Travel Insurance for China (2026): What You Need, What to Avoid, and How to Choose

While not always legally required, China trips typically involve multi-city itineraries, domestic connections, and potential weather disruptions (especially during typhoon season). Travel authorities strongly recommend comprehensive insurance covering your itinerary, activities, and emergency costs.

Look for coverage that includes doctor/clinic visits, diagnostics, emergency treatment, hospitalization, and prescribed medication. Equally important: strong medical evacuation (which can cost over $100,000 from remote areas) and 24/7 assistance that can coordinate care in an unfamiliar healthcare system.

Most policies include trip delay coverage, but check the specific terms. China's typhoon season (May–November) affects coastal regions. Look for policies with clear delay, missed connection, and trip interruption benefits that cover additional accommodation, meals, and rebooking costs when weather disrupts your plans.

Trip disruption coverage may help with costs like additional hotel nights and rebooking flights if you're denied entry for health-related reasons. Check your specific policy terms—this is one scenario where trip interruption coverage becomes valuable for reducing financial damage.

Yes, travel insurance generally covers travel by train. If you miss a connection due to a covered reason (illness, previous transport delay), missed connection benefits can help. Keep booking confirmations and get written confirmation of any delays from the carrier.

Standard walking and sightseeing are typically covered, but hiking can be classified as an "adventure activity" depending on the terrain and difficulty. Check your policy's activity exclusions—the Great Wall involves uneven steps and potential slip hazards, so confirm coverage before you go.

If you miss a connection for a covered reason, missed connection benefits can help with rebooking and additional costs. Multi-stop China itineraries are "domino-sensitive"—one delay cascades. Prioritize policies with good delay/interruption coverage and fast-responding assistance.

Winter sports (skiing, snowboarding) are typically excluded from standard policies unless you add a sports/activities extension. If you're visiting China in winter and plan any snow activities, check for specific winter sports coverage and understand any limits on where/how it applies.

Contact your insurer's 24/7 assistance line as soon as possible—especially if hospitalization may be needed. Collect diagnosis/medical reports, itemized invoices, proof of payment (if you paid upfront), and prescriptions. Travelers often pay at point of service and claim later, so paperwork is essential.

Strong medical evacuation coverage is critical for China trips—especially if your itinerary includes rural or nature-heavy destinations. The CDC notes evacuation can cost over $100,000. Choose a policy with clear evacuation and repatriation terms, not just a headline limit.

For medical issues: diagnosis/medical report, itemized invoice, proof of payment, prescriptions. For theft: police report (often required), proof of ownership, incident documentation. For delays: written confirmation from the carrier, receipts for extra costs, original bookings. Good documentation = successful claims.

Yes, but policies vary significantly. Some exclude anything related to the condition, some cover under specific rules, and some require medical disclosure. Tell your broker upfront so they can filter policies correctly—this is one of the most common "looks fine until you claim" traps.