Travel Insurance for China

Do you need travel insurance for China?  

While there is no official requirement to take out travel insurance for China, as of August 2024 the Australian Government cautions travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting China and encourages you to take out travel insurance prior to visiting.  This is due to the risk of arbitrary detention or harsh enforcement of local laws. Petty crime and scams occur in China, as well as occasional armed attacks in border regions. There is also risk associated with getting caught up in political demonstrations.  

China has included Australia in its visa waiver program until the end of 2025, which means Australian passport holders can visit China for up to 15 days without a visa.   

However given how much there is to see and do in China, for most tourists 15 days won’t be nearly enough! This means most Australian visitors to China will need to apply for an L visa to enter China as a tourist, which costs $94.50 for a single entry.  Although travel insurance is not a requirement of the visa, it can help if you find yourself saddled with unexpected costs during your trip. 

Travel insurance can also help if you encounter run-of-the-mill travel issues, like lost luggage, delays or sickness. Tap water in China may not be safe to drink, and there are a range of illnesses in China that are not present in Australia. If you do get sick, travel insurance can protect you from unpredictable medical or evacuation bills. 

Which popular activities in China can be covered?  

China has become an increasingly popular destination since economic reforms opened the country up to tourism in the late ‘70s. It now has 56 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, second only to Italy with 58. Here are just a few ideas to help plan your trip, along with some potential safety considerations to keep in mind. 

• Walk the Great Wall: The Great Wall of China is one of the most impressive built structures on the planet, but depending on the section you walk it can be steep and uneven with a potential risk for slips and sprains. Bad weather can also impact the region. Travel Insurance could provide cover if you do get injured, so you don’t need to worry about bill shock on top of your physical wounds.
• See giant pandas: These beautiful animals are endangered due to habitat destruction, so panda conservation centres play an important role in species preservation. Visitors to panda conservation centres can help to care for the animals, but it’s vital to remember that these are still wild animals and can react unpredictably.
• Dine along the Bund: Shanghai’s bustling Bund forefront features some of the world’s most impressive restaurants and is visually spectacular at night. However, it’s important to remain aware of your surroundings and be vigilant about the threat of pickpockets and other petty crime.
• Bicycle touring: China is one of the world’s great bicycling nations, but visitors should pay attention to local traffic rules and practices. Always wear a helmet and be aware of other vehicles. If you choose to ride a motorbike or moped, make sure you hold a valid license and check that your insurance policy provides cover for this activity.
• Explore the regional areas: Many travellers to China don’t get beyond the big cities of Beijing and Shanghai, but there are lots of other places to explore. Travellers to rural southern China should be aware of mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria and Japanese Encephalitis from June to August. See your doctor before you travel for the appropriate preventative strategies. 

What else will my travel insurance cover?  

Travel insurance acts as an added layer of financial protection in case you get sick or injured overseas. It can also help with costs if you are the victim of a crime or have unexpected issues with your travel plans. While what exactly is covered depends on the individual policy, travel insurance commonly covers:  

• Medical problems: No matter how healthy you are, there is always a possibility of illness or injury during your trip. A suitable travel insurance policy could cover ambulance transportation, repatriation flights, medical and hospital costs, dental treatment, and sometimes in-hospital cash.
• Personal liability: If you injure someone or damage property while you’re in China, then your travel insurance could help cover any costs involved.
• Cancellation fees and lost deposits: If you have to unexpectedly cancel or rearrange your trip, then you may lose your deposits or incur a cancellation fee. Travel insurance can often provide cover in these types of situations, if your reason for cancelling was outside of your control.
• Delayed, stolen, or lost luggage or possessions: If you’re left without luggage or other possessions, your insurance can reimburse you for the cost of replacing them. Your policy could also cover you for lost passports and travel documents.
• Rental vehicle excess: If you rent a car and have an accident, your policy could cover you for your rental provider’s excess payment.  Keep in mind this is often an optional extra.  

Will I be covered for COVID-19?  

Travel insurance can cover expenses related to COVID-19. Depending on your insurer and the specific policy you choose, you may be eligible for reimbursement for trip cancellation and medical treatment, as well as additional accommodation or quarantine expenses. All the information will be in your policy’s product disclosure statement (PDS). 

What won’t travel insurance cover in China?  

Just like it’s important to know what is covered, it’s equally important to be aware of things that your insurance may not cover in China.  

• Travel to Tibet and Xinjiang: According to Smartraveller as of August 2024, increased security measures are in place in Xinjiang, home to the Uyghur ethnic minority. There’s also civil unrest and political tension in Tibet, where you will need permission from the Chinese authorities to visit. Check with your insurer before travelling to either of these regions, as you may not be covered.
• Adventure sports: Activities like mountain biking, bungee jumping, hiking and rock-climbing are popular in China, especially in and around Zhangjiajie and its famous sandstone columns. While these are usually covered by standard travel insurance policies, you should double-check the PDS before making any decisions.
• Risky behaviour: Illegal, drug or alcohol-related injuries and incidents are unlikely to be covered by your travel insurance. That means you should think twice before climbing an off-limits section of the Great Wall or taking home an unofficial souvenir.
• Theft and petty crime: While travel insurance can cover theft, you must take steps to protect your belongings. If you don’t take proper care of your luggage and valuable items, they may not be covered. 

How much does Travel insurance cost for China?  

Basic travel insurance for a week in China starts from $35, with comprehensive cover costing anywhere up to $160. More expensive policies offer generous benefits when it comes to cancellation fees, lost deposits, luggage and hospital cash allowance. The age of the traveller and any pre-existing conditions will also impact the cost. 

Cruise cover and snow sports cover are generally optional add-ons, both of which could be needed on your China holiday. Most China cruises depart from Shanghai or Hong Kong, with some including Japan as well. The country’s ski slopes, on the other hand, are largely located in the northeast; Yabuli Ski Resort in Heilongjiang is the largest and most well-known. 

Where can I find and compare travel insurance? 

Whether you’re planning a stopover in Shanghai or an adventure into the country’s vast interior, China is a destination as diverse as it is fascinating. If you want to check out your travel insurance options before your trip, head to iSelect now to compare quotes.