- Although China is a safe country to visit, it presents unique risks for travelers that can easily be mitigated with a travel insurance policy.
- Based on our analysis, the best travel insurance plans for China are from Tin Leg, IMG, & AXA. (skip ahead to see plans)
- We recommend buying travel medical insurance before entering China as many medical facilities are sub-standard, difficult to access, and expensive if you pay out of pocket. China does not accept US health insurance.
- China’s unique political situation means foreigners need to take extra care not to become involved in political or religious demonstrations. Chinese tap water is not potable and food safety standards are not well enforced across much of the country.
- Comprehensive travel insurance is the best option, as it can protect you from illness, injuries, delays, interruptions, unexpected cancellations, and other potential losses during your trip.
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On This Page
- Key Takeaways
- Do I need travel insurance to visit China?
- More details on our picks of the best travel insurance for China
- How much is China travel insurance?
- What travel coverage do you need for China?
- What isn’t covered by China travel insurance plans?
- Tips to finding the best travel insurance for China
- Is travel insurance for China worth it?
- FAQ: China travel insurance
- Related topics
On This Page
- Key Takeaways
- Do I need travel insurance to visit China?
- More details on our picks of the best travel insurance for China
- How much is China travel insurance?
- What travel coverage do you need for China?
- What isn’t covered by China travel insurance plans?
- Tips to finding the best travel insurance for China
- Is travel insurance for China worth it?
- FAQ: China travel insurance
- Related topics
China Travel Insurance: Top Plans & Cost (2024)
S.E. Foley - Travel Insurance
+ 1 other
Reviewed By
Blake Esken - Los Angeles Times
Our top 3 travel insurance plans for China
Best Plan Overall
Tin Leg
GET A QUOTE
via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Gold
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$500,000
/
$500,000
Best on a Budget
IMG
GET A QUOTE
via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
iTravelInsured Travel SE
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$250,000
/
$500,000
AXA Assistance USA
GET A QUOTE
via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Platinum
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$250,000
/
$1,000,000
Do I need travel insurance to visit China?
Travel insurance isn’t mandatory for visiting China, but at a minimum, Americans should buy medical travel insurance coverage as US health insurance is not valid in China.
Additionally, medical facilities in China may not meet US standards and a travel medical plan can gain you access to top-quality medical facilities, even if that means medically transporting you back to the US.
Consider paying slightly more for comprehensive travel coverage that can reimburse you for interruptions, cancellations, and lost or stolen property to protect you from unexpected events.
Reasons why travel insurance is necessary for China
Apart from US health insurance not working in China, and the lack of high-quality medical facilities in certain parts of the country, there are several situational risks to consider when traveling uninsured to the People’s Republic. A solid travel insurance policy can protect you from scenarios related to these risks.
Food & waterbourne illness
Despite having ultra-modern cities, tap water in China is not potable and is unsafe to consume. Additionally, sanitation and food safety is below Western standards across much of the country.
Take care when eating street food and dining in rural areas, and avoid consuming undercooked seafood and meats. In rural areas, take care not to eat raw vegetables as rural Chinese farming communities are known to use human excreta as fertilizer.
Travel insurance is the best way to protect yourself from unforeseen health risks in China. Medical travel insurance can get you prompt access to quality healthcare and cover the bill if you unexpectedly fall ill during your trip.
Tourist scams and theft
Although it’s uncommon for tourists to experience crime in China, travelers are often the target of pickpockets, so use caution as you travel through crowded areas. Travel.state.gov also notes the prevalence of tourist “tea house” scams, phone scams, and scams offering counterfeit products. Keep your personal belongings with you at all times, and never leave your possessions unattended. Additionally, make careful purchases and keep an eye out for counterfeits.
While travel insurance can’t reimburse you if you are scammed, many comprehensive travel insurance policies reimburse you if your personal items are stolen, lost, or damaged while in China.
Risk of unlawful detention
The Department of State warns that U.S. nationals risk wrongful detention by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) government. At times, the PRC has enforced local laws in ways that appear arbitrary and without due process. American visitors may be subject to exit bans, interrogation or detention, and delayed or denied consular access.
The PRC may interrogate and detain travelers for allegedly spying or violating PRC national security laws. Security personnel may detain or deport U.S. citizens for accessing publicly available data or for sending email or text messages that criticize China or its territorial governments.
On the off chance you are detained and it interrupts your trip, travel insurance can cover the cost of rebooking you and getting you back on your way. Most plans also include 24/7 concierge services to help you while you’re away.
Risk of detainment or arrest during demonstrations
Avoid political or religious demonstrations, and be mindful of your surroundings in China. If you are spotted at a demonstration it could be misconstrued as participating in subversive, collusive, or terrorist activity and could lead to criminal charges. Be cautious when you’re near a large gathering of people, and avoid taking pictures of police or protesters.
In particular, Travel.state.gov notes that the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, the Tibet Autonomous Region, and the Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures are subject to high levels of surveillance and police presence. Travelers have been known to experience additional security checks, curfews, and travel restrictions without notice.
Many travel insurance policies can reimburse you if civil unrest delays, interrupts, or causes you to cancel your trip. Agents may also be able to help you reroute or rebook your trip.
More details on our picks of the best travel insurance for China
Advertiser Disclosure
Tin Leg
GET A QUOTE
via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Gold
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$500,000
/
$500,000
Why We Like It
Editor's take
The Tin Leg Gold plan is one of the best-selling plans among LA Times visitors. It comes with robust medical coverage and a slew of comprehensive trip coverage as well.
You’ll be covered for up tp $500K for medical treatment and $500K for emergency medical evacuation. This plan provided primary medical coverage which means you won’t be asked to pay out of pocket when arriving at the hospital. Tin Leg will pay the bills for you.
Apart from this, you’ll also get 100% trip reimbursement coverage for cancellations, 150% for interruptions, and $10K of 24hr accidental death and dismemberment coverage. This plan also includes basic coverage for trip delays, missed connections, baggage loss, damage and delay protection, and more. However, if these protections are important to you, you may want to consider opting for the AXA platinum plan or IMG ItravelInsured Travel SE plan.
Regardless, this plan hits all your needs and wants for travel coverage and has some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings out of all providers in the industry. This plan also offers option CFAR coverage if you want added protection for your trip.
PROS
- Excellent primary coverage for medical expenses
- High limit for emergency evacuation coverage
- Optional cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage available
- Comes with coverage for hurricanes and inclement weather
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions is available if purchased within 14 days of the trip deposit
CONS
- Baggage delay coverage requires a 24-hour waiting period
- Low coverage limits for baggage and personal effects
IMG
GET A QUOTE
via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
iTravelInsured Travel SE
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$250,000
/
$500,000
Why We Like It
Editor's take
The IMG ItravelInsured Travel SE plan offers solid coverage on a budget and is another top-selling plan among LA Times’ readers.
This plan offers solid medical coverage of $250,000 and $500,000 of medical evacuation coverage. While the medical coverage limits are slightly lower than the Tin Leg plan, they are still high enough for most travelers and trips. This plan also includes Primary medical coverage so you won’t have to pay out of pocket and wait for reimbursement.
Essentially, the savings on this plan come from the lower medical limits, but if you are on a budget, it’s still a great option for trips to China.
You’ll get the same 100% trip cancellation reimbursement coverage and 150% trip interruption coverage as with Tin Leg, plus higher travel delay and baggage protection coverage than the Tin Leg Gold.
If you are daring enough to drive in China, you’ll also be covered for up to $40K of rental car damage protection which is something not offered standard by other plans on our list.
PROS
- Purchase your plan up until one day before you depart
- Generous limits for trip delays, emergency evacuation, and more
- Pre-existing condition waiver available if purchased within 20 days of initial trip deposit
- 24/7 emergency travel assistance included
- Coronavirus-related medical expenses covered
CONS
- Plan gets notably more expensive with age
AXA Assistance USA
GET A QUOTE
via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Platinum
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$250,000
/
$1,000,000
Why We Like It
Editor's take
AXA Platinum offers premium-level travel protection but comes at a surprisingly affordable price. AXA consistently ranks among the best travel insurance providers in America, and this plan is the best policy AXA offers, in our opinion.
AXA Platinum comes with $250K of primary medical coverage and $1M of medical evacuation coverage - one of the highest limits in the industry. It also includes 100% trip cancellation reimbursement and 150% of trip interruption reimbursement coverage.
Another feature that sets this plan apart is that it offers the most comprehensive AD&D coverage out of the plans on our list. It also offers superior baggage protection limits and includes non-medical evacuation coverage at no additional cost.
Lastly, this plan includes the option of upgrading to CFAR coverage for an additional cost, if this is important for you. All of these features make it a premium plan
PROS
- High coverage limits in every category. Extremely comprehensive
- Includes identity theft coverage & non-medical evacuation coverage
- CFAR coverage reimburses 75% of prepaid travel expenses
CONS
- Coverage cannot be extended unlike other plans
- Medical limit is lower than other cheaper plans, but still sufficient
Advertiser Disclosure
How much is China travel insurance?
The average cost of travel insurance to China is $9.92 per day.
This number is based on average sales data from Los Angeles Times’ visitors who purchased travel insurance for China from September 2023-2024. Travelers spent an average of 18 days in China, spending a total of $178.47 on travel insurance.
Sample quotes taken from Squaremouth.com for a 35-year-old traveler who buys basic medical travel insurance for a 10-day, $3,000 trip to China show that this coverage is typically much less expensive, starting at $2 per day.
Here are price examples for medical travel coverage without trip reimbursement.
| Provider | Plan Name | Plan Cost | Cancellation/Interruption Limits | Medical/Medevac Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seven Corners | Trip Protection Choice | $57 | $0 / $1,000 | $500,000 / $1,000,000 |
| Tin Leg | Gold | $20 | $0 / $750 | $30,000 / $200,000 |
| Generali | Standard | $30 | $0 / $0 | $50,000 / $250,000 |
| Axa | Platinum | $64 | $0 / $1000 | $250,000 / $1,000,000 |
Of the plans listed above, the least expensive costs just $2 per day, while the priciest plan costs $6.40 per day and also includes $1000 in trip interruption benefits. As you can see, travel insurance for China is quite affordable.
Basic plans like the ones listed above can protect you during a medical emergency, but they won’t reimburse you for trip interruption or cancellation. Plans that cover trip interruption and cancellation are a bit more costly.
Here are price examples for comprehensive travel coverage that includes trip reimbursement.
| Provider | Plan Name | Plan Cost | Cancellation/Interruption Limits | Medical/Medevac Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seven Corners | Trip Protection Choice | $184 | $3,000 / $4,500 | $500,000 / $1,000,000 |
| Tin Leg | Gold | $160 | $3,000 / $4,500 | $500,000 / $500,000 |
| Generali | Standard | $102 | $3,000 / $3,750 | $50,000 / $250,000 |
| Axa | Platinum | $127 | $3,000 /$4,500 | $250,000 / $1,000,000 |
These comprehensive travel plans cost between $10.13 and $18.40 per day and show that for a bit more money, you can upgrade your plan and increase your coverage for unexpected interruptions, cancellations, and more.
Bear in mind that the prices listed here are examples. The cost of your particular insurance policy will depend on the specific parameters of your trip.
Several factors, like the kind of coverage you choose, the duration of your journey, and your age, influence how much your travel insurance will cost.
What travel coverage do you need for China?
We recommend all travelers to China have a medical travel insurance policy in place at a minimum to cover unexpected medical bills as well as emergency medical evacuations and repatriation if necessary.
If you need help knowing what coverage to look for, here are the most important types of travel insurance coverage to buy when visiting China.
Travel medical coverage
Medical travel coverage is essential if you’re taking a trip to China since many of the country’s medical facilities are substandard. A medical travel policy will grant access to good medical care and protect you from paying out-of-pocket treatment costs. Fortunately, medical travel coverage is the most affordable type of travel insurance available and can cost as little as $1 per day.
The US government notes that emergency medical transportation in China is often slow to arrive and requires upfront cash payment even in emergencies. Reputable Chinese hospitals are usually private and expensive, and traditional US health insurance plans aren’t accepted. A travel insurance plan can keep you from having to pay upfront in cash.
Remember that some policies exclude things like pre-existing conditions, so it’s important to read over the policy exclusions and shop for specialized coverage if you need it.
Medical evacuation coverage
If you are seriously ill or injured while traveling, medical evacuation coverage can evacuate you to a reputable Chinese medical facility. If you cannot be treated in China, your emergency medical evacuation coverage can medically escort you back to the United States for care. This is important due to the lack of reputable medical facilities in many parts of the country.
If you pass away during your trip, most policies with medevac coverage also include the repatriation of bodily remains. Out-of-pocket costs for medical evacuation from China to the United States can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars, so it’s not something you want to do without.
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
A trip cancellation and interruption policy can cover the entire cost of your trip if you need to cancel or change your plans due to unforeseen events. This usually includes up to 100% reimbursement for cancellations and between 100% - 150% for interruptions, including rebooking flights, trains, and hotels.
Traveling to China is expensive, and most visitors spend an average of 18 days there. This often adds up to a significant amount of money spent along the way. Therefore, having travel coverage that can reimburse you for your entire trip is a Godsend if you need to cancel last minute.
Examples of valid reasons for canceling often include illness or injury, a death in the family, or legal responsibilities that prevent travel. Be sure to review the policy in detail before booking as insurance plans with travel cancellation and interruption coverage are often subject to various exclusions. Alternatively, you may want to opt for Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance, which let’s you cancel without exclusions.
Insurance for baggage and personal items
When you travel to a faraway destination like China, you risk having your bags delayed, damaged, lost or stolen en route. Traveling in China is generally safe, but theft is common and you may want travel protection for expensive items like your jewelry, phone, camera, laptop, or wallet. A loss or theft protection clause can cover the full cost of damaged or missing valuables.
When you purchase travel insurance, consider if you want to insure your property and leave irreplaceable items at home.
What isn’t covered by China travel insurance plans?
Most travel insurance plans will not cover:
- Epidemics
- Acts of war
- Claims related to alcohol and drug possession or use
- Personal liability claims arising from illegal activities
- Dangerous activities like extreme sports
It’s important to abstain from using drugs in China even if the substance is legal elsewhere. Positive drug tests can result in strict penalties and fines, and lead to detainment, deportation, and a ban on re-entering China in the future.
Additionally, each plan includes a list of “definitions” and “exclusions” which explains what things are not covered by the plan. We recommend having a look over the policy before finalizing your purchase to ensure you get the coverage you need. Pay close attention to coverage for pre-existing conditions.
Tips to finding the best travel insurance for China
1
Use a comparison tool
Seeing prices from several providers at once can help you find the right coverage for your needs and get a great deal fast. We suggest using a web-based tool like the one at squaremouth.com to compare travel insurance policies and prices for your trip. This way, you can review several plans before you enroll and increase your odds of purchasing comprehensive coverage for a low price.
2
Read the fine print and policy exclusions
Before you purchase your travel insurance policy, it’s important to read through it and check for exclusions related to age, pre-existing conditions, government travel restrictions, adventure activity exclusions, weather exclusions, and more so that you won’t be caught up short.
3
Consider your specific travel risks when buying coverage
Apart from covering China-specific risks, your travel insurance policy should cover the specific risks that apply to you. For instance, if you have chronic health conditions, are pregnant, or may become pregnant, make sure your policy covers these scenarios. Moreover, if your trip to China is canceled or interrupted while you’re uninsured, the financial consequences could be costly and challenging to handle depending on your financial situation.
4
Understand how high the limits should be
Paying out of pocket for good medical care or a medical evacuation can be extremely expensive, so it’s important to purchase a travel insurance plan with high medical coverage limits. Having at least $250k worth of coverage for medical care and at least $250k for medical evacuation should protect you from financial catastrophe in most situations. Consider that your unique health conditions are also a factor, and buy accordingly.
Is travel insurance for China worth it?
Yes, buying travel insurance for China is not only worth it, it’s necessary.
We don’t recommend traveling to China without proper travel coverage as the risks are far greater than the cost of buying inexpensive travel insurance. Basic coverage starts around a dollar per day but can save you thousands of dollars if you end up needing it.
FAQ: China travel insurance
Is China safe to visit?
Due to the Chinese Government’s sharp control over Chinese society, China is one of the safest countries in the world to visit, with certain caveats. The U.S. Department of State recommends that travelers reconsider visiting Mainland China due to unannounced exit bans, the risk of unlawful detentions, and arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
Is travel insurance mandatory for China in 2024?
It’s not mandatory to have travel insurance to enter China in 2024, but it’s extremely risky to travel without it. If you are injured or fall ill while you are in China, you could easily incur hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical costs.
What documents are required for traveling to China?
Travelers to China must have a passport with six months of validity and a valid visa. See up-to-date info at the travel.state.gov website.
Does China require COVID insurance?
China no longer requires visitors to have COVID insurance to enter, but most travel insurance plans now cover COVID as any other illness.
Does my US health insurance work in China?
No, most US health insurance does not work in China, so it is important to buy a travel health insurance policy before you enter the country.
About the Author
S.E. Foley is a seasoned writer and avid traveler who uses her first-hand experiences to inspire and empower others to explore the world on their own terms. Her degrees in Engineering and the Humanities help her create fact-based, reader-centric guides on travel destinations and travel insurance. Her guides focus on bridging the gap between adventure and practicality and enabling readers to make informed, confident decisions.
Her passion for travel was ignited on a childhood trip to Mesa Verde National Park which sparked a lifelong love for adventure. Since then, she has explored diverse destinations worldwide, from the scenic American Southwest to the vibrant cultures of Italy and Turkey.
Whether navigating rural backroads or immersing herself in the art and cuisine of iconic cities like New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., S.E. Foley’s travels offer her a deep appreciation for both the untamed wilderness and bustling urban life.
About the Reviewer
Blake Esken has over 15 years of experience in product management and has been a member of the Los Angeles Times staff for over five years.
As part of his role at the Los Angeles Times Commerce Team, Blake acts as the in-house reviewer and fact checker for LA Times Compare. He supervises all content for compliance and accuracy and puts to use skills he has honed through years of experience managing high-stakes projects for a range of industry-leading companies.
He has a strong background in data analysis, compliance, and communication, which allows him to support LA Times Compare through fact-checking in an effort to provide up-to-date and factual information across our content.
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