Travel Insurance for Hong Kong
It’s important to prepare for your trip to Hong Kong, and we don’t just mean leaving extra room in your suitcase. Travel insurance can help you prepare for the unexpected, including illnesses and injuries.
Do You Need Travel Insurance for Hong Kong?
It is not legally required to have travel insurance to visit Hong Kong, but it is still advised that travelers have adequate insurance coverage during their stay (U.S. Department of State). According to On Call International*, the city’s private healthcare can be very expensive, public facilities can be crowded, and travel can be disrupted by protests or severe weather. Political demonstrations have previously affected transportation hubs, and monsoon and typhoon season can cause localized flooding and flight disruptions. These realities make having travel insurance something to strongly consider.
Will Domestic Insurance Work in Hong Kong?
Potentially not—or at least not as much as you might expect. Many domestic health insurance plans offer limited or no coverage outside your home country, including in Hong Kong. Before you travel, it’s smart to check with your insurer to see what’s covered abroad and whether you’ll need additional medical coverage.
For example, Medicare generally doesn’t cover healthcare received outside the United States except in very limited situations, according to Medicare.gov. Travelers who rely on Medicare typically need supplemental coverage to receive benefits overseas, and this limitation is common across many U.S.-based health plans.
Because of these gaps, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends considering purchasing travel medical insurance for international trips. Healthcare systems, costs, and payment requirements in Hong Kong can be very different from what you’re used to at home, so having coverage designed specifically for international travel can help you be better prepared if the unexpected happens.
What Type of Travel Insurance is Right for Your Trip?
When choosing travel insurance, there are two main types of coverage to consider: comprehensive trip protection and travel medical insurance.
Comprehensive trip protection provides well-rounded coverage. It helps protect your prepaid travel expenses, such as flights, hotels, and excursions, and also includes medical benefits for unexpected illnesses, injuries, or emergency evacuations. This type of plan is often better suited for travelers who are concerned about trip disruptions, delays, or cancellations that could lead to financial loss or additional costs.
For example, with WorldTrips’ comprehensive trip protection plan, Atlas Journey, you may be reimbursed for non-refundable expenses if you need to cancel your trip or if your travels are interrupted for a covered reason.
Travel medical insurance, on the other hand, focuses on providing medical coverage for unforeseen illnesses or injuries while abroad. It also includes some limited trip protection benefits, such as coverage for lost checked luggage or travel delays.
With Atlas Travel insurance, you also have access to Air Doctor, an exclusive Atlas Travel benefit that connects you to telehealth consultations, in-clinic visits, or even in-hotel care without needing to file a claim. These plans are designed for flexibility, allowing 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**
Healthcare in Hong Kong
Hong Kong has both public and private healthcare sectors that are high quality and equipped with modern, life‑saving technology. Many healthcare staff speak English, and care standards are strong. Public hospitals can be overcrowded at times, while private facilities can be very expensive, which is why travelers are advised to carry adequate insurance. The local emergency number is 999.
Be prepared to pay a deposit to cover the expected treatment cost prior to being admitted to hospitals. If you are travelling with prescription medication, check to make sure it is legal in Hong Kong. Source: On Call International
If you need care in Hong Kong, with WorldTrips you can visit any healthcare provider of your choice for eligible medical benefits—no network restrictions. Directly pay the provider and submit a claim for reimbursement consideration. It is important to keep the following documents for your claim:
- Itemized medical bills with diagnosis details
- Medical records, including prescriptions
- Receipts for payments made
- Doctor’s note if your condition impacted your travel plans (if applicable for your claim)

“WorldTrips is the best travel insurance company of 2024, based on our analysis of cost and coverage options.”
Air pollution. According to the US Department of State, the air quality in Hong Kong tends to be the worst in the summer. Check air quality forecasts and consider wearing a mask if needed.
Stay aware of crowds. Violent crime is rare, but pickpocketing and bag‑snatching occur in crowded places such as the MTR, ferries, and busy marketplaces. Certain neighborhoods, including Yuen Long, have higher rates of crime and are best avoided. Keep valuables secured and remain alert in transit hubs.
Use caution in nightlife areas. Incidents of drink‑spiking at bars have been reported in areas popular with expatriates such as Wanchai. Never accept drinks or food from strangers and do not leave beverages unattended.
Avoid areas where gatherings or disruptions are occurring, as these situations can escalate without warning.
Note that all WorldTrips plans come with 24/7 Travel Assistance Services that can help coordinate an evacuation of the area. Additionally, Travel Medical plans come with a political evacuation benefit that can help with moving to a safe location.Expect transport checks and plan extra time. Access to the airport may require showing a passport and proof of flight before entering the terminal. Taxis are reliable; having your destination written in Cantonese helps, and many taxis accept only cash. Popular ride‑sharing apps like Uber are available.
Mind the weather. From May to October, monsoons and typhoons can bring heavy rain and flooding, which may disrupt power, roads, and flights. Monitor local advisories and be prepared to adjust plans.
Cross‑border precautions. Wait times at land border crossings with mainland China can be lengthy. Authorities may inspect electronic devices and request access to their contents. Travelers should avoid carrying sensitive or unnecessary material and allow extra time for inspections.
General conduct. Carry photo identification, consider a photocopy of your passport when moving around the city, and avoid sensitive discussions in public.
Why Choose WorldTrips Travel Insurance for Hong Kong?
The best travel memories come from adventures, not from over-thinking about what might go wrong. With WorldTrips, you get coverage designed to keep your trip on track—backed by global expertise and a trusted reputation.
Global Experience
For more than 30 years, we’ve provided international travel insurance to millions of people worldwide, from students and families to business travelers. As part of Tokio Marine HCC, WorldTrips offers the strength and reliability travelers look for.
Flexible Coverage Options
Every trip is different, which is why our plans are designed to adapt to your needs. Choose coverage for medical expenses, cancellations, interruptions, lost baggage, and more. Whether you’re taking a short vacation, planning a long stay, studying abroad, or visiting family, you can select from budget-friendly or higher-level options that align with your itinerary and budget.
Global Network of Care
Travel with confidence knowing you have access to healthcare providers in over 190 countries, plus 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance. From arranging an evacuation to finding a local doctor or help setting up a telehealth appointment through our partner AirDoctor, help is always just a call away. Our partnerships with global providers like Air Doctor make it even easier to connect with care.
Fast, Reliable Claims Service
Our streamlined online claims experienceprovides transparent processes to get your claim filed and reimbursement on the way. At WorldTrips, we strive to help you focus on enjoying your travels while we help you handle the unexpected.
Here’s what our customers have to say:
- “I bought Atlas Journey thinking we might need it for medical reasons, but in the end, it saved us when our entire trip got canceled. With trip cancellation benefits, we were able to recover our losses from the flights we never took and the rental car we couldn’t use.” - Kyleigh
- "If I hadn’t had Atlas Journey, I probably would have just given up and gone home. But instead, I made it to Iceland, reunited with my aunt, and we had an incredible trip. It turned what could have been a disaster into an unforgettable experience." - Linda
WorldTrips combines decades of expertise, global resources, and a commitment to customer care. Whether you’re planning a short trip or an extended journey to Hong Kong, WorldTrips gives you the confidence that you’re covered wherever your travels take you.
WorldTrips offers several different options for Travel Insurance to Hong Kong. We offer customizable options, comprehensive coverage plans, and 24/7 emergency travel assistance with all plans. Get a quote today and find the plan that is 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.
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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).