TRAVEL GUIDE · CHINA
China travel insurance: what foreign visitors should check
A practical checklist for medical cover, emergency assistance, trip disruption and the exclusions that matter before departure.
Travel insurance does not replace preparation. For a China trip, compare the policy wording before its price: medical cover, emergency evacuation, assistance access, cancellation, baggage and exclusions.
01
Start with medical and emergency assistance
Check the medical-expense limit, emergency-treatment process, evacuation or repatriation cover, and the insurer’s 24-hour assistance contact. Save the policy number and assistance number offline. China’s consular travel guidance recommends arranging medical insurance appropriate to the itinerary.
02
Read exclusions before buying
Pre-existing conditions, high-risk activities, alcohol-related incidents, destination changes and unattended belongings can have special conditions or exclusions. Do not assume a card benefit provides the same protection as a standalone policy; read the certificate and limits.
03
Compare disruption and baggage terms
Compare trip cancellation, interruption, delay and missed-connection rules with the evidence each claim needs. For baggage, check per-item limits and the deadline for reporting a loss to the carrier or local authority.
04
Keep a claim-ready record
Keep receipts, medical documents, airline notices and written confirmations. In an emergency, contact the insurer’s assistance service as early as possible and follow its instructions about treatment or transport.
Choose cover for your actual itinerary, not the lowest headline price. Policy terms and eligibility differ by residence country and insurer.