shanghai travel insurance

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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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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China Travel Insurance: How To Choose

Introduction

Traveling can be an exciting and enriching experience, whether you’re exploring new cultures, indulging in exotic cuisines, or marveling at breathtaking landscapes. However, it’s important to prepare for unexpected circumstances that may arise during your trip, and one way to do so is by purchasing travel insurance. In particular, if you’re planning a trip to China, having comprehensive travel insurance coverage is essential, given the unique challenges and potential risks that may be encountered in this vast and culturally diverse country.

China, with its rich history, vibrant cities, and stunning natural beauty, attracts millions of visitors each year. While exploring this fascinating destination, you may encounter situations where your health, belongings, or travel plans are at risk. Whether it’s a medical emergency, lost luggage, trip cancellation, or any other unforeseen event, having travel insurance ensures that you are protected and provided with the necessary assistance.

Understanding the intricacies of China travel insurance is crucial in order to make an informed decision and choose the right coverage that suits your needs. This guide will walk you through the factors to consider when selecting China travel insurance, coverage options available, important terms and definitions to be aware of, and tips to help you make the right choice.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the importance of travel insurance for your trip to China and the key factors to keep in mind when selecting the right coverage. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway to Shanghai or embarking on an adventure to explore the Great Wall, having the peace of mind that comes with comprehensive travel insurance will allow you to fully enjoy your trip while being prepared for any unexpected situations that may arise.

Understanding China Travel Insurance

China travel insurance provides coverage and protection for travelers visiting China. This insurance is designed to safeguard against unforeseen events that could impact your trip, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, or even emergency evacuation. Understanding the key aspects of China travel insurance is crucial in order to select the right coverage for your needs.

One of the primary benefits of China travel insurance is medical coverage. Although you may have medical insurance in your home country, it might not cover medical expenses incurred abroad. China travel insurance typically provides coverage for emergency medical treatments, hospital stays, and medical evacuation, ensuring that you receive the necessary care without any financial burden.

In addition to medical coverage, China travel insurance often includes coverage for trip cancellation or interruption. This means that if your trip gets canceled or cut short due to unforeseen circumstances, such as a family emergency or natural disaster, you can be reimbursed for non-refundable expenses, including airfare, accommodations, and tour fees.

Lost luggage is another common concern for travelers, and China travel insurance typically provides coverage for the loss or delay of baggage. If your luggage is lost, damaged, or delayed during your trip, your insurer can reimburse you for the cost of essential items or replacement of the lost items.

China travel insurance may also offer coverage for personal liability, which protects you against any legal expenses or damages in case you are held responsible for causing injury or damage to a third party during your trip. This can be especially important when traveling in a foreign country where the legal system and potential liabilities might be unfamiliar to you.

It’s important to note that the coverage and limits of China travel insurance can vary depending on the insurance provider and the specific policy you choose. It’s crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions of the policy to ensure that it aligns with your specific needs and provides adequate coverage for your travel plans.

By understanding the coverage options available and assessing your personal requirements, you can make an informed decision about which China travel insurance policy is the best fit for you. Remember, investing in travel insurance provides peace of mind and protects you from unforeseen expenses and emergencies, allowing you to fully enjoy your trip to China.

Factors to Consider When Choosing China Travel Insurance

When selecting China travel insurance, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure that you choose the right coverage that meets your specific needs and provides adequate protection during your trip. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Coverage Options: Evaluate the coverage options offered by different insurance providers. Look for comprehensive coverage that includes medical expenses, trip cancellation/interruption, lost luggage, personal liability, and emergency evacuation. Determine which coverage options are priorities for your trip to China.
• Policy Limits: Examine the maximum coverage limits provided by each policy. Ensure that the limits are sufficient to cover potential expenses in case of medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost baggage. Consider factors such as the cost of healthcare in China and the total value of your travel expenses.
• Premium Costs: Compare the premium costs of different insurance policies. Keep in mind that cheapest doesn’t always mean the best. Consider the value provided by the policy in relation to its cost. Look for a balance between affordability and comprehensive coverage.
• Pre-Existing Medical Conditions: If you have pre-existing medical conditions, ensure that the insurance policy provides coverage for them. Some policies may exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions or have specific conditions for coverage eligibility. Read the policy terms and conditions carefully to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
• Travel Duration: Consider the duration of your trip to China. If you’re planning a short vacation, a single-trip insurance policy may suffice. However, if you’re a frequent traveler or planning an extended stay, a multi-trip or long-stay policy would be more appropriate and cost-effective.
• Geographical Coverage: Check if the insurance policy provides coverage not only in China but also in other countries you plan to visit during your trip. If you’re planning to explore neighboring countries or have connecting flights, it’s important to have coverage for those regions as well.
• Customer Reviews and Reputation: Research the reputation and customer reviews of the insurance provider. Look for feedback from previous customers regarding the company’s claims process, customer service, and overall satisfaction. This will give you insights into the reliability and trustworthiness of the provider.

By considering these factors, you can make a well-informed decision when choosing China travel insurance. It’s important to take the time to compare different policies, read the fine print, and understand the coverage terms and exclusions. Remember, travel insurance offers peace of mind and financial protection, providing you with the necessary support in case of any unforeseen events during your trip to China.

Coverage Options for China Travel Insurance

When selecting China travel insurance, it’s crucial to understand the coverage options available to ensure that you have adequate protection during your trip. Here are some common coverage options offered by China travel insurance policies:

• Medical Expenses: This coverage option provides reimbursement for medical treatments, hospital stays, and emergency medical evacuation. It ensures that you receive the necessary healthcare without worrying about the financial burden. It’s important to check the coverage limits and any exclusions related to pre-existing medical conditions.
• Trip Cancellation or Interruption: This coverage reimburses non-refundable expenses if your trip to China gets canceled or cut short due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, natural disasters, or other emergencies. It typically covers expenses like airfare, accommodations, and tour fees.
• Lost or Delayed Luggage: This coverage option provides reimbursement for the loss, damage, or delay of your baggage. It helps cover the cost of essential items or replacement of lost items, allowing you to continue your journey without significant inconvenience.
• Personal Liability: This coverage protects you from any legal expenses or damages if you are held responsible for causing injury or damage to a third party during your trip to China. It provides financial protection and peace of mind in case of unforeseen liabilities.
• Emergency Evacuation: This coverage offers assistance and financial coverage for emergency medical evacuation or repatriation to your home country in case of a serious illness or injury that requires specialized treatment or transportation.
• 24/7 Assistance Services: Most China travel insurance policies provide round-the-clock assistance services, including emergency helpline, travel assistance, and concierge services. These services offer support and guidance in various situations, including medical emergencies, lost documents, or other travel-related issues.
• Additional Coverage Options: Depending on the insurance provider, there may be additional coverage options available, such as trip delay coverage, missed connection coverage, rental car coverage, and adventure sports coverage. Assess your specific needs and preferences to determine if any additional coverage options would be beneficial for your trip.

It’s important to carefully review the coverage options and policy terms and conditions to understand the specific coverage details, limits, and exclusions. Assess your travel plans, activities, and personal needs to determine which coverage options are crucial for your trip to China. By selecting the right coverage options, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re protected against unexpected events and have the necessary support during your travels.

Important Terms and Definitions

When exploring China travel insurance options, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with important terms and definitions associated with the coverage. Understanding these terms will help you better navigate the policy and make informed decisions. Here are some key terms and definitions:

• Premium: The premium is the amount you pay to the insurance company for the coverage. It can be a one-time payment for single-trip insurance or an annual payment for multi-trip insurance.
• Deductible: The deductible is the amount you are responsible for paying before the insurance coverage kicks in. For example, if your deductible is $200, and you incur medical expenses of $500, you would pay the $200 deductible, and the insurance provider would cover the remaining $300.
• Policy Limits: The policy limits refer to the maximum amount that the insurance company will pay for a particular coverage option. It’s important to understand these limits to ensure you have sufficient coverage for potential expenses.
• Pre-Existing Medical Condition: A pre-existing medical condition refers to an illness, injury, or medical condition that existed before your travel insurance policy came into effect. It’s important to understand how pre-existing conditions are covered, as some policies may have specific conditions or exclusions.
• Exclusions: Exclusions are specific situations or circumstances that are not covered by the insurance policy. It’s crucial to carefully review the policy’s exclusions to understand what events or situations may not be covered and plan accordingly.
• Claim: A claim is a formal request made to the insurance company for reimbursement or coverage for a covered event or expense.
• Emergency Assistance: Emergency assistance refers to the services provided by the insurance company, such as a 24/7 helpline, medical assistance, or travel assistance, to help you in case of emergencies or unexpected situations during your trip.
• Repatriation: Repatriation refers to the process of returning an individual to their home country in case of a serious illness, injury, or death that cannot be adequately treated at the travel destination.
• Travel Delay: Travel delay refers to a situation where your scheduled transportation is delayed for a specified period. Travel insurance may provide coverage for additional expenses incurred due to the delay.
• Policy Termination: Policy termination refers to the cancellation or end of the insurance coverage, either by the policyholder or the insurance company. It’s important to understand the policy’s termination clauses to avoid any complications.

By familiarizing yourself with these terms and definitions, you can better understand the specifics of your China travel insurance policy. If you come across any terms or concepts that you’re unsure about, don’t hesitate to reach out to the insurance provider for clarification. Understanding these important terms will enable you to navigate your policy effectively and ensure that you have the coverage you need during your trip to China.

Tips for Choosing the Right China Travel Insurance

Choosing the right China travel insurance is essential to ensure you have the necessary coverage and protection during your trip. Here are some helpful tips to consider when selecting your travel insurance policy:

• Assess Your Needs: Evaluate your specific needs and requirements for your trip to China. Consider factors such as your travel duration, planned activities, and the level of coverage you desire. This will help you determine which coverage options are essential for your trip.
• Compare Multiple Policies: Don’t settle for the first travel insurance policy you come across. Take the time to compare multiple policies from different providers. Look at the coverage options, policy limits, premium costs, and any additional features or benefits offered.
• Read the Fine Print: Carefully review the terms and conditions of the policy. Pay attention to the coverage details, exclusions, deductibles, and claim procedures. Ensure that you fully understand what is covered and what is not to avoid any surprises or misunderstandings later on.
• Consider Emergency Assistance Services: Look for a policy that offers 24/7 emergency assistance services. Having access to a helpline and travel assistance can be invaluable in case of emergencies or unexpected situations during your trip to China.
• Check Pre-Existing Medical Condition Coverage: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, ensure that the policy provides coverage for them. Some policies may have specific conditions or exclusions related to pre-existing conditions.
• Review Customer Feedback: Research the reputation and customer reviews of the insurance providers you’re considering. Look for feedback on the company’s claims process, customer service, and overall satisfaction. This will give you insights into the reliability and trustworthiness of the provider.
• Consider Multi-Trip or Annual Policies: If you’re a frequent traveler or planning multiple trips to China within a year, consider opting for a multi-trip or annual policy. These policies can be more cost-effective and convenient compared to purchasing separate policies for each trip.
• Consult with a Travel Agent: If you’re unsure about which travel insurance policy to choose, consider consulting with a travel agent who specializes in travel insurance. They can provide valuable advice and help you find a policy that aligns with your specific needs and budget.
• Review Your Existing Coverage: Before purchasing travel insurance, review any existing insurance coverage you may have, such as medical insurance or credit card benefits. Determine if there are any overlapping coverages to avoid paying for duplicate coverage.
• Don’t Delay Purchasing Insurance: It’s important to purchase travel insurance as soon as you book your trip to China. This ensures that you’re protected in case of any unforeseen events that may occur before your departure.

By following these tips, you can make an informed decision and select the right China travel insurance policy for your needs. Remember, the goal is to have peace of mind and be prepared for any unexpected situations that may arise during your travels in China. With the right coverage in place, you can enjoy your trip with confidence and focus on creating unforgettable memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about China travel insurance:

• Is travel insurance necessary for a trip to China?

While travel insurance is not a legal requirement for visiting China, it is highly recommended. Travel insurance provides financial protection against unforeseen events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and more, ensuring you have peace of mind during your trip.

• What does China travel insurance typically cover?

China travel insurance typically covers medical expenses, trip cancellation/interruption, lost or delayed luggage, personal liability, and emergency evacuation. However, the specific coverage options and limits may vary depending on the insurance policy you choose.

• Does China travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?

Some China travel insurance policies may provide coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, while others may have specific conditions or exclusions. It’s important to carefully review the policy terms and conditions to determine the coverage for pre-existing conditions.

• When should I purchase China travel insurance?

It’s recommended to purchase China travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. This ensures that you’re covered for any unforeseen events that may occur before your departure, such as trip cancellations or medical emergencies.

• Can I cancel my China travel insurance policy?

Most travel insurance policies have a free-look period, typically 10 to 15 days after purchase, during which you can cancel the policy for a full refund. After the free-look period, the policy may have a cancellation fee, and the refund amount depends on the terms and conditions of the policy.

• Are adventure activities covered under China travel insurance?

Sometimes, adventure activities such as hiking, skiing, or scuba diving are not covered under a standard travel insurance policy. If you plan to engage in such activities, make sure to check if they are covered as part of your policy or if you need additional coverage for these activities.

• What should I do if I need assistance during my trip to China?

If you need assistance during your trip, such as medical emergencies or travel-related issues, contact the 24/7 emergency assistance helpline provided by your insurance company. They can provide guidance and support in navigating the situation.

• Can I extend my China travel insurance policy if my trip gets extended?

Some insurance providers allow policy extensions if your trip gets extended. However, it’s important to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to discuss the extension and any additional premiums or coverage adjustments that may be required.

• How do I make a claim with my China travel insurance?

If you need to make a claim, notify your insurance provider as soon as possible and follow their specific claims process. You will typically be required to submit relevant documentation, such as medical receipts or police reports, to support your claim.

Remember to read your policy carefully and contact your insurance provider directly for any specific questions related to your China travel insurance coverage.

China travel insurance is a crucial aspect of planning your trip to this diverse and captivating country. It provides the protection and peace of mind you need to fully enjoy your travel experience, knowing that you are covered in case of any unforeseen events. By understanding the various coverage options, policy terms, and factors to consider, you can choose the right China travel insurance policy that aligns with your needs and provides the necessary coverage.

When selecting a policy, assess your specific needs, compare multiple options, and thoroughly review the terms and conditions. Consider factors such as coverage options, policy limits, premium costs, and any additional services or benefits offered. It’s also important to check if the policy covers pre-existing medical conditions and provides emergency assistance services.

By carefully evaluating your options and selecting the right coverage, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are financially protected against medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other unexpected events that may occur during your trip to China. Remember to read the policy thoroughly, understand the coverage details, and keep a copy of your insurance documents handy while traveling.

Traveling to China offers a multitude of experiences and adventures, from exploring ancient cultural sites to indulging in delicious cuisine. With the right China travel insurance, you can embark on your journey with confidence, knowing that you have taken the necessary steps to protect yourself and your travel investment.

So, whether you’re planning a visit to the Great Wall, immersing yourself in the bustling streets of Beijing, or exploring the picturesque landscapes of Zhangjiajie, make sure to secure the right China travel insurance. It’s an essential part of your travel planning that allows you to focus on creating lifelong memories while being prepared for any unexpected twists and turns along the way.

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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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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
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Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not dispensable, it’s essential!

Many travelers tend to consider travel insurance as a waste of money, for in most cases, tourists won’t need to use travel insurance at all. However, just as the Murphy’s Law goes, if something can go wrong, then it will. Though it’s a bit of exaggerated, it does make its point. Travel insurance is a good way to protect you from unforeseen and unfortunate occurrences. Travel insurance can help when you encounter medical emergency, damage or loss to personal property and even a death. It can also compensate the loss caused by canceling, delaying or interrupting of the trip, or the other tour expenses, like airfare and hotel fees. Some travel insurance will also cover the flight delay or cancellation.

Travel Agency’s Liability Insurance (We purchase for you)

The National Tourism Administration of China regulates that all tour operators in China shall purchase Travel Agencies’ Liability Insurance. Thus, if tourists encounter any property losses, personal injury, death or other kinds of losses caused by the travel agency or due to the misconduct of the travel agency during the guided tour, tourists will receive compensation for their loss. We will purchase this insurance for you but please note its insured ammounts are limited. You'd better purchase other travel insurance for a full coverage.

Accident Insurance for Internal Travel (provided by us if you book tour with us)

For our clients, besides the Travel Agencies’ Liability Insurance, we also buy Accident Insurance for Internal Travel for you. This insurance covers several aspects, including:

1.Tourists’ casualty (injury or death) caused by general accidents, high-risk sports and traffic accidents.

2.Death caused by acute disease (including sudden death), or complete disability.

3.Medical expense for accidental accidents and acute disease.

4.Flight delay.

International Travel Insurance (Purchase yourself)

The above insurance can only cover a certain aspects in a trip, and to make sure you are fully covered, traveler is suggest to purchase international travel insurance before you come to China back home. The most common travel insurance benefits are:

1.Loss, theft or damage to personal possessions and money (including travel documents)

2.Medical expenses

3.Emergency evacuation/repatriation

4.Trip cancellation/interruption

5.Delayed departure

6.Delayed baggage (and emergency replacement of essential items)

7.Accidental death, injury or disablement benefit

8.Overseas funeral expenses

9.Curtailment

10.Legal assistance

11.Personal liability and rental car damage excess.

When you choose travel insurance, make sure the insurance covers the following:

Medical Cover: it may be the most important part. Some insurance won’t cover medical evacuation, and in this case, you’d better purchase a supplemental policy. Also, many travel insurance won’t cover for injuries incurred whilst participating in high-risk sports, such as jet-skiing or sky diving. So if you are going to experience these activities in your travel, make sure your travel insurance cover these sports.

Possessions Cover: make sure your insurance will cover for cash, documents (like passport), luggage (airlines often compensate little when they lost your luggage), and other valuable things. If you encounter a theft, then it must be reported to the policy within 24 hours and the proof of the theft must be reserved for the compensation process of the insurance company.

Personal Accident Cover: though event of death or permanent disability are unlikely to happen, however, it’s important your insurance cover this.

Personal Liability Cover: if you injure other people or damage their property, or if you encounter any law suit, this will cover the loss for you.

Cancellation Cover: this covers you when you cancel your trip, or your flights are cancelled or moved.

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Travel Insurance

A Brief Introdution Of Travel Insurance If you have an upcoming trip planned, you owe it to yourself to look into travel insurance. It's an unfortunate reality that things happen when we least expect them. We've found that experts generally recommend travel insurance, and the savviest of travelers look at it as a wise choice.

If you think that your credit card company will protect you, think again. Credit card companies may cover certain aspects of airline costs if your tickets go missing or become worthless, but they will not help you if your flight is delayed and your cruise is missed. Nor will they help if you suffer an injury or illness while traveling.

When Should You Buy Travel Insurance? If you're making plans for your vacation or your family's vacation, you need to determine whether you want to purchase travel insurance. Travel insurance may be another expense, but it can be well worth it so that you're covered in case of an emergency or problem.

Like many things, travel insurance can cover a wide variety of problems and will reimburse your costs for many situations. But you should know what type of insurance you need for your specific situation.

Why Should You Buy Travel Insurance ? Traveling is fun, but it can also bring about the unexpected. And unless the trip is free, it's likely that you are spending a significant amount of money too. Therefore, searching out the best travel insurance for your needs is an important, yet often overlooked part of the trip planning process. After all, you should protect yourself in case of a trip cancellation or interruption, lost baggage, or an illness.

Especially if you are going to a foreign land, having international travel insurance is a must! A good travel insurance plan offers you a peace of mind and confidence to explore the world. And it allows you to travel with certainty of protection even in case of the worst scenarios such as a severe injury, or even war.

However, choosing the best travel insurance to purchase for your upcoming vacations can be an intimidating task. There are hundreds of plans that exist out there, written in complex legal language that can prove difficult to understand, even for the savviest consumers.  That’s why we’ve put together this guide – to help explain the different types of travel insurance to you, and give you our best recommendations for how to buy travel insurance.

To demonstrate the importance of purchasing travel insurance, and emergency travel services, here are 9 common examples of what could go wrong.

1.It's 10 p.m. and you and your immediate family arrive at the airport for a connecting flight, only to find that your flight has been cancelled. Who can assist you with finding new flights to get everyone home?

2.Your bag was lost with your insulin inside. You need help to locate your bag as soon as possible and have your emergency prescription filled. Who do you call?

3.Your first visit to China, and your passport and wallet are stolen. Where do you turn for assistance in obtaining emergency cash, and how will you get your passport replaced?

4.You're involved in an accident and adequate medical treatment is not available. Who will help coordinate a medical evacuation?

5.If your sister-in-law becomes seriously ill and you must cancel your trip, what happens to your non-refundable deposits or pre-payments?

6.You arrive in China and your luggage doesn't. If it's lost, who will help you find it? If it's delayed who will reimburse you for covered necessities? If it's stolen, who will reimburse you for its contents?

7.Your cruise line, airline or tour operator goes bankrupt. Who will pay for your non-refundable expenses? Who is able to assist in getting you to your destination?

8.You're walking down a street and twist your ankle. Who is able to assist you in finding an English-speaking physician?

9.Three weeks before your scheduled arrival, a terrorist incident occurs in the city to which you are planning to visit. Who will reimburse you if you want to cancel your trip?

Things included in your travel insurance:

* Medical Expenses, including emergency evacuation * Compensation for cancellation, curtailment, or delays * Legal assistance * Loss or theft of money * Compensation in the case of death, disablement and injury

Other Specials: * Dangerous sports * Pregnancy * Pre-exsiting medical conditions * Drug or alcohol use

Travel Insurance is Not As Expensive As You May Think! The most important thing to remember is that insurance is not as expensive as you might think, and it can really save your butt if something were to happen.  But I understand that finding the best travel insurance for your needs can be difficult.  So I hope this post has helped you know exactly what you should look for, and how to buy travel insurance easily online.  Happy travels to you!

Travel Insurance Covers Disruptions in Your Trip When you travel, there is a lot that is out of your control. You may have to return home unexpectedly in the case of an emergency, or perhaps your flight gets delayed or even canceled! If you do not have travel insurance, such disruptions could cost you a fortune. In most cases, you will lose the money / deposits you have already paid, as well as having to pay additional costs.

Luckily, most travel insurance packages cover you for events which are out of your control; therefore, you don't need to spend your money in case something goes wrong.  It’s a great peace of mind.

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25 quick and helpful Shanghai travel tips (2024)

Posted by Gayle Aggiss | Updated October 1, 2023 | China blog , Travel

Shanghai is hands down one of the most buzzing cities in the world and it’s one of my personal favorites.

You probably hear this a lot, but Shanghai really does have everything.

It’s got amazing food, shopping, culture, architecture, history… the list goes on.

But despite all of these amazing features, it’s still different to western countries and can be confusing for first timers and experienced travelers alike.

So, to make your trip smoother, here are the top Shanghai travel tips that I’ve put together after numerous trips to this incredible city.

1. Eat your way around the world

Eat Chinese food or international cuisine in Shanghai – take your pick. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

The food in Shanghai is so damn good, and has always satisfied my hungry stomach. (I’m not ashamed to say that I travel for the food as much as the sights.)

I ate Mongolian food for the first time while I was in Shanghai. Previously, I hadn’t even known that Mongolian food was a thing.

I still think about the cheesy, meaty goodness at that restaurant!

But if you want to sink your teeth into something local, my favorite kinds of Shanghai dumplings are:

• Xiao long bao (小笼包), delicate little things that have a soup broth inside
• Sheng jian (生煎) which are fried pork dumplings with a crispy base.

They’re both so delicious that I wrote an entire article about how good the dumplings in China are  (you can check it out later).

My advice while you’re in Shanghai is to get out of your comfort zone and try everything. Watch where the locals go and what they eat.

2. See if visa-free travel applies to you

You’ll need an L tourist visa if you’re ineligible for Visa Free Transit. Image by i viewfinder on Shutterstock.

To be able to sink your teeth into a Shanghai dumpling, you’ll need to make sure you get here in the first place!

Like most travelers to Shanghai, you’ll probably have to get a visa before you visit.

And depending on where you live, the visa process can be difficult or time-consuming, so I recommend getting started early. Not the week before you leave!

However, if you’re on a short trip (on the way to another country), then it’s worth knowing that Shanghai has a 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit policy.

Passport holders from a bunch of countries can enjoy 144 hours in Shanghai without having to get a visa.

So, if you’re on your way to somewhere else, you could spend up to 6 days in Shanghai without going through any extra paperwork trouble.

Some of the countries included under this rule are:

• Germany and many European countries
• New Zealand

Interestingly, some large countries like India and Malaysia do not enjoy this privilege, and you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa regardless of the length of your stay.

You can check your eligibility for Visa Free Transit by tapping here.

Note that this opens up in a new window (it’s an official Chinese government site).

3. Get a VPN

Access banned websites and apps in Shanghai with a VPN. Image by Privecstasy on Unsplash.

If you’re like most people, then you enjoy sharing images and updates about your trip as you explore. But you’ll have a lot more trouble doing that while you’re in Shanghai.

China’s firewall is real, and it will leave you unable to access sites like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Google.

Basically, the sites that you’re most likely to use to stay connected, share your holiday snaps, and find out the answers to questions (like ‘best dumpling restaurants in Shanghai’), will be completely off limits.

That’s why you’ll need a virtual private network (VPN) during your stay. And you’ll need to download it before arriving in China, otherwise you won’t be able to download it at all.

You can read a review of which VPN is best for Shanghai here or tap on the button below to get the one which The Helpful Panda recommends.

If you’re already in China and your VPN is playing up (that’s normal in China), there’s a troubleshooting guide here .

4. Don’t tip

People generally don’t tip in Shanghai. Image by AndreyCherkasov on Shutterstock.

If you’re from the United States, you’ll be used to tipping. But please don’t tip in China.

Not only do the locals not tip, service staff may feel awkward if you try and slip them a note.

There are a few little exceptions to the ‘no tipping’ rule, so I suggest you read this article that Mike wrote .

5. Beware the traffic

Shanghai traffic on a good day! Image by Robert Biesewig on Pixabay.

OK, this applies all over China, but I need to put it in this list of Shanghai travel tips.

Don’t expect everyone to obey traffic laws. Red lights, cross walks, they’re more suggestions than hard and fast laws in Shanghai.

So, don’t just step out when the walk sign flashes and expect to be safe.

This applies to walking on the sidewalk too. Back home, I always think of the sidewalk as car-free and much safer to walk on.

But in Shanghai, you’ll find e-scooters and e-bikes driving like maniacs on the sidewalk, and it isn’t unusual for cars to park on the sidewalk. Keep your eyes and ears open!

6. Use a navigation app

Using a map app will definitely help you. Image by Brett Jordan on Pexels.

Now, I’ll be the first one to tell you that Shanghai is easy to navigate.

The tourist areas are generally well-signposted and, if you get lost, the locals can speak some English.

But why rely on the locals, or even your intuition, when you can use a navigation app?

The best China map app , in my opinion, is MAPS.ME but others swear by Google using a VPN.

It’s ultimately up to you, but if you plan on using MAPS.ME just remember to download your Shanghai map before you arrive in China so you can use it offline (and not use expensive roaming data) while you’re there. Awesome.

If you use one of the Chinese map apps, like Gaode, you’ll need to be able to read Mandarin!

7. Prepare for squat toilets

Yep, this is me photographing a squat toilet. Image supplied by Gayle Aggiss.

Shanghai gets a lot of foreign visitors, so it has facilities to match.

But if you go need to use public toilets, like at a local mall, you’ll probably be confronted with the dreaded Chinese squat toilet (boy, was it fun writing that article).

These toilets can be a bigger challenge than you might expect, especially for women. Here’s a few tips to help you survive them:

• Carry toilet paper with you, as the toilets usually don’t have them
• Don’t put the toilet paper down the toilet, it goes in the bin
• Try not to look at the bin as it’s usually quite foul and overflowing
• Bring sanitizer with you as there’s usually no soap.

If you struggle to squat, then plan your daily trips around places you know have western toilets. Or, if you can, do your business in your hotel!

8. Explore the side streets

Get off the main streets for better, cheaper food. Image by Paralaxis on Shutterstock.

In any big Chinese city, and especially Shanghai, the food is often better (and always cheaper) if you venture off the main street.

I can’t tell you how many amazing meals I’ve had in China down side streets.

9. Pack your adapter

This is something you shouldn’t forget to pack in your bag. Image by Edward Eyer on Pexels.

Shanghai’s power points aren’t uniform, and you’ll find A, C, and I plug sockets apparently at random.

So, make sure that you pack an adapter to match. It’s one of the best things to buy for your trip.

Side note: Check out Mike’s incredible packing list for China , which covers a lot more than power adapters!

Depending on where you’re from, you might also need a voltage converter just to make sure your electronics don’t get blown out.

10. Bring your passport on day trips

It may sound obvious, but if you forget your passport then you can’t get into the tourist sites. Image by Gustavo Fring on Pexels.

Got a day trip planned for Suzhou or one of the lovely water towns?

If you’re taking the high-speed train, you’ll need to bring your passport to be able to board the train.

The locals use their national ID card to go through the electronic gates, while foreigners like you and me annoyingly have to go to the manual gate and present our passport.

Also, most tourist attractions in China require ID to get in, so even if you stay in central Shanghai, you will need your passport to get into places.

11. Use the Metro or Didi

This is the symbol to look out for to take the subway. Image by TK Kurikawa on Shutterstock.

While we’re on the topic of trains, let’s talk about how good the Shanghai subway is.

It’s prompt, clean, and will take you all over the city (of course). And there’s a whopping 16 lines.

The Metro also connects up with Maglev train, which is the ‘magnetic levitation’ train that you can get to and from the Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

If you’d rather travel in a car while you’re in the city, then download Didi, which is China’s version of Uber.

You can literally get a ride within a few minutes from anywhere in the city.

I suggest you take a look at the other great travel apps to use in China .

12. Explore the shopping malls

There are shopping centers in and around Nanjing Road. Image by ThewayIsee on Shutterstock.

If you’re cashed up and love shopping, then you’ll love Shanghai.

Check out this website where you can filter for shopping centers and malls based on the Metro stations you’re near.

I’m not a big shopper myself, so wandering down East Nanjing Road is enough for me.

13. Stay near attractions

I recommend staying near The Bund as that’s where many of the main attractions are. Image by Adli Wahid on Unsplash.

Although Shanghai is China’s largest city, it’s remarkably walkable.

But this doesn’t mean that you’ll want to walk for miles every day while you’re there, especially if you’re only in Shanghai for a few days.

To avoid this, consider staying near the attractions you most want to see. This will cut down on your transport times and costs as well as shoe leather.

You can check out some great hotels in Shanghai by tapping on the button below.

Obviously if you’re on a packaged tour you don’t need to worry about this. But Shanghai is the easiest place in China to travel solo .

Oh, and fun fact: the population of Shanghai is about the same as the whole of Australia, where I’m from.

14. Use a translation app

A translation app is an indispensable tool for Shanghai. Image by Lars Poyansky on Shutterstock.

There’s more English in Shanghai than in any other city in China, but this doesn’t mean that everyone speaks English or that everyone will understand you.

Taxi drivers in particular often don’t speak English and this can make getting around difficult.

To overcome this issue, use a translation app on your phone. Pleco is a good one, but there are plenty of others.

I like using trusty Google Translate, but just remember you’ll need a VPN in Shanghai to use any of Google’s services.

If you’re a bit old school, or a bit old (sorry mum!), then at least make sure you have the hotel’s address on a business card or written down somewhere in Chinese characters.

That way, you can just hand it to a taxi driver and be on your merry way.

15. Get out of the city

Getting wet in Zhouzhuang Water Town! Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

One of the best Shanghai travel tips that I can give you is to get out of the city if you can.

This will give you a break from the noise and the lights and there are also some absolutely amazing places really close to Shanghai that are well worth seeing.

If you’re not part of a tour group, take advantage of the bullet trains and go!

Here’s where I recommend that you visit:

• Hangzhou, for lake cruises and tea (1 hour from Shanghai Hongqiao by train)
• Suzhou, for beautiful gardens (30 minutes by train)
• Nanjing , where you can experience China’s ancient capital (75 minutes by train).

There are also some picture-perfect ancient water towns within easy reach of the city:

• Zhujiajiao Water Town (40 minutes by Metro, then walk)
• Tongli Water Town (75 minutes by car, or take train to Suzhou)
• Zhouzhuang Water Town (90 minutes by car).

Just remember to bring your passport to board the bullet trains, as I mentioned in tip number 7.

16. Don’t drink the water

Only drink bottled water in China. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

This may seem like an obvious one, but the consequences of forgetting are pretty dire, so I’m including it.

Do not drink the tap water while you’re in Shanghai. Drink bottled water at all times and use it to brush your teeth as well.

You don’t want to spend all of your short time in Shanghai being sick, so don’t risk it.

17. Avoid Shanghai in summer

Everyone covers up in Shanghai in the summer. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Autumn and spring are the best times to visit the city as the weather is mostly very pleasant.

But even winter is fairly mild and comfortable for most (there’s no snow in Shanghai).

In contrast, summers can be intense. Between June and August, you can expect temperatures around 86-95°F (30-35°C) or even as high as 104°F (40°C).

Combine these temperatures with all of the city’s glass and metal plus high humidity, and it can lead to a lot of hot, sticky days.

If you have choice over travel dates, I recommend booking your trip for the other seasons.

Check out the page on the best time to visit Shanghai and Beijing .

18. Reconsider that trip to Disneyland

Think twice if you want to use your time in Shanghai by visiting Disney Resort. Image by Woshinidayess on Pixabay.

Look, I need to be honest and tell you I haven’t been to Shanghai Disney Resort. I’m not really an amusement parks kind of girl.

But hearing from friends who have been there, all I’ll say is have a big hard think if you want to spend an entire day at Shanghai Disney.

It’s expensive, there are long queues, and in my opinion, plenty of other better places to visit!

Only go there if you’re a massive fan.

19. See the best tourist sights

The French Concession is a lovely area to explore. Image by Robert Mullan on Shutterstock.

Only in Shanghai for a few days?

Then here are the best places where everyone typically goes:

• The Bund, which is the huge, lovely waterfront and a true Shanghai landmark
• Pudong skyline, which you can see from the Bund or you can go up one of the towers (see below)
• Nanjing Road for large stores and malls
• Yuyuan Garden for traditional Chinese gardens (see below)
• Jing’an temple for a more peaceful experience in the city
• Former French Concession , where there are cafes and leafy trees
• Xintiandi and Huaihai Road for upmarket shopping and dining
• Puxi District if you’re into nightlife.

Note: Try to avoid public holidays and weekends if you can.

Also, the Chinese are night owls, so if you get somewhere when it opens, you’ll beat the hordes (well, at least for the first hour).

20. Go up a tower

There’s so much fog that you can only see the top of the Bottle Opener. Image by Jeremy Zhu on Pixabay.

I say ‘a’ tower as there are so many options!

But if you like observation decks like I do, then you could try a few:

• Shanghai Tower is China’s tallest building, and one of the world’s tallest buildings
• Shanghai World Financial Center, the second tallest building in the city which looks like a big bottle opener
• Jin Mao Tower, which is nestled between the two above
• Oriental Pearl TV Tower Observation Deck, one of the futuristic buildings on the banks of the Huangpu River.

They’re all in Pudong, so you could literally tower-hop your way through this district.

The Oriental Pearl Tower is the original tall structure in Pudong, but now looks a little dwarfed next to the other monstrosities.

Note: You’ll only get spectacular views on days where there’s no smog or clouds.

Otherwise, you’ll see absolutely nothing (well, except smog and clouds).

21. Beware of strangers at Yuyuan Garden

There’s a known scam that happens near the Yu Garden. Image by Laurette Chapuis on Pixabay.

Shanghai, like the rest of China, is very safe and especially for foreign tourists.

However, there’s a common scam near the busiest tourist attractions in China, that being the Yu Garden in Shanghai and the Forbidden City in Beijing.

Basically, someone (usually a woman) with excellent English will start talking to you, and once she’s built your trust, she’ll invite you to a teahouse.

The only thing is – the tea will cost an astronomical price per cup, and you’ll only find this out once you’ve downed half a dozen of them.

And, you’ll be locked inside the teahouse until you pay! So, never ever accompany a stranger to a teahouse in China.

22. Use mobile payments but carry cash

Everyone in Shanghai uses their phone to pay. Image by Humphery on Shutterstock.

Shanghai is mostly a cashless city, with most hotels, shops, and attractions relying on mobile payments.

Lots of shops may even refuse to take large bills because they can’t give you change. This means you should prepare other ways to pay other than cash.

Download WeChat Pay or Alipay and set it up with your card before you go.

Seriously, no one uses cash anymore in China!

23. Get your coffee fix (hopefully)

Some coffee shops don’t accept cash or even have customer service. Image by Sarunyu L on Shutterstock.

While I’m on the topic of payment apps, you’ll find that some of the coffee shops in Shanghai (I’m looking at you, Luckin Coffee) only take app orders.

The apps are only in Mandarin, and you’ll need a Master’s degree on how to order. And that’s assuming you’ve already set up your foreign card on WeChat Pay or Alipay.

You might need to ‘shop around’ for a coffee shop that will take your cash order, otherwise head to a Starbucks.

At least you won’t go thirsty in the country’s biggest city. Shanghai has the most coffee shops in the world (you can see more crazy facts about China here .)

24. Take a boat ride on the Huangpu

Find your feet in the city by doing a river cruise. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

I like being around water. I’m Australian.

So, if you’re anything like me and you need some respite from all the concreteness that is Shanghai, take a boat ride on the Huangpu River.

There are a few options leaving from The Bund area, and it’s nice to see the city from a different angle.

25. Go further

Take the high-speed to explore other parts of China. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

I’ll finish with this tip.

If you want to visit other Chinese cities, I recommend taking the high-speed train.

For relatively short distances, the train is always cheaper than flying, but even on longer distances it can be just as good.

For example, you can get from Shanghai to Beijing in under five hours on the bullet train. You cut out all the stress and extra time needed at the airport for security and whatnot.

And, domestic flights in China can be relatively expensive.

Psst! Last travel tip

I mentioned at the start how all the major foreign sites and apps are blocked in China.

So, I’m reminding you before you go off and have a cup of tea!

If you want to use the internet in China using hotel Wi-Fi, then you’ll need to get a VPN on your devices.

Check out this review or tap on the button below for the recommended one.

Just remember to download it before you arrive, as VPN sales are blocked in China.

You’ll have a great time in Shanghai

This huge, exciting city is perfect for giving you a quick taste of all that China has to offer. It’s remarkably safe as well, making it a great option for first timers to China.

Unfortunately, even with the best Shanghai travel tips in the world, you may still find yourself shocked and uncertain when you first visit the city (e.g. the public toilets may get you).

So, keep these travel tips in mind, but be open to the new and unfamiliar. Because they’ll definitely make the best stories when you get back home.

And finally, don’t forget to try the delicious soup dumplings. I’m so envious already!

Let me know if you have any questions in the comments area below. And be sure to get your VPN before you leave . Bon voyage and safe travels.

Where to from here?

You’ll like these little nuggets of Shanghai knowledge:

• Shanghai travel guide
• Best time to visit Shanghai
• What to wear in Shanghai
• What is Shanghai known for?

Or, if you want more travel tips, then check out these pages:

• Best China travel tips
• Best Beijing travel tips

Main image credit: Sean Sheng on Pixabay.

Want more helpful information about China?

Then hop on the monthly newsletter!

One more step: You must click the link in the email we just sent you to confirm your email address.

Tips and faq about shanghai travel, what do i need to know before going to shanghai.

The most important things are to see if you’re eligible for Visa Free Transit and to get a VPN before you jet off. You should also set up WeChat Pay or Alipay because the city is almost cashless.

What is the best way to explore Shanghai?

Use the Metro which has a whopping 16 lines and numerous interchanges.

How many days is enough for Shanghai?

You could rush through it within a few days, but if you want to explore the water towns and nearby cities (like Suzhou, Hangzhou, etc), then a week would be ideal.

Is Shanghai an expensive city to visit?

Yes, compared to other Chinese cities. But a trip to Shanghai won’t totally break the bank, provided you eat local Chinese food, stay at three-star hotels, and don’t splurge too much at the shopping malls!

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.

Gayle Aggiss

Gayle loves learning and is intensely curious about the world. This curiosity has driven her to travel and work overseas, including China and Vietnam. Gayle is from Perth, Western Australia. You can follow her on LinkedIn .

Got a question or comment?

We welcome relevant and respectful dialogue. See our terms for our comment policy.

More Great Content

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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.

in under 2 minutes

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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 .

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Going on a trip abroad is exciting, but emergencies can happen, and if they do, it can be expensive and challenging affair. You can take some of your stress away by booking a travel medical insurance policy with Covid-19 coverage at competitive pricing from global insurers. Don't forget that for Schengen visa applications, travel insurance is mandatory.

Travel Medical Insurance

Emergency medical coverage, including COVID-19 treatment costs.

Competitive pricing from global insurers.

Global medical insurance coverage for evacuation and accidents.

Cancellation and trip delay coverage.

Protection for loss of passport and travel documents.

Frequently asked questions

View all FAQ's

1 . What is Travel Medical Insurance?

Travel Medical Insurance is designed to cover your emergency medical expenses while traveling abroad. In the event of an unexpected illness, injury, or medical condition during your trip, your travel medical insurance plan will reimburse you for the treatment costs, up to the limits specified in the plan.

2. Why do I need Travel Medical Insurance?

Travel Medical Insurance provides coverage for various risks that may arise during your overseas travel, including medical emergencies, COVID-19, and loss of passport. The coverage offered ensures an additional layer of protection against potential financial losses. For more detailed information on the coverage, please refer to the Travel Medical Insurance policy documents.

3. Why should you buy Travel Medical Insurance online?

Purchasing overseas travel insurance online is a convenient way to access a wide range of best plans at competitive prices from global insurers. This allows you to choose a suitable plan without incurring any extra commissions.

4. How much will overseas Travel Insurance cost?

The cost will depend on the kind of overseas Travel Medical Insurance policy you opt for, and it will vary from country to country. Multiple underlying health conditions will determine the final insurance premium you will have to pay.

5. How far in advance should I purchase Travel Medical Insurance?

It's best to purchase travel insurance within the first 14 days of your initial trip.

With Travel Medical Insurance assistance provided by VFS Global, you can book your insurance and submit your visa application together.

Even if you missed purchasing the insurance plan before or during the visa application process, you can still buy Travel Medical Insurance by visiting our website.

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These links are provided for convenient access. Access to these links is voluntary and does not indicate that VFS Global endorses or is associated with any of these third-party websites. Users are requested to use these links at their own discretion, risk, and cost when dealing with these websites, and neither VFS Global nor its officers, employees, or agents shall have any responsibility or liability of any nature whatsoever for these other third-party websites/links or any other information contained in them.

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For more information about how we use your personal information, please review our Privacy Policy. You can also review our partners' Privacy Policies - you'll be able to find these on their websites when you click through to the next page.

Single Trip Travel Insurance Application Form

• The Proposer and Insured Person must be a Hong Kong Permanent Resident holding a valid HKID card.
• 'Family Plan' includes the principal insured and his/her spouse, their accompanying children aged 6 months to 16 years old will be covered free of charge. (age means the attained age on departure date).
• (a) Child(ren) aged 17 or above, or (b) parents without accompanying child(ren), please submit separate application applying the 'Individual Plan'.
• The maximum period of travel covered is 180 days.
• Starting from 5 January 2015, all online purchase of travel insurance transactions via our bank's webpage (Including Single Trip Travel and Annual Multi Trips Travel) are not entitled bonus point / cash rebate.

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• Best overall
• Best for cruises
• Best for reputation
• Best for preexisting conditions
• Best for digital nomads
• Best low-cost
• Best for road trips
• How we reviewed travel insurance companies

Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Insurance in June 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.

Traveling is an adventure, a leap into the unknown, a story waiting to unfold. But every story needs a safety net, and that's where travel insurance comes in. In this guide to the best travel insurance, we'll embark on a journey to help you better understand travel insurance and uncover the benefits that make it an indispensable companion for any traveler.

Our Picks for the Best Travel Insurance Companies

Best overall: nationwide travel insurance.

• Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA
• Best for Cruises: Travel Guard
• Best Reputation:  C&F Travel Insured
• Best for Pre-existing Conditions:   Tin Leg Travel Insurance
• Best for Digital Nomads:   WorldTrips Travel Insurance
• Best Low-Cost Option:   Trawick International Travel Insurance

Best for Road Trips: Travelex Travel Insurance

How we rate travel insurance »

Compare the Best Travel Insurance Companies

The best travel insurance companies offer comprehensive coverage options for a wide range of people and needs. For this guide, we looked at coverage options, customizability, and the best companies for specific situations, such as pre-existing conditions.

Here are Business Insider's picks for the best travel insurance companies in 2024. 

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

• Cancel for any reason coverage available

Nationwide Travel Insurance is of the largest players in the travel insurance space, offering nearly endless options for any customer on the travel spectrum, including annual travel insurance plans which can offer frequent travelers the flexibility to "set it and forget it" on their travel insurance coverage.

Nationwide Essential also offers some of the most affordable policies in the market compared to similar plans from competitors, which makes it a great pick for just about anyone. Buyers can discuss bundling options as Nationwide also sells homeowners, auto, pet, and other insurance products. Its travel insurance quoting is just as easy as it has been with other Nationwide insurance products.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best Travel Insurance Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

• Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
• Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

AXA Assistance USA  offers consumers a great option for no-stress travel insurance: low-priced plans, generous coverage limits on key categories including primary insurance on lost luggage, and up to 150% reimbursement for qualifying trip cancellations.

While add-ons are limited and rental car coverage is not included by default on cheaper plans, AXA is a perfect fit for travelers who don't plan to drive (or who already hold a travel credit card with rental car coverage), and don't need any additional bells and whistles.

Read our AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance review  here.

Best for Cruises: AIG Travel Guard

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Travel Guard is well-known insurance provider, and a great fit for travelers who want to ensure that they can get their money back in the event of canceled or interrupted travel plans.

While the company's policies can be pricey compared to its competitors, the high medical and evacuation limits make AIG a solid choice for older travelers who value peace of mind and simplicity over highly customizable plans that may be bolstered with medical upgrades.

Read our AIG Travel Guard review here.

Best for Reputation: C&F Travel Insured

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 2 major plans including CFAR coverage on the more expensive option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancellation for job loss included as a covered reason for trip cancellation/interruption (does not require CFAR coverage to qualify)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Frequent traveler reward included in both policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is only $100,000
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews on claims processing indicate ongoing issues
• C&F's Travel Insured policies allow travelers customize travel insurance to fit their specific needs. Frequent travelers may benefit from purchasing an annual travel insurance plan, then adding on CFAR coverage for any portions of travel that may incur greater risk.

While every travel insurance company has negative reviews about its claims process, C&F Travel Insured 's claims process has a consistent stream of positive reviews. One customer wrote that C&F processed a claim within 48 hours. Additionally, C&F regularly responds to customer reviews within one business week, making reviews a consistent way to reach the company.

Additionally, in C&F's fine print, it mentions that any claims that take more than 30 days to pay out will begin to accrue interest at 9% APY.

C&F's reputation isn't the only thing to speak highly of. It offers an array of add-ons uncommon in the travel insurance industry, such as Interruption for Any Reason insurance and CFAR coverage for annual plans. C&F also offers discounts for children on its Protector Edge plan and free coverage on its Protector plan.  

Read our C&F Travel Insured review  here. 

Best for Pre-Existing Conditions: Tin Leg Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Policy coverage includes most pre-existing health conditions
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical and evacuation amounts for peace of mind
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. COVID coverage included by default on all insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers a wide range of plans for various budgets and travel needs
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans offer CFAR, “cancel for work reasons,” financial default, and unemployment coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited add-on coverage options
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage loss and delay coverage is low compared to competitors

Tin Leg travel insurance offers eight travel insurance plans to meet the unique needs of travelers.

• Tin Leg was founded in 2014 by the travel insurance industry experts at Squaremouth. Designed to meet the most common needs of travelers, these policies offer comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits, and a range of Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation limits.

Tin Leg Travel Insurance is a great fit for travelers with medical issues in particular. Seven of Tin Leg's eight travel plans include coverage for pre-existing conditions as long as you purchase your policy within 15 days of your initial trip payment.

Thanks to coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as well as for potential COVID-19 infection while traveling, this company offers some of the best financial investment options for travelers who are or will be exposed to higher health risks and issues.

Read our Tin Leg Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Digital Nomads: WorldTrips Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable base plans that can be customized with add-ons including rental car, pet care, hunting and fishing, and vacation rental coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Insurance plans available for international student travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage benefit that kicks in after just five hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Pre-existing conditions waiver can be purchased within 21 days of initial trip payment
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Lower medical, evacuation and accidental death limits
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited, secondary baggage loss coverage although baggage protection can be upgraded at a low cost
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc.

WorldTrips has been a reputable travel insurance provider for more than 20 years. Unsurprisingly, it boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and positive reviews from thousands of customers.

• Travel medical insurance (Premium, Group, Annual, and International Student options)
• Trip cancellation insurance
• Trip protection insurance

WorldTrips Travel Insurance has affordable premiums, highly customizable add-ons, and generous coverage for core categories of travel insurance. All this makes it a great option for digital nomads, students studying abroad and backpackers.

However, travelers should keep in mind that plans are not particularly flexible, and coverage amounts are limited unless you plan ahead to pay for the areas and amounts that you need.

Read our WorldTrips Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Affordability: Trawick International Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Useful for adventurous travelers headed to higher-risk destinations
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable plans with varying levels of coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 10-day free look option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage loss replacement policy
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some policies allow a CFAR add-on
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million medical evacuation coverage limit
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage and trip delay coverages don’t kick in until after the 12-hour mark
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. International student policies available for temporary stints abroad
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Complaints about claims not being paid or involving an intermediary to resolve claims

Trawick International travel insurance offers plans customized to diverse travelers' needs. We look at coverage options, claims processing, pricing, and other important factors for savvy travelers.

• Travel medical insurance
• Trip protection and cancellation
• International student insurance
• Visitor medical insurance (for traveling to the US)

Trawick International Travel Insurance is another insurance provider with robust medical travel insurance that can help higher-risk and anxious travelers find peace of mind while on the road. This company offers one of the most generous medical evacuation policies in the market, although travelers will need to remember to add on rental car coverage if they need it.

Read our Trawick Travel Insurance review here.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Options to cover sports equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Option to increase medical coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can cancel up to 48 hours before travel when CFAR option is purchased
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable coverage for budget-conscious travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Optional "adventure sports" bundle available for riskier activities
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only two insurance plans to choose from
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage maximum is low at up to $50,000 per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage

Travelex travel insurance is one of the largest travel insurance providers in the US providing domestic and international coverage options. It offers a basic, select, and America option. Read on to learn more.

• Optional CFAR insurance available with the Travel Select plan
• Trip delay insurance starting at $500 with the Travel Basic plan
• Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000

Travelex Travel Insurance  offers three plans:

• Travel Basic
• Travel Select
• Travel America

The Travelex America plan is meant for trips limited to the U.S., but it has the highest coverage limits in many areas compared to its other programs. If you're flying somewhere, the lost baggage limits are higher. Its natural strengths shine for road trippers, though. Travelex America adds coverage for roadside service and rental car coverage for unexpected accidents. It also covers pets should you be involved in an accident while on the road.

While your standard auto insurance does extend to car rentals within the U.S. for a limited time, any accident would affect future rates. Travelex would eliminate the risk of reporting to your auto insurance provider for minor incidents within its purview.

Read our Travelex Travel Insurance review  here.

Introduction to Travel Insurance

Why travel insurance is a must-have.

The unpredictable nature of traveling – from flight cancellations to medical emergencies – can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. Travel insurance acts as a personal safeguard, ensuring that unexpected events don't drain your wallet or ruin your trip.

Understanding Different Types of Travel Insurance

Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. From single-trip travel insurance policies to annual travel insurance plans , from minimal coverage to comprehensive protection, understanding the spectrum of options is your first step in finding the right fit for your journey.

Key Features to Look for in Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance for medical emergencies.

Imagine falling ill in a foreign country; daunting, right? A robust travel insurance plan ensures you don't have to worry about how much emergency medical care while traveling will cost, even in the most remote corners of the globe. This coverage will often come in tandem with emergency medical evacuation coverage.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Benefits

Life is full of surprises, some less pleasant than others. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage ensures that you're not left out of pocket if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or cut your trip short. You may also look for cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason options, which will reimburse you for a percentage of your nonrefundable fees, but expands the covered reasons you can cancel a trip. You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance companies here.

Coverage for Personal Belongings and Baggage Loss

Losing your belongings is more than an inconvenience; it's losing a piece of your world. Insurance that covers personal belongings and baggage loss ensures that you're compensated for your loss, helping you to rebound and continue your adventure.

Support and Assistance Services

In times of trouble, having a lifeline can make all the difference. Look for insurance that offers 24/7 support and assistance services, giving you peace of mind that help is just a phone call away. Also, check websites that field customer reviews like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and InsureMyTrip , to see how well a company responds to customer requests.

Choosing the Best Travel Insurance

Reputation and reliability of the travel insurance provider.

A provider's reputation is not just about being well-known; it's about reliability, customer satisfaction, and the ability to deliver on promises. Researching and choosing a reputable provider is a cornerstone in ensuring your safety and satisfaction.

Understanding the Policy's Fine Print

The devil is in the details, and understanding the fine print of what your travel insurance policy covers is crucial. Be aware of coverage limits, exclusions, and the process for filing a claim to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

In the age of information, customer reviews and feedback are goldmines of insight. Learn from the experiences of others to gauge the reliability and customer service of the insurance provider you're considering. While the ratings are important, you should also look at whether or not a company responds to customer complaints.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Insurance

Knowing your policy inside out.

Familiarize yourself with every aspect of your policy – what it covers, what it doesn't, how to file a claim, and who to contact in an emergency. Being informed means being prepared. 

Steps to Take When a Problem Arises

If you face an issue during your travels, knowing the immediate steps to take can make all the difference. Keep important contacts and your policy details handy, and remember, your insurance provider is there to assist you.

How to Pick the Best Travel Insurance Company for You

There isn't a one-size-fits-all policy that works perfectly for every traveler. Young, healthy solo travelers can opt for much cheaper plans that offer bare-bones coverage, while families juggling complex itineraries will do best by investing in a robust policy that can help defray any costs associated with lost baggage, delayed transportation or other trip-impeding obstacles.

That being said, you can't go wrong with a travel insurance provider that boasts a reputable history and offers a wide range of customizable plans. In some cases, you may be comparing plans that are only a few dollars' apart from each other. In such situations, you should generally opt for the insurance company that offers the strongest customer service. It's also worth considering whether or not the travel insurance provider has been reviewed by other travelers with similar itineraries to your own. 

An insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth is one of the best tools for searching travel insurance policies. Once you input the specifics of your travel itinerary, you'll be able to see hundreds of search results to compare the ones that catch your eye. If the options are too overwhelming, use the filters to the left of your search page to eliminate as many irrelevant plans as possible.

How We Reviewed the Best Travel Insurance Companies

To come up with our list of the best travel insurance companies, we evaluated each insurer based on the following factors:

Guide Methodology: What We Considered

Policy Types

Travel insurance is essential, but often underused partly because people aren't getting what they want. Business Insider's 2023 travel study showed 10.65% of travelers surveyed bought cancel for any reason insurance. Cost may be a factor, but in many cases, the coverage is more affordable than you might think. Regardless, companies must offer a diverse range of coverage options. We award five stars to companies offering all standard coverages and additional options like pet and sports equipment protection.

Our 2023 travel study indicated the majority of purchases were made through the travel provider (ex: flight protection insurance when you're purchasing your airline tickets). While these may be sufficient for some customers, we look for companies offering a more comprehensive range of services.

According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, the average cost of travel insurance will be between 4% and 8% of total travel expenses. Anything beyond that price point should include additional benefits beyond the standard inclusions, such as CFAR protection or upgraded medical coverage. Anything below that 4% threshold may leave you lacking important or sufficient coverage in an emergency.

Convenience and Flexibility

Whether you're an infrequent traveler or a suitcase warrior, a good travel insurance company should have you covered. In many cases, you might not even have to talk to a person in order to purchase your policy.

Many people think of travel insurance in context with specific trips, but most of these top contenders sell both single-trip and multi-trip policies, also known as annual travel insurance. Some companies also offer plans specifically designed for cruisers, students abroad, and business travelers. (Read our guide to the best cruise travel insurance companies for more details.) Finally, all of these providers offer multiple options for getting the specific areas and amounts of coverage that you want.

Claims Handling

Most travelers never have a large claim. Premiums are low, and it provides peace of mind for the just in case situations. So they leave reviews based on their reduced stress levels. But what happens if you lose your luggage or have to stay a few extra days due to an unexpected accident? Will your insurance carrier cover your claim without all the hassle? We check real customer reviews to sort this out for you.

Ease of Use and Support

When purchasing, during your trip, and throughout the claims process, you may need extra support. Does the company have a 24/7 help line? Does it have an online or mobile system allowing you to self-manage? Essentially, what are the options when you need help? We look at the big picture to evaluate the average customer experience with each company.

You can read our full insurance rating methodology for even more details.

Best Travel Insurance FAQs

There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for every traveler. Determine the benefits that are most important to you, like baggage delay coverage, medical coverage, and trip delay coverage, then look for a company with solid customer ratings, especially when it comes to processing claims.

Travel insurance will pay out if you experience a covered event, such as a travel delay or delayed or lost baggage. If you're looking to get travel insurance for a specific reason, such as needing to potentially cancel your trip due to work reasons, make sure your policy will cover you in that situation before purchasing it. You should also check customer reviews to see other travelers' claims experiences, as it varies wildly from company to company.

The average cost of travel insurance is 4% to 8% of your total trip cost, so it could vary widely depending on where you're traveling and the length of your trip. Your age, the number of people in your group, and other factors can also influence how much you'll pay.

Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include travel medical coverage that can come in handy if an emergency occurs and you need medical evacuation. Some travel insurance plans offer more specialized coverage for travelers with pre-existing conditions , so shop around if medical coverage is a top priority for you. 

$100,000 should be a sufficient medical coverage limit for travel insurance. If you're planning on doing extreme sports or anything particularly risky on your trip, you may want to increase your coverage level. A high medical coverage limit is especially useful when you're purchasing cruise travel insurance, since medical evacuations are more involved at sea.

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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U.S. News takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

8 Cheapest Travel Insurance Companies Worth the Cost

Trawick International »

World Nomads Travel Insurance »

AXA Assistance USA »

Generali Global Assistance »

Seven Corners »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

IMG Travel Insurance »

WorldTrips »

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Cheapest Travel Insurance Companies.

Table of Contents

• Trawick International
• World Nomads Travel Insurance
• AXA Assistance USA

There are plenty of smart ways to save money on your travel plans, but refusing to buy travel insurance isn't necessarily one of them. Not having travel insurance can mean being on the hook for exorbitant medical bills or costs for emergency transportation if you become sick or injured during your trip. You could also face significant financial losses if your trip is delayed or your bags are lost or stolen, and without travel insurance you won't have a third party to rely on for assistance.

Buying affordable travel insurance makes more sense than skipping this coverage altogether, so read on to find out which companies offer the cheapest plans and all the protections you can get for a low cost.

How We Chose the Cheapest Travel Insurance Companies

To determine the cheapest travel insurance companies, U.S. News created sample traveler profiles for three separate eight-day trips to different destinations (the Cayman Islands, Spain and California) at a range of price points ($6,500, $10,500 and $8,500, respectively). We used that information to get quotes for the cheapest option for 100% trip cancellation coverage for each trip. We then calculated the average cost of the trips.

The travel insurance companies that made our ranking have a high credit rating and offer the lowest average cost, outlined below. (Note: The sample average costs are not price quotes from U.S. News. To find a travel insurance price quote, use the "View plans" link to enter your trip details and find more information.)

• Generali Global Assistance
• Seven Corners
• Allianz Travel Insurance
• IMG Travel Insurance
• Trip cancellation coverage (up to $30,000) for 100% of the insured vacation
• Trip interruption coverage (up to $30,000) for 100% of the insured vacation
• Trip delay coverage worth up to $1,000 ($150 per day for delays of 12 hours or more)
• $750 in coverage for lost and damaged luggage; $200 for baggage delays
• Up to $500 in coverage for missed connections of three hours or more
• Up to $50,000 in emergency medical coverage ($750 sublimit for emergency dental)
• Up to $200,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation
• Up to $2,500 of trip protection for cancellation or interruption
• Up to $1,000 in coverage of lost, stolen or damaged baggage; up to $750 for baggage delays on your outward journey
• Up to $100,000 in emergency medical insurance; $750 dental sublimit
• Up to $300,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation
• 24-hour travel assistance services

SEE FULL REVIEW »

• Up to 100% coverage for trip cancellation and interruption
• Up to $500 in coverage for trip delays ($100 per day)
• Up to $500 in coverage for missed connections
• Up to $25,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses
• Up to $100,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation
• Up to $750 in coverage for baggage and personal effects; $200 for baggage delays
• Up to $10,000 in coverage for accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)
• Up to $25,000 in coverage for common carrier AD&D
• Coverage up to 100% of the insured vacation for trip cancellation
• Up to 125% of the insured vacation cost for trip interruption
• Travel delay coverage worth up to $1,000 per person ($150 per person daily limit)
• Up to $1,000 per person for lost, damaged or stolen bags; $200 per person for baggage delays
• Up to $500 per person for missed connections
• Up to $50,000 in emergency medical and dental coverage
• Up to $250,000 in coverage for emergency assistance and transportation
• AD&D coverage for air travel worth up to $50,000 per person ($100,000 per plan)
• Trip cancellation coverage up to $30,000
• Trip interruption coverage up to 100% of the cost of the trip
• Trip delay coverage worth up to $600 (for six-hour delays; $200 limit per person per day)
• Lost, stolen or damaged baggage coverage up to $500
• Baggage delay coverage worth up to $500 (for six-hour delays; $100 per day)
• Missed cruise or tour coverage worth up to $500 ($250 per day)
• Emergency accident and sickness medical coverage worth up to $100,000 (secondary coverage)
• Up to $750 in emergency dental coverage
• Up to $250,000 in protection for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains
• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to $10,000 per traveler
• Trip interruption coverage worth up to $10,000 per traveler
• Travel delay coverage worth up to $300 ($150 per day)
• Luggage loss and damage protection up to $500 per traveler
• Baggage delay coverage worth up to $200 per day
• Emergency medical and dental coverage up to $10,000 ($500 for dental expenses)
• Emergency medical transportation coverage worth up to $50,000
• 24-hour hotline assistance
• Up to 100% in coverage for trip cancellation
• Trip interruption benefit worth up to 125% of the trip cost
• Up to $500 for travel delays per person ($125 daily maximum per person)
• Up to $750 for lost, damaged or stolen bags ($250 maximum per item)
• Up to $150 in luggage delay coverage
• Up to $100,000 in emergency medical coverage
• Up to $500,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains
• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of trip cost (up to $10,000)
• Trip interruption coverage up to 100% of trip cost
• Up to $500 in coverage for travel delays (five-hour delay required; $100 daily limit)
• Coverage worth up to $1,000 for lost, damaged or stolen baggage ($250 per item)
• Coverage worth up to $200 for baggage delays of 12 hours or more
• Up to $250 in coverage for airline reissue or cancellation fees
• Up to $250 in coverage for reinstatement of frequent traveler awards
• Emergency medical and illness coverage worth up to $10,000
• Up to $500 in coverage for emergency dental expenses
• Up to $250,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains
• AD&D coverage worth up to $10,000
• Travel assistance services

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has been writing about travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. In fact, she has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states, in their family media business.

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