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Travel insurance for China at a glance
China attracts visitors from the UK every year to soak up its rich history, diverse landscapes and iconic wildlife. If you’re planning a Chinese adventure of your own, having the right travel insurance can help you make sure it’s unforgettable for all the right reasons.
This guide explains how travel insurance for China works and what to look for when comparing policies to find the right cover for the right price.
Key things to know about travel insurance for China
- Many people who visit China from the UK choose to buy travel insurance for their trip, even though it isn’t legally required. This is often because of the high cost of healthcare in the region and the potential impact of unplanned travel disruption.
- If you’re planning to take part in any activities considered high-risk by insurers, such as an extreme sport or cruise trip, it’s worth looking for add-on cover.
- It’s a good idea to check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office website for health and safety advice before you book your trip to China.
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Why you need travel insurance for China
Travel insurance isn’t a legal requirement for travelling to China. But without cover, travellers may need to pay unexpected costs from their own pockets if something goes wrong during their trip.
UK Global Health Insurance Cards (GHICs) or European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) don’t work outside of Europe. Visitors to China aren’t entitled to free healthcare, and private medical treatment can be expensive.
Repatriation (getting you back to the UK) can also be costly due to the long-haul nature of the trip. So, having a travel insurance policy with high levels of medical and repatriation cover can be reassuring for anyone worried about affording emergency care.
Travel insurance can also help cover non-medical costs, such as flight delays, cancellations and lost baggage. It can be stressful to deal with these issues when you’re far from home, especially if you don’t speak the local language. Having the right cover can give you the peace of mind to plan ahead, knowing you have support and your belongings are protected.
What does China travel insurance cover?
Insurers can provide a range of cover options for your trip to China. The right policy for you depends on your travel plans and individual needs.
If you’re in the process of comparing quotes, it’s a good idea to check the policies you’re looking at to see if the protection below is included.
Medical treatment | Many travellers prioritise higher levels of medical cover for any emergency treatment they might need while visiting China. |
Repatriation | Some travel insurance policies include cover for being flown back to the UK because of an illness or injury. |
Cancellation and curtailment | Travel delays and cancellations can be especially expensive for long-haul trips. Cancellation cover may allow you to recover some non-refundable expenses related to unexpected travel disruption. |
Lost or damaged baggage | Standard travel insurance usually offers compensation for lost or damaged baggage, including passports. |
Theft | While China is largely considered a safe country for tourists, there’s always a risk of pickpocketing and theft in busy areas. Having high levels of cover for your personal items can help protect your money and valuables. |
Personal liability | Personal liability insurance may cover legal fees and compensation costs if you’re held responsible for causing accidental bodily injury or property damage while in China. |
Special activities | If you plan to participate in any adventure or sport activities considered high-risk by insurers, you might need to look for non-standard cover. |
What's not covered by travel insurance for China?
Standard travel insurance tends to have some limitations. Checking your policy documents before you leave the UK can help you prepare for your trip and understand the level of protection you have.
Here are some common exclusions to be aware of:
Travelling against government or medical advice | Authorities like the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) may advise against travel to parts of China due to regional risks like terrorism or extreme weather. If you travel there anyway, or against medical advice, insurers might cancel your policy or they won’t accept a claim. |
Alcohol- or drug-related incidents | Claims are often rejected if they’re the result of excessive alcohol consumption or recreational drug use. |
High-risk activities | You may need additional cover for adventure activities, such as extreme sports. |
Undisclosed medical conditions | If you don’t declare a pre-existing medical condition and fall ill while in China, your insurer may not cover emergency treatment. |
Unforeseeable disasters | Some events may not be covered depending on the policy, so it’s important to check the policy wording for exclusions. |
Travelling to China with pre-existing medical conditions
There are some things to be aware of if you’re travelling to China with a pre-existing medical condition, such as cancer, diabetes or asthma.
While the quality of healthcare is high in many urban areas, hospitals can be very busy. The standard and availability of services can also vary a lot in rural areas. So, it’s wise to check the health risks and available facilities in the region you’re visiting before you go.
As healthcare in China can be very expensive for foreigners, having the right travel insurance is crucial. If a medical condition isn’t declared when buying cover, it may affect whether a claim can be accepted.
Being as honest as possible about your health history will give you peace of mind that you have the right level of medical travel insurance for your time in China. If you’re not sure what counts as a pre-existing condition for insurance purposes, speak to your insurance provider before buying cover.
Choosing the right type of travel insurance for China
Whether you’re visiting family, travelling for work or simply going on holiday, finding the right travel insurance for China can help you have a more relaxing experience.
When you’re comparing quotes, insurers may ask if you need single-trip or annual multi-trip cover. Single-trip cover is ideal if you’re only going on one holiday that year. Annual multi-trip cover might be more cost-efficient if you’re planning a few trips within 12 months.
If you’re stopping in China as part of a bigger adventure, you may also consider long-stay insurance that offers extended cover.
It’s important to pick travel insurance that specifically covers China. This destination is usually under ‘Worldwide (excluding USA/Canada/Caribbean)’, or just ‘Worldwide’. Check the policy details to make sure you’re choosing the right cover zone.
Optional extras for your China trip
Heading to one of China’s many ski resorts? Cruising down the Yangtze River? Visiting China on business? Whatever your plans, you can look for policy add-ons to make sure your whole trip is protected.
- Adventure sports cover. From bungee jumping to mountain climbing to skiing, there are plenty of exciting activities on offer in China. If you plan to do any of them, you may need add-on cover—like winter sports cover—to make sure you’re protected if anything goes wrong.
- Cruise cover. Cruises often aren’t covered by standard travel insurance policies. You can compare quotes for cruise-specific cover to suit your travel plans.
- Gadget cover. Bringing your new camera or smartphone on your trip to China? Gadget cover provides high levels of cover for your valuable tech in case your belongings get lost or stolen.
- Business travel cover. Not all standard travel insurance includes business trips. If yours doesn’t, it might be worth asking your employer to look for a suitable policy to protect your work equipment and cover unexpected costs.
Visa and entry requirements for China
British citizens can often enter China without a visa for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family or friend visits or transit. If you plan to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for a visa.
For travellers aged 14 to 70, requesting a visa involves applying online and visiting an application centre in person, where officials will scan your fingerprints. People aged under 13 or over 71 won’t need to attend a centre in person, but someone will have to submit their application on their behalf.
To enter the country, you’ll also need a valid passport with an expiry date at least six months after you arrive, and two blank pages for visas and stamping. It’s worth noting that it’s legally required for foreigners in China to carry their passports at all times. So, it’s a good idea to check your travel insurance policy includes passport cover in case yours gets lost, damaged or stolen.
Sometimes, visitors to China are also asked to pass a medical screening on arrival. You may be refused entry if you don’t comply, so it’s a good idea to be prepared for this process before you travel.
Travel insurance isn’t a requirement for entering China, but it may be necessary for certain visas. You can visit the government’s website for more foreign travel advice on China’s entry requirements.
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Compare China travel insurance with PayingTooMuch
Everyone needs something a little different from their travel insurance. For budget-conscious travellers going to China, taking the time to research different policies is a great way to find the right cover for the right price.
Specialist travel insurance comparison sites like PayingTooMuch make it easy to compare travel insurance quotes from multiple insurers in one place. By showing you all your options side by side, you can see which cover fits your personal needs and travel plans in minutes.