Redpoint Destinations

China

China Travel Insurance

Essential Information for Travelers to China

China is a powerhouse destination and incredible cultural force in the world. As the world's second most populated country, it spans landscapes, climates, time zones, and even languages. Travelers who want to experience its expansive culture have lots to choose from, from mega-cities like Beijing and Shanghai, to ancient culture and natural beauty such as the Great Wall of China and the Li River.

If you're planning a trip to China, then travel insurance will be an essential part of your trip preparation. China is a large country with many cultural and language barriers, so problems can easily arise when it comes to travel delays and disruptions, accessing healthcare, and other emergencies. While it's not mandatory to get China travel insurance as a tourist, it certainly is highly recommended.

Health & Safety in China

Medical Care and Hospitals

China is a very large country by landmass and population, which means that healthcare standards can vary widely depending on where you are located. In large cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, care will be high quality and facilities will typically have some English-speaking staff. However, in rural or poorer areas, tourists may struggle to find adequate care and language barriers may be an issue.

Care facilities will vary from public hospitals to private clinics. No matter where you access care, it is highly likely that you will be asked to pay for it up front. This can get expensive quickly, especially in private facilities, which is why travel insurance is so essential. You’ll want to have travel medical insurance for emergencies, hospitalizations, and repatriation. This can either reimburse you for expenses after you receive care, or in some cases, if you contact your travel provider before receiving care, they can pay for it for you. It’s also wise to have emergency medical evacuation cover, in case you have an emergency that can’t be treated locally, and to carry proof of your insurance coverage as well as any emergency contact numbers.

Health Risks and Vaccinations

Travel to China does come with some unique health risks. Air quality in major cities like Beijing can be poor depending on local conditions, so people with respiratory issues should check the air quality index each day. Tap water is generally not safe to drink, which means tourists should stick with bottled water. In addition, poorly or under-cooked food can cause gastrointestinal problems, so visitors should be wary of street food, especially from vendors that are not popular and busy with other patrons.

While no vaccinations are required to visit China, the CDC recommends that, in addition to being up to date on all routine vaccinations, U.S. travelers are also vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies, measles and, if visiting certain areas, Japanese encephalitis. If you are an adventure traveler who plans to go hiking, trekking, or cycling in remote areas, it’s especially important to visit a travel clinic prior to travel, as disease risks can be localized to particular regions. It’s always wise to carry a basic medical kit with common over the counter medication, as well as spare prescription medication or copies of your prescriptions.

Insurance Benefits & Coverage for a Trip to China

What Does China Travel Insurance Cover?

When researching a China travel insurance policy, you will want to make sure your policy covers all the areas below so that you’ll be prepared — no matter what happens during your trip.

Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance:

Trip cancellation insurance reimburses your non-refundable trip expenses if your trip to China is canceled or cut short due to a covered reason, like illness, severe weather, family emergencies, or government advisories.

Travel medical insurance:

Travel health insurance covers unexpected medical expenses incurred for any injuries or illnesses that happen during your trip. Chinese healthcare facilities typically require payment for treatment up front, which is why travel medical insurance is essential. Keep in mind that your health insurance from home will not be accepted in most cases, and if you have pre-existing medical conditions, you’ll also want to apply for a waiver.

Emergency medical evacuation insurance:

Emergency evacuation coverage reimburses you for transportation to the nearest medical facility or back to the U.S. in extreme or emergency situations. If you’re doing any adventurous travel, or traveling through China’s rural or more remote areas where advanced healthcare facilities are more limited, then emergency evacuation coverage is particularly important to have. It will also cover repatriation in the event of a traveler’s death. You should look for a policy with at least $50,000 in emergency medical and $100,000 in evacuation coverage.

Baggage and personal belongings insurance:

This covers loss, theft, or damage to your belongings should they go missing during your trip.

Trip delay insurance:

Trip delay insurance compensates for additional expenses if your travel is delayed before it starts or during any connections or transfers.

Optional add-ons:

There are several additional policy benefits you can add to your travel insurance depending on the nature of your trip. These include cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage, if you might need to cancel for a reason not covered by the typical cancellation policy; extra protection for specialist or expensive gear; adventure sports travel insurance if you plan to do any extreme or dangerous activities; and rental car protection.

Choosing the Right Plan

Ripcord has a variety of plans suited for different trips. For adventure travelers, Ripcord is an extensive plan with high coverage limits and enhanced coverage, such as emergency evacuation and repatriation — perfect for trips to remote or rural destinations. Cavalry is suited for urban travelers who are seeking luxury and cultural experiences, while broadly sticking to major cities and destinations. Meanwhile, Harbor offers robust coverage to the budget-minded leisure traveler. You can compare all of Redpoint’s comprehensive plans and figure out which one might be right for your trip here.

Entry Requirements & Practical Information

Entry and Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens traveling to the People’s Republic of China need a passport with six months validity and two blank pages. You also need a visa, which you can apply for online and then submit in person at an appointment made at a Chinese embassy or consulate. If you plan to visit China more than once, the U.S. State Department recommends that travelers apply for the ten year multiple entry visa. It warns that the failure to obtain a visa, or overstaying your visa, can result in Chinese detention or fines.

What To Do in an Emergency

If you have an emergency in China, emergency services can be contacted by dialling 110 for police, 119 for fire, and 120 for medical emergencies. In addition, Redpoint offers 24/7 support on its helpline to travelers who have an emergency or need assistance. If you are having trouble locating help locally, Redpoint’s associates can help connect you to the help you need on the ground.

The U.S. Embassy is located in Beijing, and there are consulates located in cities including Shanghai, Shenyang, Guangzhou, and Wuhan. Officials there can help you with passport issues, emergency assistance, and legal issues.

Address: 43 Hua Jiu Road, Zhujiang New Town
Tianhe District
Guangzhou, China
510623

Phone: +8620-3814-5000

Popular Activities and Adventure Travel in China

If you’re seeking adventure travel, China has a surprising amount to offer, from hiking the Great Wall and trekking through Yunnan’s scenic mountains to cycling along picturesque routes in Guilin and Yangshuo. Explore rich history on cultural tours in Beijing, Xi’an, and ancient villages. In winter, enjoy skiing and snowboarding in resorts like Harbin and Chongli. Just don’t forget to make sure that your travel insurance policy will cover any extreme or adventure travel activities you plan to do.

FAQs for China Travel Insurance

Is travel insurance mandatory for China?

Travel insurance is not mandatory to enter China, but it is a risk to go without it. Some visa types or tours may require proof of insurance, so always check specific entry requirements before your trip.

What does China travel insurance cover?

A comprehensive China travel insurance policy should include medical care and emergency medical coverage (at least $100,000 to cover medical emergencies and unexpected costs), emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage, and baggage loss protection. You should also look for a policy with 24/7 assistance services, which all of Redpoint's policies offer.

How much does travel insurance cost for China?

Your travel insurance policy will be priced based on a range of factors including trip length, cost, age, and activities. Most of Redpoint's insurance plans for travel to China range from 6% to 15% of total trip costs.

What happens if a tourist gets sick in China?

If you get sick in China in a major city or populated area, you shouldn't struggle to access quality medical treatment. If you're in a rural or remote area, care may be more basic. In both cases, it's likely that you'll need to pay for your care up front, which is why it's so important to have travel medical insurance to recoup the cost of any emergency medical expenses.

Is healthcare free in China for foreigners?

No, healthcare is not free for foreigners who are visiting China. In fact, medical costs can be high, especially in private or international hospitals.

Does travel insurance cover trip cancellations due to government advisories?

Some travel insurance plans offer coverage for cancellations due to government-issued travel advisories, but this depends on the timing and nature of the advisory — as well as when you purchase your policy. If you're worried about political conditions or you suspect you may need or want to cancel your trip, it's wise to add-on cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage for added flexibility.

Can I get coverage for pre-existing conditions?

This will vary from policy to policy. Redpoint allows you to apply for a waiver for any pre-existing medical conditions if you purchase the policy within 15 days after making your initial trip deposit.

Can I buy travel insurance after arriving in China?

Typically, you need to purchase travel insurance prior to departure, and ideally, as soon as possible after booking your trip. Some providers may issue policies once you're already in country, but those policies may be costlier and have more exclusions.

Protect Your Trip With Redpoint Travel Insurance

Protecting yourself on your trip to China requires comprehensive travel insurance, and Redpoint Travel Protection has a global reputation for providing high-quality policies to fit every traveler. It also offers 24/7 support to give travelers peace of mind and help them enjoy their trips. Explore Redpoint’s policies here.