Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.

Travel Insurance for China

Before you go on your trip to China, consider travel insurance cover.

Whether you’re exploring ancient temples, hiking the Great Wall, or tucking into Peking Duck, considering travel insurance for China may help protect you if things don’t go as planned.

From medical emergencies to flight cancellations or lost luggage, TID’s China trip insurance cover may help take some of the stress out of travelling overseas.

Why consider travel insurance for China?

China is a fascinating mix of old and new - but it can also present a few surprises for travellers. These are some of the top reasons why travel insurance should be considered:

  • Overseas medical: Emergency medical cover in China can be expensive, in any case, we will only pay for private medical care where approval has been given by us. Having overseas medical travel insurance for China may help cover hospital stays, medical treatment and even evacuation if you’re seriously injured or ill.
  • Flight cancellations and delays: Weather, typhoons, or air traffic restrictions often cause major travel delays in and out of Chinese airports. Depending on the plan you purchase, travel insurance may cover rebooking and accommodation costs if your journey is disrupted.
  • Lost or stolen belongings: Pickpocketing and scams can occur in busy spots such as train stations. TID’s luggage cover may help replace stolen passports, phones or bags so you can get back to exploring.
  • COVID-19 costs: China has strict health protocols and entry requirements that can change quickly. If you catch COVID-19 during your trip, travel insurance with COVID-19 cover may help with cancellation, quarantine or medical expenses. Coronavirus travel costs are only available under The Works and Annual Multi Trip plans.

What do I need to know when travelling to China

From bustling Beijing to the mountains of Guilin, China’s vast size means every region offers something different, and that means there can be risks when travelling.

Depending on the plan you choose, our travel insurance for China may cover you, up to policy limits, for benefits including:

  • Cover for overseas medical expenses if you fall ill or are injured in China: Knowing you may be covered for medical and dental expenses that may happen will help you enjoy your trip without worrying about unexpected medical or dental bills.
  • Medical evacuation and repatriation: Medical evacuation may be required when you are seriously ill or injured and you need transport to appropriate facilities for treatment or transported back to Australia. Cover for this benefit must be approved by us. 
  • Lost or delayed baggage: Luggage and valuables cover could help if something goes wrong with your bags and valuables. We also have optional cover for high value items which you can add at time of purchase, which may include cover for cameras and tech. You can add items as Specified items to cover their total value up to $4,000 per item for an additional premium, and depreciation does not apply to Specified items. 
  • Cancellation and trip delay: Depending on the plan you choose, if your trip is cancelled or cut short due to an insured event, TID travel insurance may reimburse non-refundable expenses. Coverage may include flights, accommodation, and other pre-paid activities. 
  • Cover for natural disasters including typhoon, earthquakes and flooding: Depending on the plan you choose, travel insurance may include benefits like trip cancellation due to natural disaster, additional accommodation costs, or emergency medical evacuation.
  • Cover for a range of popular activities in China: These may include hiking, cycling and kayaking: International plans may include medical assistance, evacuation, equipment cover, and optional snow sports cover.
  • Access to our 24/7 emergency assistance team.

Be sure to read the PDS for information on what’s covered, policy terms and exclusions.


What does travel insurance cover me for in China?

A TID travel policy offers cover for a wide range of benefits. Here are some of them.

emergency icon

Don't like medical bills?

TID provides cover for unforeseen medical expenses incurred while on an overseas holiday.

cancellation icon

Unexpected cancellation?

Insurance if you have to cancel your trip due to unforeseeable events outside of your control (e.g. sudden illness).

delay icon

Airline cancelled flight?

Depending on the plan you choose, if your flight is cancelled by the airline for operational reasons we may cover the cost of additional meals and accommodation.

lost luggage icon

Taking luggage with you?

Insurance if you have to cancel your trip due to specific insured events outside of your control (e.g. sudden illness)

Compare all benefits

Travel insurance plans for different types of holidays

We have several plans to choose from; each one offers a different level of cover. Check out our travel insurance plans below where you’ll find information about each one.

The Works

Our most popular plan, The Works offers cover for international trips. It includes cover for medical expenses overseas, cancellation costs, cover for luggage and personal effects and more.

The Basics

Sticking to a shoestring budget? Our budget plan is designed for travellers who want coverage for all the important things, like hospital bills and stolen luggage, without breaking the bank.

Annual

Are you a frequent flyer? If you travel often for business, or have a few holidays coming up, our Annual Multi Trip plan could be for you. Made for globetrotters, your trips can be up to 35 days in duration and there is no limit to the number of trip you can take during a 12 month period.

This is a brief summary of cover only and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. Consider the PDS and TMD before purchasing.

Tips for Aussies travelling to China

  • Check your passport: make sure your passport has more than 6 months validity and that you have the correct visa.
  • Watch out for scams: Be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering tea ceremonies or photo ops for a fee.
  • Health and safety: Pollution levels can fluctuate. Consider wearing a mask on high-pollution days. Tap water isn’t safe to drink so only drink bottled or boiled water.
  • Learn a few Mandarin phrases: Even basic greetings can go a long way.
  • Check official travel advice: Before you go, review current China travel advice for Australians on gov.au, and stay up to day with TID’s travel alerts.

Best time to visit China

The best time to visit China is during spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), when temperatures are mild and skies are clear across most regions.

These seasons are perfect for outdoor adventures like hiking the Great Wall or exploring the rice terraces in Guangxi.

It’s also a time for colourful festivals, blooming landscapes and fewer weather-related travel disruptions compared to the humid summer or chilly winter months.

Make your China trip memorable for all the right reasons. Get your travel insurance quote today!

Travel insurance tips to get the most out of your China trip

  • Understand your coverage: Read the policy details thoroughly to know what is and isn’t covered.
  • Keep documentation: Always keep receipts and records of valuables and purchases.
  • Emergency contacts: Save emergency contact numbers provided by TID.
  • Activity and sports coverage: Ensure your policy covers specific sports and activities you plan to do, like scuba diving, hiking, and motorbike or scooter riding.
  • Avoid tap water; Tap water in China may not be safe to drink. Drink only bottled water with intact seals.
  • Carry insect repellent: There are risks of mosquito-borne illnesses, including dengue fever and chikungunya. Protect yourself against mosquito bites.
  • Make sure you download WeChat and AliPay: Over 90% of transactions in Chinese cities are made via apps such as WeChat or AliPay, although cash is still legal tender.

FAQs for a trip to China

Do I need a visa to visit China from Australia?

From 30 November 2024, Australians can visit mainland China for up to 30 days visa-free for tourism, business, or family visits. For longer stays, you’ll still need a visa. Visit the Chinese Government’s website for more information.

Can I be covered for multiple destinations in Asia and not just China?

Travellers can select the destinations they plan to travel to, and can also select the region they're travelling to for unplanned travels in that region i.e. Asia 

Am I covered if my flight is cancelled or delayed in China?

If your flight is delayed or cancelled due to a covered event - like severe weather or airline issues, and depending on the plan you've purchased, your policy may help with extra accommodation or rebooking costs.

Do I need any vaccinations before travelling to China?

Check the Australian Government’s advice on China at Smartraveller.gov.au to check for up-to-date health and safety information, including recommended vaccines.   

If only Hong Kong is listed on my purchased policy, will it also cover China?

If you know you are travelling to Hong Kong and China, you’ll need to list them both as destinations on your policy.

Do I need a visa for a 48 or 72-hr stopover in China on my way to Europe?

For all visa questions, you will need to refer to Smartraveller or Australian consular assistance in China.

Will I be covered for entering Tibet?

By specifying China on the policy, also include Tibet.

Can I choose to come back to Australia on my own accord for medical help if needed as I am worried about the standard of the hospitals in China?

You will need to contact our Emergency Assistance team, as it would need to be assessed what the best option is for you. Just keep in mind that your policy will end when you return to your home in Australia. 

This is a brief summary of cover only and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. Read the PDS before purchasing.

Travel Insurance Direct is rated 4.2 out of 5 by 2494 customers.