Travel insurance for China

Protect yourself on your Asian adventure.

As the third largest country in the world, China is bursting at the seams with an incredibly rich history, a range of sights to take in — including one of the seven wonders of the world — and, of course, delicious local cuisine. Before you pack your bags, don’t forget to pack the most important thing — a travel insurance policy to keep you, and your bank account, safe on the adventure.

Why we like: Atlas Travel Insurance

Before you head on your next trip, consider the protection that travel insurance can offer you and your loved ones.

• Choose from several different policies to protect your trip.
• Option to create custom coverage that fits your travel needs.
• Comprehensive plans for individuals, groups and business travelers.
• Includes a suite of emergency travel benefits such as medical evacuation.

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International travel insurance policy options for a trip to China

	Details	Features
Atlas Travel	Customizable policy that balances between the basic essentials and premium coverage.	Trip cancellation: Not available Emergency medical expenses: Up to $2,000,000 Baggage coverage: Up to $500 Trip delay: $100/day up to 2 days	Go to site More info
STA Travel Standard International	Affordable coverage for the essentials needed when traveling outside of your home country.	Trip cancellation: Not available Emergency medical expenses: $25,000 Medical evacuation & repatriation: $250,000 Trip delay: $100/day up to $250	Go to site More info
Allianz International Travel Insurance	Customizable coverage that can give you peace of mind when traveling to popular or remote destinations.	Trip cancellation: $1,000 Emergency medical expenses: Up to $50,000 Baggage coverage: Up to $2,000 Trip interruption: Up to $1,500	Go to site More info
Seven Corners Liaison Travel Medical	Coverage when traveling outside your home country with terms between 5 days to 3 years.	Emergency medical expenses: Up to $5,000,000 Medical evacuation & repatriation: Up to $1,000,000 Baggage coverage: Up to $1,000 Trip interruption: Up to $10,000	Go to site More info
RoamRight Travel Insurance Essential	Coverage includes trip cancellation insurance, tourist health insurance and baggage insurance.	Trip cancellation: 100% cost of trip Emergency medical expenses: $15,000 Baggage coverage: $750 Trip delay: $100/day up to $500	Go to site More info
Travelex Cancel for Any Reason	Not 100% sure you're going to make your trip? Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available with the Travel Select plan.	Reimburses up to 75% of the insured trip cost Must cancel within 48 hours before scheduled departure Offered on trips with a maximum value of $10,000	Go to site More info

Do I need travel insurance for China?

No matter where you are in the world, if you’re traveling in a foreign country you should have travel insurance. While China is a fascinating place, it is also a highly populated country with over a billion people. Supply often falls short of demands and the quality of life can differ hugely between the metropolis of major cities and that of a rural farming community in the inner depths of mainland China.

Whether you plan to travel via bike across the countryside or join the masses in Beijing, accidents in foreign countries can be pricey, and an emergency evacuation even more expensive. Add to that the fact that you could lose or damage your invaluable luggage and personal items, find out that your hotel has been canceled last minute or be left to wait overnight for a delayed flight, and you will notice that your pockets feel a lot more shallow by the time your trip is complete.

By having a comprehensive travel insurance for China, you and your loved ones can rest easy before and during your exciting adventure knowing that you won’t be left alone to deal with the situation at hand if any unexpected mishaps were to occur.

Is it safe to travel to China?

China is a tourist-friendly country with over 100 million tourists visiting its cities and towns per year. By and large, traveling in China is safe, but as with every other country, you should practice general common sense and exercise caution.

As a foreigner in China, you may be targeted for petty crimes such as pickpocketing and scams. By being alert to your surroundings and not carrying expensive watches, jewelry, cameras or large wads of cash, you can prevent yourself from being a tempting target for thieves.

With a combination of common sense, alert senses and comprehensive travel insurance, China remains a highly safe destination for travelers.

Do I need any vaccinations before going?

To find out what vaccinations you will need to visit China, you should see your doctor well ahead of time, as some vaccinations must be given 4 to 6 weeks prior to departure. As well as making sure your routine vaccinations are up to date, your doctor may recommend shots for:

What should I look for in a policy when getting travel insurance for China?

While there are a lot of travel insurance brands out there and they will offer differing amounts of coverage, some common features will include:

• Overseas emergency medical coverage. This benefit covers you for costs such as hospitalizations, emergency surgery and medications.
• Cancellation fees and lost deposits. If an unexpected circumstance forces you to cancel your trip, such as an injury or accident, your insurer can cover the cost.
• Luggage and personal effects. If your items are lost, damaged or stolen, your insurer can reimburse you. Some policies will also pay for emergency clothes and toiletries if your luggage is delayed.
• Accidental death. If you pass away from an injury suffered on your trip, this benefit will be paid out to your family.
• Personal liability. This benefit covers you for legal expenses if you accidentally injure someone or damage property.
• 24/7 worldwide assistance. Make sure the policy offers 24/7 worldwide assistance so that you’re never left alone without help in an emergency, no matter where in the world you are.

China travel tips

China is a land still largely undiscovered by tourists despite the high number of travelers because there is such a vast range of cultures scattered throughout the cities and communities. Culture shock is a common shared experience, but preparation is key, so here are some tips:

• Saving face. The Chinese are extremely concerned about their image or reputation. The locals may not always say what they mean in fear that they will insult you and cause you to “lose face.” You should reciprocate the same manners and never embarrass the Chinese in public. Be alert to body language to read what they really mean.
• Taxis. Taxis are often used by travelers for their convenience and cheap prices. However, don’t be lured into a false sense of security and always use a taxi with a meter to avoid scams and unnecessary arguments.
• Eating. It is common practice to raise your bowl of food to your lips and push the food in with chopsticks. Have fun testing out your chopstick skills and letting your normal table manners fade for a while.

Who do I contact in an emergency?

If you find yourself in an emergency in the China, some helpful contacts include:

• Your travel insurer. Their 24/7 helpline should be clearly displayed on your policy.
• Police. Dial 110 to reach police dispatch.
• Medical help. Dial 120 in a medical emergency.
• US embassy or consulate. If you lose your passport, get into legal trouble or if there’s a countrywide emergency, contact the nearest US embassy or consulate.

Bottom line

You’ve booked your incredible journey across the giant of Asia and are excited to explore all that this fascinating country and culture have to offer. By getting travel insurance for China, you’ll be well equipped to get adventurous during your travels by knowing that you’re covered for any mishaps on your journey abroad.

Compare travel insurance for China

Frequently asked questions

• When should I buy travel insurance for China?

  The best time to get travel insurance for your trip to China is the same time that you book your flights. This way, not only will you remember to actually buy travel insurance for China, you’ll also be covered for any unexpected cancellations that you may have to make even before you leave the US.

• Can I add my partner and/or my children to my travel insurance for China policy?

  Many insurers offer easy methods of adding your partner or your entire family to your chosen travel insurance so that everybody can be protected. Ask your travel insurance brand directly to find out how.

• What if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

  Some travel insurance brands will offer automatic coverage for a number of pre-existing medical conditions, but it’s best to just talk with your insurer and disclose any conditions before purchasing a policy.

• What are the entry requirements?

  If you are traveling to China, you will need to apply for a visa to enter the country. The only exception is if you are visiting for 72 hours or less (i.e. a stopover), in which case you can apply for 72-hour visa-free transit. This will allow you to visit certain Chinese cities, but you will need to notify your airline at check-in, so Chinese customs can be forewarned and fill in the necessary paperwork when you land in China prior to passing through immigration.

  To apply for a visa to visit China for longer than 72 hours, you will need to either apply in person at an application center in the US or by mail. Send in your application 1-3 months before leaving. To apply, you will need:

  • A passport with at least six months validity that contains blank visa pages plus a photocopy of the data and photo pages.
  • A photocopy of your previous Chinese visas or passports if applicable.
  • A fully completed visa application form.
  • A two inch by two inch passport photograph.
  • Evidence of a return ticket and hotel reservations in China or a letter of invitation from someone in China.
  • A money order or payment authorization form and a prepaid self-addressed envelope, if applying by mail.

• Will my phone work in China?

  China has an excellent GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) network and you can use your mobile phone in most populated areas. However, you’ll need to take certain precautions to avoid coming home to huge mobile phone bills:

  • Switch off data roaming and voicemail before traveling.
  • Buy a prepaid travel SIM before you leave, which is cheaper than mobile roaming charges (your phone must be unlocked).
  • Or when you get there, buy a local Chinese SIM for the province you are in.
  • Top up your credit using vouchers available from convenience or phone stores in the province, but if you move to a different province, top up online using an international service such as worldremit.com.
  • Free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels and many cafes including Starbucks.
  • If using the Internet, be aware that the Chinese government limits access to major sites like Google, Wikipedia, Twitter and Facebook.

• Do I need to bring cash with me to China?

  The official currency in China is the yuan renminbi (RMB), usually referred to by the locals as kuai renminbi. When visiting China, you should make sure you have a range of options for accessing money, including:

  • Cash. Currency exchange is available at hotels, banks and exchange booths, but only at the official government rate.
  • ATMs. There are plenty of ATMs in populated areas, but some won’t accept foreign cards (stick to Bank of China, Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and China Construction Bank).
  • Credit cards. These are now fairly widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops, but you may be charged a commission and your bank will charge you a conversion fee.
  • Traveler’s checks. These are not recommended, as most Chinese establishments won’t accept them and they can only be cashed at the Bank of China.
  • Prepaid travel money cards. These secure and convenient cards can be preloaded with Chinese yuan and used like a debit or credit card.

  Whichever types of payment you choose to carry, remember to split them up and carry them separately, so if one is lost or stolen, you’ll still have access to your money.

• When is the best time to visit China?

  China is beautiful all year round. The best way to figure out the ideal time to visit Asia’s giant will ultimately depend on what sort of trip you have planned.

  For example, if you’re hoping to inch closer to the north of the Great Wall and explore the China-Mongolia border, you will want to avoid visiting from November to December or March to April when the weather can drop to -40 degrees.

  In general, the most comfortable season to explore China with limited amounts of rain is Autumn, between September and early October.

  If budget is a significant factor for your decision, avoid Labor Day (May 1-3), National Day (October 1-8) or summer/spring break.

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