Travel Insurance for China
Rich in nature, culture, history, and more, China has much to offer as a travel destination. It’s generally safe and easy to get around, especially in major cities, though even the best-planned trips can come with a few surprises. Purchasing travel insurance helps you prepare for the unexpected, so you can focus on actually enjoying your trip.
Do You Need Travel Insurance for China?
Travel insurance is not legally required for most travelers, but it is strongly recommended (U.S. Department of State). Having coverage helps you manage potential medical expenses and other unexpected issues during your trip.
According to On Call International* private medical facilities in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai can provide high quality care, but costs can be high, while facilities in rural areas might have limited treatment capabilities. For unexpected injuries or illnesses, a travel insurance plan can cover you across the many diverse cities, towns, and landscape of China.
The southern and eastern provinces can experience heavy rainfall during the May to November monsoon, typhoons can affect coastal regions, and parts of the country are in active seismic zones. Travel insurance can add a layer of financial protection when severe weather or earthquakes disrupt plans.
Will Domestic Insurance Work in China?
Your U.S. health insurance or your domestic insurance from your home country may not provide protection across international borders while traveling in China, so it’s wise to review your coverage before departure. Margaret Wilson, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at UnitedHealthcare Global, notes that most U.S. health plans offer little to no coverage overseas and frequently exclude prescription benefits (Consumer Reports).
Medicare also doesn’t cover medical expenses outside the U.S. unless you have a supplemental policy with international benefits. Because of these limitations, both major insurers and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend purchasing travel insurance for any international trip.
What Type of Travel Insurance is Right for Your Trip?
Travel insurance covers a wide range of protections for your trip, but not all plans work the same way. The two big categories to understand are comprehensive trip protection and travel medical insurance, and knowing the difference helps you pick the coverage that actually fits your needs. A comprehensive trip protection plan helps safeguard your prepaid, non-refundable travel costs—like flights, hotels, and tours—while also providing some coverage for unexpected medical emergencies or medical evacuations. This type of plan is designed for travelers seeking financial protection against trip cancellations, interruptions, or delays that could result in extra costs or lost payments.
For example, WorldTrips’ Atlas Journey comprehensive trip protection plan can reimburse you for covered trip cancellations or interruptions, helping you recover non-refundable expenses if your plans change for a covered reason.
Travel medical insurance, on the other hand, is primarily designed to cover unexpected illnesses or injuries while you’re abroad. These plans may also include limited travel-related benefits, such as coverage for lost checked baggage or travel delays.
With Atlas Travel insurance, you’ll also gain access to Air Doctor, a service that connects you with telehealth consultations, in-clinic visits, or even in-hotel visits during your trip. These flexible plans allow you to choose your deductible and coverage limits based on your destination, trip length, and budget.
Travel Medical Insurance
Atlas Travel
Designed for international travelers who need travel medical insurance coverage while abroad. Choose your deductible and coverage limits to match your destination, length of stay, and budget.
Highlights
- Coverage for New Illnesses, Injuries, and Accidents
- Emergency Medical Evacuation
- Emergency Dental
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment
- Lost Checked Luggage
- NO Trip Cancellation
- Pre-existing Conditions Generally Excluded**
Trip Protection Plans
Atlas Journey
A great option for U.S. residents looking for trip protection. Trip insurance includes benefits for trip cancellation, interruption, delays, and emergency medical care.
Highlights
- Trip Cancellation
- Trip Interruption
- Trip Delay
- Missed Connection
- Medical: Accident and Sickness
- Emergency Evacuation
- Baggage Damage or Loss
- Pre-existing Conditions Waiver Available**
Why Choose WorldTrips for Your China Travel Insurance?
The best travel memories come from exploration and connection—not from dealing with the unexpected. With WorldTrips, you can see the world with confidence, backed by reliable coverage and decades of global expertise.
Global Experience
For more than 30 years, WorldTrips has safeguarded over five million travelers worldwide, including students, families, and business professionals. As part of Tokio Marine HCC, we offer financial strength with a longstanding reputation for dependability, withan A++ (Superior) rating from AM Best. This underscores our stability and dedication to dependable travel coverage.
Flexible Coverage Options
Every journey is different, which is why we provide plans suited to different needs. WorldTrips offers adaptable plans that can be tailored to include coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, travel delays, and lost baggage. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape, studying abroad, visiting family, or taking an extended adventure, you can find the plan that best suits your needs and budget.
24/7 Global Support
With access to healthcare providers in over 190 countries and 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance, WorldTrips is there to support you while traveling. Our team can coordinate medical evacuations, connect you with local doctors, and more. Plus, our partnership with Air Doctor helps make it easy to schedule virtual or in-person medical visits.
Reliable Claims Service
Travel insurance should be straightforward. WorldTrips offers an easy online claims process designed to simplify reimbursements for eligible expenses. We provide you with a Description of Coverage at purchase to help you know what’s covered and excluded —helping to give you confidence and peace of mind.
Here’s what our customers had to say:
- “I was able to register, pay and get my insurance certificate immediately. The plans are cost effective; you are free to change your effective date of coverage if your travel itinerary changes. Great service.” - Roxanne
- “I purchased health insurance through WorldTrips for my J-1 visa stay in the U.S., and the process was smooth and straightforward. The policy offered comprehensive coverage at a reasonable price, meeting all visa requirements. Their customer service was responsive and helpful whenever I had questions. I highly recommend WorldTrips for anyone needing reliable travel health insurance.” - Daniel
WorldTrips strives to help you focus on enjoying your travels, knowing that if things don’t go according to plan, we can be there to help.
Healthcare in China
According to On Call International*, Healthcare in China ranges widely depending on where you are. Private hospitals in major cities generally offer high-quality care and usually have staff who speak at least some English, with translators available if needed. In more rural areas, however, facilities can be limited and it may be harder to find English-speaking medical staff.
It’s important to note that ambulances can be slow to arrive, and payment is often required prior to treatment, even in emergency cases. If you are traveling with prescription medication, be sure that the medication is legal in China; carry the medication in its original packaging and have the prescription with you. Note that many medications commonly prescribed in the U.S. are unavailable in mainland China, and counterfeit or low-quality substitutes are frequently encountered (U.S. Department of State).
If you need medical care while in China, with WorldTrips you can see any healthcare provider of your choice for eligible medical benefits, without network limitations. You’ll pay for services directly, then submit a claim for reimbursement consideration. When filing your claim with WorldTrips make sure to keep the following documents:
- Itemized medical bills that include diagnosis information
- Medical records and prescriptions
- Receipts for all payments made
- A doctor’s note if your condition affected your travel plans (if applicable to your claim)
“WorldTrips is the best travel insurance company of 2024, based on our analysis of cost and coverage options.”
Stay alert to petty theft in crowded places like markets, transport hubs, and tourist sites. Keep your passport secure, since theft of travel documents has been reported. If your passport is lost or stolen, report it to the nearest police station or Public Security Bureau.
Be aware of common scams in major cities and tourist spots, including “tea tasting” and “massage” schemes that pressure visitors into paying excessively high prices. Ask for full menus and pricing before agreeing to anything.
Watch for counterfeit currency. Carry smaller bills and familiarize yourself with the look and feel of Chinese banknotes to reduce the chance of receiving fake change.
Major cities can experience poor air quality for extended periods, including seasonal haze from agricultural burning. Travelers, especially those with respiratory conditions, should monitor local air quality and reduce outdoor exposure on bad days. Authorities have taken measures to address pollution, but it remains a concern.
Mosquito‑borne illness exists in some regions. Risk increases after heavy rainfall. Reduce exposure by wearing long sleeves and pants and using DEET‑based repellent.
Prepare for environmental hazards. Monsoon rains, typhoons, flooding, landslides, and earthquakes can occur and may disrupt power, roads, and flights. Heed official guidance during emergencies.
Use licensed taxis. Avoid unmarked vehicles, ask drivers to start the meter, keep your destination written in Chinese characters, request a receipt, and remove luggage from the trunk before paying. Public transport is extensive but can be crowded and subject to security screening, so allow extra time.
Female travelers should avoid unmarked taxis and not leave drinks unattended. Traveling in groups and using vetted transport reduces risk.
Expect high levels of surveillance in public spaces. Assume that electronic activity may be monitored. Follow cybersecurity best practices such as using strong passwords, enabling two‑factor authentication, keeping software updated, and using a VPN on public Wi‑Fi. Consider a temporary device if you handle sensitive data.
Follow local laws strictly. Avoid discussions or activities that could be viewed as subversive, including sensitive topics related to Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong, or Taiwan, both in person and online. Penalties for drug possession and use are severe.
Visa & Entry Requirements for China
According to the U.S. Department of State, a visa is required to enter and exit China for some countries; you must obtain a visa prior to your arrival, and your passport must have at least six months of remaining validity. You are required to register your stay within 24 hours of arrival to China, as well as each time you check into a new hotel or residence. Note that while the Tourist L visa does not require travel insurance, other visa types do. U.S. Citizens and some other countries can travel to the province of Hainan for up to 30 days for tourism without a visa.
Police conduct checks and failure to present your passport can result in fines or detention. Carry your passport and visa with you at all times. Airports, metro stations, and other public venues often conduct enhanced security checks and searches, which can lead to delays. Plan extra time when transiting major hubs.
Travel to Tibet requires permission from Chinese authorities. In both Tibet and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, heightened security, curfews, and government travel restrictions are not uncommon. Reconsider travel to Xinjiang due to a persistent security threat.
According to On Call International*, authorities can impose exit bans and detain individuals under investigation or connected to an investigation. The 2023 counterespionage law broadly defines what may be considered related to national security, including possession of certain documents or data. Foreigners should avoid collecting or exporting information that could be interpreted as sensitive. Incentives exist for residents to report suspected espionage by foreigners.
Destination Safety in China
The NomadSister blog cites China as a safe and beautiful destination, visiting Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Shanghai, Guilin as a solo female traveler. The Blonde Abroad, a solo female travel blogger based in California, highlights Shanghai and Xi’an as great destinations for travelers. Arianna, a blogger based in Bali writes in Life, Travel and Asia that Shanghai, Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Guilin are safe cities for solo female travel.
Many travelers noticed that the language barrier and navigating tourist scams was more of a challenge than fearing for their safety; due to the high prevalence of surveillance in China, violent crime is extremely low, and travelers noted feeling safe to walk alone even late at night. However, it is always important to stay prepared and research the destinations in your itinerary before traveling.
By aligning your plans with local laws and conditions, carrying your passport, allowing extra time for screenings, and securing travel insurance before departure, you can navigate China’s cities and regions more confidently.
WorldTrips provides a variety of options for Travel Insurance for China to suit your travel needs. Each plan includes flexible coverage options, worldwide protection, and 24/7 emergency travel assistance. Get a quote today and find the plan that’s right for you!
* Country safety data provided by our trusted partner On Call International
** Pre Existing Condition Definitions
Pre existing condition definitions vary by plan type. Review the definition that applies to the product you are considering.
Comprehensive Trip Protection
(Atlas Journey, Atlas Cruiser, Atlas On the Go)
Pre existing condition means an illness, disease, or other condition during the 90 day period immediately before your coverage effective date for which you did any of the following:
• received a test, examination, or medical treatment
• received a recommendation for a test, examination, or medical treatment
• took or received a prescription for medication
Item (3) above does not apply to a condition that is treated or controlled solely through the use of prescription medication and remains treated or controlled without any change in required prescription throughout the 90 day period before your coverage effective date.
Change in required prescription means the dosage or frequency has been increased, reduced, stopped, and or new medication has been prescribed due to the worsening of the condition being treated. Exceptions include:
• switching between brand name and generic medication with equivalent dosage
• adjustments to insulin or anti-coagulant dosage
Pre-existing Condition Exclusion Waiver: Pre-existing conditions are excluded from coverage unless you meet both of these requirements: 1) you purchase your Atlas Journey Elevate or Explore plan within 21 days or purchase your Atlas Escape plan within 14 days of the date you made your first payment toward your trip; and 2) you are medically able to travel on your coverage effective date.
If you do not purchase your Atlas Journey plan within the required time period, a 90-day lookback period will apply to pre-existing conditions. Coverage varies by plan and state of residency. Please review the policy documents specific to your plan and state of residency for a full list of covered reasons, conditions, and exclusions.
Travel Medical Insurance
(Atlas Travel, Atlas Premium, Atlas Nomad, Atlas MultiTrip, Atlas America)
Pre-existing Conditions are excluded except for an applicable Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition.
Pre existing condition means any injury, illness, sickness, disease, or other physical, medical, mental, or nervous disorder, condition, or ailment that, with reasonable medical certainty, existed at the time of application or at any time during the 2 years prior to the effective date of this insurance. This applies whether or not the condition was previously manifested, symptomatic, known, diagnosed, treated, or disclosed, and includes any subsequent, chronic, or recurring complications or consequences related to the condition.
An Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition means a sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence that is of short duration, is rapidly progressive, and requires urgent care. A pre-existing condition that is a chronic or congenital, or that gradually becomes worse over time is not acute onset of a pre-existing condition. An Acute Onset of Pre-existing Condition does not include any condition for which, as of the Effective date, the Insured Person (i) knew or reasonably foresaw he/she would receive, (ii) knew he/she should receive, (iii) had scheduled, or (iv) was told that he/she must or should receive, any medical care, drugs or treatment.
KHE2FFFYH6SP-971744701-1560
WorldTrips is a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies. WorldTrips international travel medical insurance products are underwritten through binding authorities with TMHCC (CI) Insurance SPC Ltd and Houston Casualty Company (HC).