a vetting firm, Vetting.com, saying it was paid £144,000 to carry out candidate checks but "not a single piece of work was delivered", and alleged political bias.

Today is the final Saturday of the general election campaign, with people across the UK preparing to cast their vote on 4 July.

There's still plenty that could happen between now and Thursday - so now isn't the time to turn away.

It's 12.30pm - here's everything you need to know so far:

• Party leaders are on the election campaign trail on  Armed Forces Day;
• Rishi Sunak will later hail the "duty, dedication and selfless personal sacrifice" of servicemen and women and claim his is the only party to meet the Help for Heroes Veterans' Pledge;
• Meanwhile, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to introduce a new armed forces commissioner and lead a "government of service" if Labour is elected;
• However, there is another story holding attention today - a racism row involving a Reform UK canvasser and Rishi Sunak;
• Footage from an undercover Channel 4 reporter showed Reform campaigner Andrew Parker using a discriminatory term about the prime minister, as well as saying the army should "just shoot" migrants crossing the Channel;
• The canvasser has called himself a "total fool" and said he has learned his lesson;
• But John Healey, the shadow defence secretary, has urged Nigel Farage to "get a grip" of Reform UK after a racism row involving the prime minister.
• Sir Keir Starmer has also commented today, urging Mr Farage to "set the tone" in his party;
• And Tom Tugendhat , the security minister, has criticised those "in Nigel Farage's company" who have "rather extraordinary and unpleasant views".

Stick with us through the afternoon for the latest news and analysis from the campaign trail.

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• Best overall
• Best for trip cancellation
• Best for medical-only coverage
• Best for families
• Best for value
• Best for reputation
• Why you should trust us

Best Cheap Travel Insurance of July 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

In an ever-evolving world, emergency medical and evacuation travel insurance coverage is essential, especially if you're traveling internationally. However, sports equipment coverage, pet protection, and cancel for any reason coverage are among the increasingly popular coverage options that are changing the way we travel. We've gathered the best cheap travel insurance plans to help you protect your trip while on a budget.

Best Cheap Travel Insurance Plans of 2024 Summary

• Best overall: HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance
• Best for trip cancellation:  Aegis General Travel Insurance
• Best for medical-only coverage:  GeoBlue Travel Insurance
• Best for families:  C&F Travel Insured
• Best value: Nationwide Travel Insurance
• Best for reputation: Trawick International Travel Insurance

Top Cheap Travel Insurance Company Comparison

The best travel insurance meets your needs at a price you're willing to pay. Sometimes, you're just not willing to pay that much. The following companies offer decent coverage for low prices. To determine which companies made this list, we compared quotes across the travel insurance industry for the same trip, making a note of which companies offered particularly good coverage in certain areas and which companies were well reviewed.

Here are the best affordable travel insurance companies picked by Business Insider editors in 2024.

Best Affordable Travel Insurance Overall

Hth worldwide travel insurance.

The HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance Economy plan offers the most comprehensive coverage across major categories of all the providers in this guide.

You'll have some peace of mind with up to $75,000 of financial protection for eligible medical emergencies, and up to $500,000 per person for medical evacuation costs. For more everyday expenses, you can also relax with baggage loss and delay, trip interruption, cancellation and delay coverage that will help you recoup many, if not all, of your costs.

However, this plan falls short on missed connection benefits and accidental death coverage, both of which are not available under most circumstances (missed connection coverage only applies to cruises, and will only cover up to $500 per person after a three-hour delay).

Read our HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance review .

Best Affordable Travel Insurance for Trip Cancellation

Aegis general travel insurance.

The Aegis Trip Cancellation Plan is exactly that: a cost-effective plan that offers protection in the event that your trip is canceled for a covered reason. The plan we priced out for our hypothetical trip cost just 1.16% of our total travel expenses — a very small amount of money to pay for the guarantee of our money back in the right circumstances.

The benefit is that this plan can supplement other coverage you already have, or give you a little bit of protection for a trip where you might not otherwise have opted for insurance altogether. On the downside, you won't get any protection for medical emergencies, trip interruption or delays or lost bags from this plan.

Read our Aegis Travel Insurance review .

Best Affordable Travel Insurance for Medical Coverage

Geoblue travel insurance.

GeoBlue is a travel insurance provider that specializes in travel medical insurance. Because it doesn't offer much trip protection or travel inconvenience coverage, it can charge cheaper premiums. A 30-year-old from California would pay as low as $20.55 for a policy that covers a two-week trip.  GeoBlue plans can cover medical expenses up to $1 million with several multi-trip annual plans available. It offers coinsurance plans for trips within the U.S. and 100% coverage for international trips. It also has a network of clinics in 180 countries, streamlining the claims process. It's worth noting that coverage for pre-existing conditions comes with additional costs. Read our GeoBlue travel insurance review .

Best Affordable Travel Insurance for Families

C&f travel insured.

There's a lot to like about C&F Travel Insured. For one, it is one of the only travel insurance companies that offers CFAR coverage for annual travel insurance plans . Additionally, C&F is widely praised for its customer service, offering quick reimbursements for claims. Claims that don't reimburse within 30 days begin to accrue interest at 9% APY.

When it comes to affordability, C&F remains on the lower end of travel insurance costs. Policies for younger solo travelers are generally around 4% of total trip costs, which isn't bad considering average costs for travel insurance is around 4-8% of total trip costs. However, C&F excels at insuring families as children are heavily discounted with the Edge plan and completely free with the Protector plan. 

Read our C&F Travel Insured review .

Best Affordable Travel Insurance for Value

Nationwide travel insurance.

Nationwide is a well-rounded alternative to HTH Worldwide Trip Protector Economy. This plan offers solid protection for both travel-related snafus as well as situations that might call for emergency medical and evacuation, making it a good choice for trips where you have cause to worry about potential interruptions or delays. However, it does not offer protection for missed connections or accidental death.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review .

Best Affordable Travel Insurance for Reputation

Trawick international travel insurance.

The Trawick Safe Travels Explorer plan has been purchased by more than 36,000 travelers since 2020, and it has great reviews to boot. And no wonder: Trawick offers generous trip delay coverage of up to $2,000 per person, although hopefully you won't need to reach that reimbursement amount because the daily limit is $150.

You'll also be able to rely on a $200 reimbursement per person for lost baggage - one of the higher amounts amongst these affordable plans, although this amount pales in comparison to the baggage loss coverage offered through the best travel credit cards .

Read our Trawick Travel Insurance review .

Types of Affordable Travel Insurance

Comprehensive coverage.

This type of insurance offers extensive protection, covering everything from medical issues to trip cancellations. While it's more expensive up front, it can save you a lot in the long run.

Medical-Only Coverage

As the name suggests, this policy focuses solely on medical emergencies, dropping trip cancellation coverage and travel inconvenience coverage. It's a cost-effective option for travelers who are primarily concerned about health-related expenses.

Evacuation and Repatriation

In extreme cases where you need to be evacuated due to a medical emergency or a natural disaster, this coverage ensures that you can return home safely without incurring huge costs.

Benefits of Opting for Cheap Travel Insurance

Cost savings.

Cheap travel insurance can significantly reduce your travel expenses, ensuring that you're not overpaying for coverage you might not need.

Adequate Coverage for Less

Just because it's cheap doesn't mean it's lacking. Many affordable policies offer substantial coverage, giving you peace of mind without breaking the bank.

How to Pick The Best Cheap Travel Insurance Plan for You

No single travel insurance plan will meet the needs of every single traveler. By nature, we are diverse and evolving meaning travel insurance should be equally so. Travel insurance for a week-long trip to a big city shouldn't be the same as the coverage for a backpacking expedition in the mountains. A splurge to purchase comprehensive insurance coverage may also be worth it for international ventures or other large expenditures.

In most cases, the cost difference between a basic and comprehensive travel insurance plan isn't as significant as you might think. Regardless, it's generally a good idea to choose a trusted travel insurance provider known for exceptional customer service and coverage. (For this roundup, we looked at traveler reviews shared through the travel insurance aggregator SquareMouth .)

• Assessing Your Travel Needs: Consider the nature of your trip, the destination, and your own personal needs when choosing a policy. This ensures that you're not over-insured or underinsured.
• Comparing Different Policies: Don't settle for the first policy you find. Compare different options, looking at their coverage and prices, to find the best fit for your budget and needs.
• Reading the Fine Print: Always read the terms and conditions carefully to understand what's covered, what's not, and the process for making a claim.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed Cheap Travel Insurance

To determine the best insurance plan for travelers on a budget, we evaluated dozens of products using a hypothetical trip to Australia for a single traveler, age 26, with a total cost of $2,500 for flight, hotel and other incidentals. We then compiled the plans that covered the essentials at the lowest costs.

Of note: All of these plans include COVID-related medical coverage and 24-hour assistance, and pay at least 100% of your trip cost for eligible trip cancellations. None include rental car coverage.

The four winning plans cost between $29 to $74 — significantly below the average cost of comprehensive travel insurance , which can range between 4-8% of total travel expenses, according to the US Travel Insurance Association. But these affordable plans also come with comparably low ceilings for various aspects of coverage such as emergency medical, trip cancellation, or delay — and do not include rental car or " cancel for any reason" (CFAR) protection . So if you think you might need these benefits, it may well be worth upgrading to a comprehensive travel insurance plan for a few more dollars, just for the peace of mind.

Convenience and Flexibility

Each of the plans in this list include 24-hour assistance worldwide from reputable insurance providers. And despite being on the lower end of insurance plans, each of these options includes refunds for up to 100% of your total trip cost for eligible reasons. Each of these plans also includes medical coverage for COVID-related issues that may arise during your travels, which may come in handy as the pandemic continues to evolve worldwide.

Sufficient Coverage in Essential Categories

The cheapest travel insurance plan will rarely cover every scenario that could go awry on your trip. However, each of these plans can at least help you get your money back in the event that your travel is canceled for an eligible reason, and most of them include travel medical insurance if you incur emergency medical bills while traveling. We also factor in what travelers are most concerned about now. 

You can read more about how Business Insider rates insurance here.

Best Cheap Travel Insurance FAQs

You can reduce the cost of travel insurance by opting for simpler coverage with lower coverage limits. You may also consider companies that offer medical-only travel insurance policies. You can also consider annual travel insurance , which will save you money in the long run if you take multiple trips over one year.

Yes, many affordable policies offer comprehensive coverage suitable for international travel. It's crucial to compare policies and understand your needs. You can find our guide on the best international travel insurance here.

Travel insurance is relatively cheap because it only covers you for a set period of time and the level of coverage you get may not be particularly high. Your premiums will rise with higher coverage limits and add-ons like cancel for any reason coverage . Travel insurance for older travelers can also be quite expensive.

If you just want trip cancellation protection, go with the Aegis Trip Cancellation Plan. For more robust coverage that won't break the bank, consider HTH Worldwide's TripProtector Economy, Trawick's Safe Travels Explorer, or Nationwide's Essentials plan. Families should consider a C&F Travel Insured policy.

Unfortunately, many travel insurance companies that cover pre-existing conditions reserve coverage for its more expensive plans. That said, you'll find some providers that cover pre-existing conditions with their value plan, such as C&F Travel Insured and Berkshire Hathaway .

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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