Travel Insurance For China

China is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Australian tourists. Nearly 47,000 Aussies visited the country between April 2017 and April 2018¹, a rise of 5% on the previous period.

It’s a massive country, with every kind of geographic and cultural experience you could ask for. From sweeping, untamed wildernesses with ancient temples and architecture, to ultra-modern, densely populated cities. That said, many parts of China aren’t as modernised as Australia, so it’s important to have the right travel insurance for your trip.

What to do in China and how to make sure you’re covered

As one of the world’s biggest countries and oldest cultures, China is a travel experience like no other. Here’s just a few ideas to plan your trip:

• Walk the Great Wall: Visible from space, 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 also be steep and run down, with a potential risk for slips and sprains. Travel insurance means that if you do get injured, you don’t need to worry about bill shock on top of your physical wounds.
• See giant pandas: Who doesn’t love cute 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 animals and can react unpredictably. Travel insurance is essential in case of any injuries.
• 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. Give yourself peace of mind with travel insurance to cover your possessions.
• Bicycle touring: China is one of the world’s great bicycling nations, but roads can be dangerous²! Always wear a helmet and be aware of other vehicles, as drivers can often be unpredictable. If you choose to ride a motorbike or moped, make sure you hold a valid license and check that your insurance policy will cover you.
• Cruise the Yangtze River: One of the world’s great rivers, a Yangtze River cruise can give you the chance to get a different perspective on China. Travellers should take care to stay on the boat, as the water is highly polluted and is not safe for swimming.
• Explore the regional areas: Many travellers to China don’t get beyond the big cities of Beijing and Shanghai in this huge country. But there’s lots of other cities to explore. Travellers to the less popular tourist destinations should be aware of mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria and Japanese Encephalitis². See your doctor before you travel for the appropriate preventative strategies, and of course, make sure you have travel insurance to cover you if you fall ill.

Potential problems in China

Petty crime in China is rare, especially against tourists and foreigners. But there are a few pickpockets², especially in crowded tourist hotspots and restaurants. The biggest danger to tourists (and natives) is the traffic², as roads are crowded and drivers don’t always have the same respect for road rules as we do.

What your travel insurance should cover

Medical problems

No matter how healthy you are, travel insurance is essential as illness can strike at any time. A good travel insurance policy will cover ambulance transportation, repatriation flights, medical and hospital costs, dental treatment, and also in-hospital cash.

Personal liability

If you injure someone or damage property while you’re in China you’ll need this cover to help you. On that note, we highly suggest refraining from the temptation to bring a piece of the Great Wall back with you.

Cancellation fees and lost deposits

If you have to cancel or rearrange your trip, or part of it, then you may lose your deposits or incur a cancellation fee. This cover can reimburse you. China’s airlines are very prone to delays, so you should be prepared for disruption at some point. This is where your travel insurance may come in handy.

Delayed, stolen, or lost luggage or possessions

If you’re left without luggage or other possessions then your insurance will reimburse you for the cost of replacing them. Your policy should also cover you for lost passports and travel documents.

Disrupted travel

If your travel plans are disrupted by unforeseen circumstances then you’ll be reimbursed for the cost of extra meals and accommodation while you wait.

Rental vehicle excess

If you rent a car and have an accident, your policy should cover you for your rental provider’s excess payment.

Want to compare travel insurance before your trip to China?

Having a travel insurance policy is essential for enjoying peace of mind on your trip. Compare policies online from our range of providers today. We’d be happy to help you find a policy that suits you.

*iSelect does not compare all travel insurers or policies in the market. Travel insurance is only available through our website and not all policies are available at all times or in all areas. Not all policies made available from our partners are compared by iSelect and due to commercial arrangements and customer circumstances not all policies compared by iSelect will be available to all customers. Click here to view iSelect’s range of providers.

iSelect General Pty Limited ABN 90 131 798 126, AFS Licence Number: 334115. Any advice provided by iSelect is of a general nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You need to consider the appropriateness of any information or general advice iSelect gives you, having regard to your personal situation, before acting on iSelect’s advice or purchasing any policy. You should consider iSelect’s Financial Services Guide which provides information about our services and your rights as a client of iSelect. iSelect receives commission for each policy sold.

Sources
1.http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/0/2E33320E030F1DEACA25696E007FDE66?OpenDocument
2.https://smartraveller.gov.au/countries/asia/north/pages/china.aspx#local_travel