Travel insurance is not mandatory for China travel (except for certain visa types), but it is essential. China's healthcare system for foreigners can be expensive - a simple emergency room visit at an international hospital costs $100-200 USD, and medical evacuation to your home country can cost $50,000-$100,000. This guide covers exactly what you need and how to choose the right policy.
Quick Facts
Min. Evacuation
$100,000 (ideally $250,000)
Min. Medical
$250,000
Typical Cost
$12-45 for 1-2 weeks
Must-Have
24/7 English assistance hotline
Essential Coverage for China Travel (Minimum Requirements)
Medical evacuation/repatriation ($100,000+ minimum): This is the most important coverage. If you have a serious medical emergency in China, you want to be flown to your home country or a regional medical hub. Top-tier hospitals in Beijing (United Family, BIMC) can handle most cases, but for critical care, evacuation may be necessary. Evacuation from Beijing to the US costs approximately $50,000-80,000. Ensure your policy explicitly covers 'medical repatriation' or 'emergency evacuation.' Trip cancellation/interruption ($5,000+ minimum): covers cancelled flights, missed connections, trip shortening due to emergencies. China has frequent flight cancellations and weather delays. Medical expenses ($250,000+ minimum): covers hospital visits, doctor consultations, prescription medications at international hospitals in Beijing. Daily hospital stay in Beijing (BJU): $500-1,500 USD per day (ICU). Baggage loss/delay: covers lost luggage (common on connecting flights through Beijing). Personal liability: covers you if you accidentally cause injury or damage. This is rarely needed but inexpensive to add. COVID-19 coverage: some policies still exclude COVID. Check that your policy covers COVID-related medical treatment and quarantine costs. 24/7 emergency assistance: ensure the insurer has a 24-hour English-speaking hotline. Test it by calling before you buy.
Top Insurance Providers for China Travel
SafetyWing: best for digital nomads and long-term travelers. Covers China with medical evacuation up to $250,000. Starting at $45/month. Includes COVID coverage. No deductible for most claims. 24/7 support via chat. Can buy while already traveling (useful if your trip extends). World Nomads: best for adventure travelers. Covers China including hiking the Great Wall, cycling, and adventure activities. Medical evacuation up to $500,000. Starting at $50-100 for a 2-week trip. Includes adventure sports coverage (check your activities are included). Axa Assistance: best for comprehensive coverage. Available through their travel insurance product 'Axa Travel Protection.' Covers China with high medical limits ($1M+). Trip cancellation up to $10,000. Delayed baggage coverage. Allianz Travel: best for annual multi-trip policies. Covers China for unlimited trips under an annual plan. Medical evacuation included. Good for frequent China travelers. Hidden Beijing recommendation: for a standard 1-2 week Beijing trip, SafetyWing or World Nomads are sufficient. For extended stays or if you have pre-existing conditions, use Axa or Allianz. Key tip: buy insurance within 14 days of your first trip deposit to maximize trip cancellation coverage. Always carry your insurance card and policy number physically (printed) and digitally.
Want a Local Guide to Show You Around?
Skip the tourist traps and discover the real Beijing with a local insider. Your first consultation is free.
Insurance for China's Healthcare System (How Claims Work)
Direct billing: Beijing United Family Hospital has direct billing agreements with most major international insurers. This means you show your insurance card at the hospital and they bill the insurer directly. You pay nothing upfront. Check your insurer's website for 'direct billing hospitals in Beijing' or call their helpline before your trip. Reimbursement: if the hospital does not have direct billing with your insurer, you pay upfront and file a claim later. Keep ALL documents: hospital receipt (发票), medical report (诊断证明), doctor's prescription (处方), itemized bill (费用明细), insurance policy number, and claim form. Most insurers allow digital claim submission via app or website. Reimbursement time: 2-6 weeks for most claims. Pre-existing conditions: most standard policies exclude pre-existing medical conditions. If you have a chronic condition (diabetes, heart disease, asthma), you need a specialized policy or a waiver. Disclose all conditions when buying - failing to do so can void your coverage. What to do in a medical emergency: call your insurer's 24-hour emergency hotline first (save the number in your phone). They will guide you to the nearest hospital that accepts your insurance. If you go to a hospital without prior approval, call your insurer within 24 hours. Keep your policy number and emergency contact number printed and in your wallet, not just on your phone.
Last updated: · Next review: ·Prices and policies may change. We verify all information regularly.
Planning Your Beijing Trip?
Get our complete guide and checklist plus personalized tips from our local team.
Hidden Beijing Recommends
Every recommendation on this site is based on our team's personal experience and testing. We do not accept payment for positive reviews. All suggestions are curated to help you have the best possible experience in Beijing.
Hidden Beijing's Curated Hotels
We personally inspect and recommend hotels that offer the best value, location, and English-friendly service for international travelers. Our top picks include boutique hotels in hutongs, business hotels in CBD, and luxury options in Wangfujing.
Our team inspects every hotel before recommendationHidden Beijing's Restaurant Picks
Hand-selected restaurants where foreigners feel welcome, menus have English descriptions, and the food represents the best of Beijing cuisine. From Peking duck to street food, we guide you to the right spot.
Tested and verified by our local teamVPN Services Tested in Beijing
We regularly test VPN performance inside Beijing. Our recommendations are based on actual connection tests at Beijing hotels, coffee shops, and mobile networks. We update our findings monthly.
Tested inside Beijing and refreshed regularlyHidden Beijing curates every recommendation personally. We never accept payment for listings.