China travel insurance is essential for a stress-free trip and to avoid a potential financial nightmare. We compare Heymondo, SafetyWing, ACS, and Chapka to help you choose the right plan — from Shanghai skyscrapers to the Great Wall and high-altitude regions like Tibet.
Which China Travel Insurance Should You Choose in 2026?
Our Recommended Insurance for China
Here is our selection of the best insurance policies for stress-free travel, based on China’s healthcare system and the frequent need for upfront payment.
- ✅ Heymondo: Best overall choice (high limits + app + -5% discount via our link).
- ✅ SafetyWing: Best for digital nomads and flexible/open-ended trips (monthly subscription).
- ✅ ACS: The most economical options, ideal for travelers under 40 and tight budgets.
- ✅ Chapka: A solid option for longer trips and adventure travel (depending on the plan).
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• Heymondo → Best overall choice (high limits + app + no upfront payment)
• SafetyWing → Best for digital nomads & long stays (monthly subscription)
• Chapka → Long trips & adventure travel (depending on the plan)
• ACS → Lowest price (under 40 & budget travelers)
Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for China?
A Strongly Recommended Precaution (Including Hong Kong & Macau)
Travel insurance is not always technically required to enter China as a tourist, but it is widely considered essential — especially because medical care for foreigners can be expensive and many hospitals require an upfront deposit before treatment.
Good news for 2026: citizens of many countries now benefit from visa-free entry to China for short stays. While this simplifies travel, healthcare costs remain fully at your expense — making travel insurance just as essential as before.
Most foreign ministries and government travel authorities strongly recommend having a travel insurance policy that covers:
- Medical expenses (consultations, tests, hospitalization)
- Medical evacuation / repatriation
- 24/7 assistance to guide you to suitable facilities
In short: without travel insurance, you may have delayed or restricted access to care — and you will be fully responsible for all costs.
Why Insurance is Indispensable: Risks in China
China is fascinating and generally safe, but the main risk is financial: a medical incident can quickly become a major bill — especially if you go to an international hospital.
Medical Expenses: The #1 Risk
Foreigners often face a big cost gap between public hospitals and international/VIP clinics.
Here are typical price ranges:
- Public hospital consultation: from €2–€10 (basic level, language barrier common).
- International clinic consultation: €80–250+, depending on the city and facility (excluding tests).
- Hospitalization for a serious infection: €5,000–15,000 for a few days in private care.
- Severe accident requiring surgery & ICU: €20,000–50,000+, often with upfront payment required.
💳 The “Upfront Deposit” Problem
In China, many private and international hospitals ask for a deposit before treatment. Without an insurer able to provide a payment guarantee, you may need to pay thousands of euros first.
China-Specific Risks (Often Overlooked)
🏔️ China-Specific Risks
Air pollution: Severe pollution peaks (AQI > 300) in major cities can trigger respiratory or cardiac issues.
High altitude (Tibet, Qinghai): Acute mountain sickness may require evacuation. Always check your policy’s altitude limits.
Language barrier: Outside international hospitals, English is limited. A 24/7 assistance hotline is crucial to find the right facility quickly.
Medical Evacuation / Repatriation: The “Non-Negotiable” Guarantee
If you suffer a serious accident, complications at altitude, or require specialized care, you may need a medical flight (air ambulance or stretcher on a commercial flight). A medical evacuation from China to Europe can cost between €65,000 and €90,000+, depending on distance and medical needs.
Trip Cancellation: Protecting a Big Travel Budget
Flights to China, internal trains, tours, and hotels can represent a significant investment. Cancellation coverage protects you if you must cancel due to a covered reason (serious illness, family emergency, visa issues, etc.).
Other Useful Guarantees
- Personal liability: coverage if you accidentally injure someone or damage property.
- Baggage theft/loss: compensation for personal belongings.
- Legal assistance: help with local legal procedures.
- Hospital cash advance / payment guarantee: critical in China.
Credit Cards: Beware of Limits
Premium credit cards (Visa Premier, Mastercard Gold, Amex) may include travel insurance, but it often shows its limits in China:
- Medical caps often too low: commonly around €150,000 — risky for major hospitalization or evacuation.
- Upfront payment required: you often pay first, then request reimbursement later.
- Trip duration: usually limited to 90 consecutive days.
- Common exclusions: high altitude, “risky sports,” pre-existing conditions.
In China, a dedicated travel insurance plan remains the safest option.
How to Choose the Right Insurance for China?
✅ Vital Criteria for China:
- Direct Payment / Guarantee: the insurer must be able to pay hospitals directly or provide a payment guarantee.
- High Medical Cap: aim for at least €150,000, ideally €300,000–€500,000+.
- Evacuation / Repatriation: “actual costs” is best.
- Low Deductible: or no deductible if possible.
- High-altitude coverage: essential for Tibet / Qinghai trips.
- 24/7 Assistance: ideally with English support and clear hospital guidance.
Our Selection of the Best Travel Insurance for China
| Insurance | China Highlights | Score | Medical Cap | Price* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heymondo | App + high limits ✅ Direct Billing |
4.6 / 5 | Up to €500,000 | ~ €42 | Get Quote (-5%) |
| SafetyWing | Best for Nomads & flexible dates | 4.2 / 5 | $250,000 | $56 / 4 weeks | View Offer |
| Chapka | Long trips & adventure travel (plan-dependent) | 4.5 / 5 | Up to €200,000 | ~ €44 | View Offer |
| ACS | Lowest price (under 40 / budget) | 4.2 / 5 | Up to €300,000 | From €15 | View Offer |
*Estimated price for 2 weeks in China (or 4 weeks for SafetyWing). Prices vary by age and options.
Heymondo: Best Overall Choice for China
For most travelers going to China for less than 90 days, Heymondo is the best compromise: strong medical coverage, an excellent assistance app, and a price that remains reasonable.
Why it works well in China:
- High medical limit (up to €500,000), reassuring for private/international clinics.
- Direct billing / no upfront payment — crucial in a country where deposits are frequent.
- Assistance via app (useful when your phone plan or roaming is limited).
- Repatriation included at actual costs, important for remote regions.
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SafetyWing: The Nomad & Long-Stay Choice
If you are a digital nomad in China or you have flexible dates (no fixed return ticket), SafetyWing is the most convenient option. It works like a monthly subscription (around $56 / 4 weeks) and is often available even if you are already abroad.
Best for: Long stays, open-ended trips, remote work in China and Asia.
Important note: SafetyWing includes a $250 deductible, meaning you pay the first $250 of eligible medical expenses.
Note: If your itinerary includes Hong Kong, check SafetyWing’s specific coverage conditions, as a dedicated add-on may be required for longer stays.
For a full breakdown, read our SafetyWing review.
Simulate your Nomad Insurance
Ideal for long stays and digital nomads in China.
Chapka: A Solid Option for Longer Trips & Adventure Travel
If you are planning a longer itinerary (multi-city China, trekking, or combining China with other Asian countries), Chapka is a reliable choice, especially for travelers who want a more “classic” French insurer approach.
Good to know: Coverage can vary depending on the exact plan — always check options if you plan higher-risk activities.
ACS: The Cheapest Option for Under-40 Travelers
If you are under 40 and want the most economical coverage possible, ACS Globe Partner is often the lowest price entry point. It’s popular with students, backpackers, and WHV-style travelers.
Pre-Departure Checklist for China
📋 To Check Before Flying
- ☐ Insurance certificate (PDF + printed copy)
- ☐ 24/7 assistance number saved (and accessible offline)
- ☐ Copies of passport + visa + bookings
- ☐ Valid China visa (required for most nationalities)
- ☐ Personal medication + prescriptions (ideally translated)
- ☐ VPN installed if you need access to blocked services
- ☐ WeChat installed (essential for communication and daily life)
Do You Really Need Travel Insurance for China?
China is an unforgettable destination, but medical costs and upfront deposits can turn a simple incident into a major financial problem. China travel insurance is a small investment compared to the risk of paying €10,000+ out of pocket.
🚀 Get a Quote in 1 Minute (-5% Included)
4.6/5 • No upfront payments • App assistance 24/7
Read also: Travel Insurance in Asia
Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Insurance for China
How much does travel insurance for China cost?
For a 2-week trip, comprehensive coverage usually ranges between €35 and €75 per person depending on age and options. Budget plans can start around €15 (ACS, under 40). Nomad plans like SafetyWing are typically $56 / 4 weeks.
Can I buy travel insurance if I am already in China?
Yes. SafetyWing can often be purchased while already abroad (with a short waiting period). Heymondo and Chapka may also allow subscription after departure, usually with a waiting period (often around 72 hours). Always check the policy conditions.
Will my credit card insurance be enough for China?
In most cases, no. Credit card insurance often has lower medical caps, requires you to pay upfront, and may exclude high altitude or certain activities. In China, the “upfront deposit” issue alone makes specialized insurance much safer.
Does travel insurance cover Tibet and high-altitude regions?
It depends on your policy. Some insurers exclude travel above 3,000–4,000 meters. If you plan to visit Tibet, Qinghai, or other high-altitude areas, verify the altitude clause and consider an extension if needed.
Which travel insurance is best for a long stay in China?
For long stays and flexible dates, SafetyWing is often the best fit due to its monthly subscription model. If you want a more traditional long-trip policy, check Chapka’s long-stay options depending on your itinerary.
Do I need travel insurance for Hong Kong and Macau?
Even though Hong Kong and Macau have different systems than mainland China, medical costs can still be high — especially in private care. A good international travel insurance policy should cover them as well. Always verify your destination list on the policy.