- The best travel insurance plans for China
- Is it currently safe to travel to China?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter China?
- Why you need travel insurance for China
- What should travel insurance for China cover?
- The cost of travel insurance for China
- How to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to China
- Will Your Current Insurance Cover You in China?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for China: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for China covers medical emergencies, repatriation, trip cancellation, and lost baggage.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended due to high medical and evacuation costs.
3. Healthcare cost: Healthcare for foreigners is expensive; a hospital stay can cost over C$1,000 per night.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for China typically costs between C$30 and C$60.
5. Good to know: Be aware of exit ban risks, which can prevent you from leaving China.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for China.
The best travel insurance plans for China
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.5M $CA | Highly suitable for travel to China, covering considerable medical and evacuation costs. - high limit - covers private clinics - strong repatriation |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.5M $CA | Strong support for Canadians in China. - 24/7 helpline - seamless medical claims - solid cancellation cover |
| Tourist Card | 0.75M $CA | Practical for tourists in China, with good value in health and emergency coverage. - solid health cover - prompt assistance - covers short trips |
| Travel Pass Monde | 1.1M $CA | Broad protection for travel in China. - high medical and evacuation cover - extensive territory - flexible for longer stays |
| Globe Partner | 0.45M $CA | Convenient for essential needs in China. - basic medical reimbursement - repatriation - easy to use for first-time travellers |
| Globe Traveller | 0.75M $CA | Good for short tourist visits to China. - core health emergency cover - quick claims - suitable for stays under one month |
- high limit
- covers private clinics
- strong repatriation
- 24/7 helpline
- seamless medical claims
- solid cancellation cover
- solid health cover
- prompt assistance
- covers short trips
- high medical and evacuation cover
- extensive territory
- flexible for longer stays
- basic medical reimbursement
- repatriation
- easy to use for first-time travellers
- core health emergency cover
- quick claims
- suitable for stays under one month
Is it currently safe to travel to China?
As of June 2025, the Government of Canada’s Global Affairs advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting China, mainly due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws and unpredictable administrative measures affecting foreign citizens.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: arbitrary detention and increased surveillance can affect Canadians, especially in regions like Xinjiang or Tibet. For example, travellers have faced lengthy interrogations or exit bans if caught in restricted areas.
- Health risks: China faces air pollution episodes in major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. There are also risks from infectious diseases like avian influenza and dengue; access to English-speaking doctors can be limited outside big cities.
- Legal constraints: drug laws are strictly enforced, and even small quantities of substances considered legal in Canada can result in lengthy detention or deportation. Photography of government or military facilities is forbidden.
- Cultural precautions: behaviour seen as disruptive, such as public protests or criticism of local authorities, can trigger police intervention. Always respect restrictions on gatherings or online activities.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by Global Affairs Canada, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in China.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter China?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for travellers from Canada to enter China.
It remains strongly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance before going to China, as medical care and hospitalisation costs can be high. Emergency evacuation and repatriation may also involve significant expenses, and payment is often required upfront.
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to China, primarily due to the expensive health system and the risks associated with unpredictable administrative procedures.
Why you need travel insurance for China
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to China.
In China, foreigners are generally directed to private hospitals in large cities such as Beijing United Family Hospital in Beijing and ParkwayHealth in Shanghai, where fees for consultation, hospitalisation, and specialist care can be very high. Public hospitals may not offer English-speaking staff or international standard care for visitors.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospitalisation costs, medication, ambulance transportation, and repatriation to Canada in case of a serious issue.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in China.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Beijing United Family Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 25,000 CNY (approx. 4,700 $CA) | up to 150,000 $CA |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 14,000 CNY (approx. 2,650 $CA) | up to 150,000 $CA |
| I need to be repatriated | 300,000 CNY (approx. 57,000 $CA) | up to 150,000 $CA or 100% of costs |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 55,000 CNY (approx. 10,400 $CA) | up to 150,000 $CA |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions. It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What should travel insurance for China cover?
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for China.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| ? Medical expenses | Covers consultations, hospital stays, surgery, and medication if you fall ill or have an accident in China. We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least $150,000 CA for medical expenses. |
| ? Medical evacuation | Pays for emergency evacuation to another city or country if needed, often due to limited care for foreigners in rural China. Look for coverage up to $100,000 CA or 100% of the evacuation costs. |
| ✈️ Repatriation | Covers transport back to Canada in case of serious illness, injury, or death. Choose a plan with a repatriation limit of $150,000 CA or more. |
| ? Prescription drugs | Reimburses the cost of medications prescribed during your stay in China. Opt for plans with limits of at least $1,000 CA for medications. |
| ? Baggage insurance | Compensates for lost, stolen, or delayed luggage. We recommend a minimum limit of $2,000 CA for baggage coverage. |
| ? Personal liability | Covers you if you accidentally cause injury to someone or damage their property. Choose at least $1,000,000 CA of liability coverage. |
| ? 24/7 assistance | Provides emergency helplines and support services in English for quick help in China. This should be covered with no stated limit or up to the policy maximum. |
| ❌ Trip cancellation | Reimburses prepaid costs if you have to cancel or cut short your trip due to unforeseen events (illness, family emergency). Look for a cancellation/interruption benefit of at least $5,000 CA. |
We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least $150,000 CA for medical expenses.
Look for coverage up to $100,000 CA or 100% of the evacuation costs.
Choose a plan with a repatriation limit of $150,000 CA or more.
Opt for plans with limits of at least $1,000 CA for medications.
We recommend a minimum limit of $2,000 CA for baggage coverage.
Choose at least $1,000,000 CA of liability coverage.
This should be covered with no stated limit or up to the policy maximum.
Look for a cancellation/interruption benefit of at least $5,000 CA.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards often covers only very basic risks, with low reimbursement limits and many exclusions. It is much safer to select coverage from a trusted insurer with high limits and broad protection. You can compare the best options and buy your certificate instantly on HelloSafe.
The cost of travel insurance for China
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | $32 CA |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $47 CA |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $79 CA |
| 1 month | 70 years old | $152 CA |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The price of your travel insurance for China depends on several factors: your age, trip duration, destination risk, coverage limits, and any added options like trip cancellation. It's important to consider these to select a suitable policy, especially since medical care and evacuation from China can be extremely expensive.
? It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
? Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to China
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to China while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| ??? Traveller's age | Premiums often increase for older travellers, sometimes significantly, especially for those over 60. | Compare insurers as some, like Heymondo, do not increase prices for those over 62. Seek age-neutral pricing. |
| ⏳ Trip duration | Longer trips raise risks for insurers and typically result in higher premiums. | Choose coverage only for the exact length of stay, and avoid unnecessary multi-trip policies for short visits. |
| ? Level of coverage | Medical care and evacuation in China can be expensive, so coverage limits impact premium choice. | Select a medical minimum around $200k–$500k CA, but skip extras like high personal liability if unnecessary. |
| ? Coverage add-ons | Options like lost baggage or device protection increase cost, though may not be essential for every trip. | Only add guarantees you truly need, such as medical and evacuation, and skip others to cut costs. |
| ???? Number of insured persons | Family or group cover can be more cost-effective than individual plans per person. | Request multi-person or family quotes. These can unlock significant per-person discounts for the same coverage. |
| ? Deductible | Higher deductibles mean lower premiums, but require you to pay more out of pocket in case of claim. | Opt for the highest deductible you are comfortable covering, as this lowers overall insurance cost up front. |
| ? Type of activities | Adventure sports, trekking, or off-the-beaten-path travel impact premiums due to higher medical risk. | Disclose planned activities and only pay for higher-risk cover if absolutely needed for your China itinerary. |
Will Your Current Insurance Cover You in China?
It is completely reasonable to wonder whether your public health insurance or credit card coverage can protect you during a trip to China. Unfortunately, this is often limited or insufficient, especially for emergency medical care or evacuation. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of Insurance | Valid in China? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Health Insurance (Canada Health, RAMQ, MSP, AHCIP) | Never | No coverage abroad. Emergency care and hospitalization in China are not reimbursed. | Travel insurance covers up to $1,000,000 CA in medical care and repatriation, with support in local hospitals. |
| Private Health Insurance (Sun Life, Manulife, Blue Cross) | Limited coverage | Some plans reimburse small portions of out-of-country care, but often exclude evacuation. | Travel insurance covers up to $1,000,000 CA, including 24/7 emergency evacuation and extended hospitalization. |
| Classic Credit Card (TD Classic, CIBC Classic, Scotiabank Value) | Limited coverage | Emergency medical below $15,000 CA for short trips, little or no baggage/trip protection. | Travel insurance offers up to $1,000,000 CA for medical expenses, plus baggage, delays, and trip cancellation. |
| Premium Credit Card (RBC Avion, Amex Gold, BMO World Elite) | Limited coverage | Medical usually under $100,000 CA, trip/baggage only if travel booked with card. | Travel insurance includes up to $1,000,000 CA coverage, including direct payment and on-the-ground assistance. |
Example
In Shanghai, Liam's scooter accident resulted in a C$30,000 bill for emergency surgery. His CIBC Aventura card's travel medical insurance had a C$5,000 limit, and his provincial plan was insufficient. Without specific travel insurance, he faced a C$25,000 shortfall—a devastating cost for what seemed like a routine trip.
Expert advice
Many credit cards and provincial health plans exclude key coverages like trip interruption for a family emergency. Read your policy's fine print carefully to avoid costly surprises abroad. In all cases, purchasing dedicated travel insurance tailored to your specific trip is the safest and most reassuring option.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to China?
Yes, Canadian citizens need a visa for most types of travel to China, such as tourism, business, study, or work. There are exceptions, including a 240-hour visa-free transit for travelers connecting to a third country and short-term entry to Hainan Province. Always check the latest requirements before you travel.
How do I purchase travel insurance for China?
Begin by comparing options using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to identify suitable offers. Review all coverage details and exclusions, paying attention to specifics related to China, such as medical evacuation or political risks. Purchase your preferred policy online. Upon completion, you will receive your insurance certificate via email.
Are hospitals in China expensive for foreigners?
Yes, private hospitals and international clinics in China often require upfront payment and can be very costly. It is common for emergency care or hospital stays to exceed several thousand dollars. Comprehensive travel insurance can help cover these expenses, protecting you from significant out-of-pocket costs.
Will my Canadian health insurance cover me in China?
In most cases, provincial health insurance from Canada does not cover any medical costs incurred abroad. Some private health insurance or credit cards offer limited benefits, but these usually have low limits and strict exclusions. Travel insurance is recommended for full protection against medical and repatriation expenses.
What health risks should I consider when traveling to China?
Travelers should be aware of risks such as avian influenza, dengue, and tick-borne encephalitis, depending on the region. Air pollution is another serious concern in many Chinese cities, potentially affecting individuals with respiratory issues. Up-to-date vaccinations, mosquito bite precautions, and an effective insurance policy are strongly advised.
How much does travel insurance for China typically cost?
Travel insurance for a Canadian visiting China usually starts at around CA$40 to CA$75 for a two-week trip with basic medical coverage. Prices rise for longer stays, higher limits, and add-ons like trip cancellation or adventure sports coverage. Comparing several insurers can help you find the right protection at a reasonable price.
Do I need a visa to travel to China?
Yes, Canadian citizens need a visa for most types of travel to China, such as tourism, business, study, or work. There are exceptions, including a 240-hour visa-free transit for travelers connecting to a third country and short-term entry to Hainan Province. Always check the latest requirements before you travel.
How do I purchase travel insurance for China?
Begin by comparing options using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to identify suitable offers. Review all coverage details and exclusions, paying attention to specifics related to China, such as medical evacuation or political risks. Purchase your preferred policy online. Upon completion, you will receive your insurance certificate via email.
Are hospitals in China expensive for foreigners?
Yes, private hospitals and international clinics in China often require upfront payment and can be very costly. It is common for emergency care or hospital stays to exceed several thousand dollars. Comprehensive travel insurance can help cover these expenses, protecting you from significant out-of-pocket costs.
Will my Canadian health insurance cover me in China?
In most cases, provincial health insurance from Canada does not cover any medical costs incurred abroad. Some private health insurance or credit cards offer limited benefits, but these usually have low limits and strict exclusions. Travel insurance is recommended for full protection against medical and repatriation expenses.
What health risks should I consider when traveling to China?
Travelers should be aware of risks such as avian influenza, dengue, and tick-borne encephalitis, depending on the region. Air pollution is another serious concern in many Chinese cities, potentially affecting individuals with respiratory issues. Up-to-date vaccinations, mosquito bite precautions, and an effective insurance policy are strongly advised.
How much does travel insurance for China typically cost?
Travel insurance for a Canadian visiting China usually starts at around CA$40 to CA$75 for a two-week trip with basic medical coverage. Prices rise for longer stays, higher limits, and add-ons like trip cancellation or adventure sports coverage. Comparing several insurers can help you find the right protection at a reasonable price.
