China is the world’s oldest continuous civilisation, with over 4,000 years of recorded history. It should come as no surprise, then, that China is absolutely full of opportunities for the average traveller.
Whether you’re visiting the Chinese political and cultural centre of Beijing, the modern business hub of Shanghai, or even visiting the rural regions of Central and Western China, you’re bound to have an unforgettable, and culturally enriching experience.
As a digital nomad, I am always looking to find the most complete insurance at the lowest price for my travels. That’s why I’ve decided to share with you how to get the best travel insurance to China at the best price in May 2026.
Comparison of travel insurance to China
It’s important to take out insurance, but it can also be a little daunting to choose one policy among the countless different options on the market.
The best way to ensure you get the best insurance policy is to compare the different alternatives. Today, I’ll help you make an informed decision, so you can focus on the trip ahead of you, without worrying about worst-case scenarios.
This guide of policies for travel insurance to China is based on the most useful insurance benefits for each traveller profile. Your traveller profile essentially refers to the length of your stay, and the purpose of your stay.
Let’s start with the best travel insurance to China for short-term holidays.
Short-term travel insurance to China
If you’re planning a trip of less than 3 months to China in 2026, you need travel insurance that effectively covers your activities while on holiday.
I’ve created a table to help you compare the best policies for short-term travel, but first, take a look at the following promotional offer:
This 5% discount from Chapka is valid until 12/05/2026.
Click here: Activate Discount
- Fill in your info: country, coverage regions, and dates.
- Click on “Calculate Price”.
- Done! Your discount will be applied automatically.
Chapka’s most useful benefits for short holidays include:
- Extensive medical assistance at the destination
- Repatriation and early return
- Cover for loss or damage to baggage
Finding the ideal travel insurance to China is a matter of considering what your needs are as a traveller, so let’s take a look at some more specific traveller profiles.
Are you travelling alone? Are you backpacking? Or are you travelling as a family?
Families travelling short-term
If you’re taking your family on a holiday to China, there’s a promotional offer available right now that you can benefit from.
Until 12/05/2026, get 5% off Heymondo Insurance when you travel as a family.
If you’re seeking coverage for an adventure with the whole family, this is a great option. It offers medical assistance abroad, pharmaceutical expenses, repatriation of minors, and children’s liability.
Travelling with children in a foreign country with different norms and customs can be difficult. In China, there is a high risk of getting sick, for example.
There are always risks involved when travelling with children, but that’s why it’s so important to contract travel insurance to China that is specifically tailored to families.
Solo-travellers and couples travelling short-term
If you’re travelling solo or as a couple, you want to find an insurance policy at a reasonable price with coverage that matches the activities you want to take part in. This way, you pay for coverage you need, without paying for coverage you don’t need.
Luckily, there’s a deal available for a limited time that will keep you covered on your trip, while also saving you some pocket money.
Get a 5% discount on Heymondo travel insurance valid until 12/05/2026!
This is the ideal option for travellers exploring the world on their own or as a couple. This policy offers good value for money, has broad equipment and medical coverage, insures you during sporting activities, and even covers pre-existing conditions.
Backpackers and adventurers travelling short-term
If you’re the adventurous type, you need to be prepared in case something goes wrong. China has tons of opportunities for the intrepid traveller, but it’s crucial that you have insurance that covers you the whole way.
The following policy comes at a discounted price for a limited time only and is designed for the intrepid travellers, giving you peace of mind as you explore all the adventure that China has to offer.
Heymondo is the perfect insurer for adventurous travellers, and for travel to countries with high medical expenses. Its comprehensive coverage includes motor vehicle accidents and adventure sports.
Activate your coupon for a 5% discount on Heymondo, available now until 12/05/2026.
The best long-term travel insurance to China
If you’ll be travelling for longer than 3 months, you need long-term travel insurance to China. There are currently plenty of discounted deals on comprehensive policies for trips of this kind, so tune in!
You have until the 12/05/2026 to get a 5% discount on Heymondo Insurance!
Click here: Activate Discount
- Fill in your info
- Click on “Calculate Price”
- You’re ready to go! Your discount will be applied automatically.
Remember, the longer the trip, the higher the chance that something will go wrong at some point.
Families travelling long-term
Travelling to China as a family can be stressful when you consider the busy streets and language barriers that travellers encounter when travelling in the country.
Taking out travel insurance that is specifically designed for families is the best way to ensure a smooth trip.
Get a 15% Discount on Chapka Adventure for a family of 3 persons or more (valid until 12/05/2026).
This is a great option for long-term family trips. It includes a 24-hour medical chat, repatriation and early return, and pharmaceutical expenses because access to prescription drugs is crucial when travelling with the little ones.
Solo-travellers and couples travelling long-term
Solo-travellers and couples travelling to China need insurance that covers them in case of accident or illness.
When choosing travel insurance to China, it’s important to think about what can go wrong on your trip, to ensure that you select a comprehensive policy that covers you during a worst-case-scenario.
Activate 5% Discount at Heymondo Insurance (valid until 12/05/2026).
If you’re ready to dive straight into your next big adventure, either solo, or with a partner, you want peace of mind.
This insurance policy is ideal for long-term trips (from 1 to 12 months), as it includes a high level of medical costs, repatriation, and it allows for renewal whilst on the road.
Backpackers and adventurers travelling long-term
China is an enormous country, and there are endless opportunities for adventure. There are, of course, risks involved with travelling to China, especially if you’re into adventure sports or backpacking.
Taking out long-term travel insurance to China is crucial if you’re staying for 3 months or more. In a country like China, you don’t know what awaits you, so opting for a comprehensive insurance package is the best way to prevent a financial nightmare.
If you’re an intrepid traveller who’s ready to leap into the unknown and experience the adrenalin and adventure of your next trip, this next long-term travel insurance is for you.
Until 12/05/2026, get a 5% discount on Heymondo Travel Insurance.
Perfect for backpackers, this policy includes a wide variety of high-risk activities, such as activities with undomesticated animals, jet skiing, and off-roading!
The best travel insurance to China for digital nomads and businesses
The cost of living in China is very low, especially the cost of food! However, this doesn’t make travel insurance to China any less vital. If you’re a digital nomad heading to China, there are certain specific guarantees you need to look for in a policy.
For digital nomads, the most important coverage that isn’t related to health is coverage for electronic equipment, as we need it to work. There’s currently a great offer on digital nomad travel insurance to China that covers all the essentials.
Get a 5% discount on Heymondo until 12/05/2026. Get in quick!
Activate Discount Here
- Fill in your trip info
- Click on “Calculate Price”.
- All done! The discount will be applied automatically.
Some of the most useful benefits of Hey Mondo travel insurance for digital nomads include:
- 24/7 assistance platform.
- Repatriation and early return.
- Travel expenses for a family member if you are hospitalised for over a week.
The best travel insurance to China for working holidays
When living and working in a foreign country, you want to make the most of the experience. In the case of a working holiday, the best way to have a hassle-free experience is to take out working holiday travel insurance.
Working holiday insurance policies are designed to include coverage suited to your working lifestyle, so you don’t run into any sticky situations while in China.
Enjoy a 5% discount on Chapka Working Holiday insurance (valid until 12/05/2026)
Click Here: Activate Discount
- Fill in your trip info
- Click on “Calculate Price”.
- Done! The discount will be applied automatically.
The most useful benefits that Cap Working Holiday gives those working abroad include:
- Coverage during short trips to your home country.
- Repatriation and early return.
- Medical expenses and hospitalisation abroad covered at 100%.
- This policy is renewable abroad, in case you decide to extend your stay.
Best annual travel insurance to China
If you’re a regular traveller to China, or Asia in general, here’s an insurance package that will make your life much easier. Annual insurance is a super convenient option, and will help you have a smooth trip to China.
Annual insurance is essential for frequent travellers. This package insures you for all the trips you take in a year, so you can save time and money on insurance. Each trip under 60 days will include cancellation coverage and a 24-hour assistance platform.
Activate a 5% Discount on Heymondo Annual Multi-trip, only valid until 12/05/2026.
In my experience using annual travel insurance, there are some essential benefits you should look for when taking out travel insurance to China:
- Strong coverage for medical expenses
- Repatriation and early return
- Covid-19 cover
- Luggage theft or damage
- Trip cancellation cover
Best student travel insurance to China
Student insurance policies are tailored to the needs of students, allowing you to focus on your student exchange without worrying about falling into a sticky financial situation.
Luckily, there’s even a great deal on student insurance available to you now.
Chapka Student is perfect for students heading abroad. This policy is especially useful for students studying in countries with high medical costs, such as the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
Get a 5% discount on Cap Student in May 2026:
Click here: Activate Discount
- Fill in your trip info (country of residence, travel dates, type of insurance).
- Click on “Calculate your Insurance”.
- All done! The discount will be applied automatically.
Cap Student also covers travel and accommodation costs for a family member to visit you if you are hospitalised for 2 days or more:
- Repatriation and early return.
- Chronic, pre-existing or congenital conditions.
- Dental expenses.
- Personal injury from motor vehicle accidents.
Useful tips for travelling to China at the best price in 2026
As mentioned, China is a cheap place for travellers to visit, but there are still ways you can save on your trip before you even arrive. A little saving here and there can go a long way. With that said, here are my travelling hacks!
Choosing insurance that is tailored to your needs is vital, but remember that flights, accommodation, the card you use, and how you book your activities are crucial factors as well.
Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years, they’ll help you save money on your travels, so you can focus on the things you enjoy about travelling.
If you follow these tips, you might just find that by the end of your trip, you have enough money left over to explore an extra destination on your route home. Imagine that!
Fly to China at reduced prices!
You know, flights don’t cost the same from all countries! To pay for my cheapest flights, I use NordVPN.
Basically, it’s a private network that allows you to access Internet sites from locations other than your own, and this can have some serious benefits:
In May 2026, enjoy a 59% discount on NordVPN.
Click here: Activate Discount
Flights from Barcelona to Buenos Aires don’t cost the same if you buy them from Spain as from India, for example. So, once you’ve installed NordVPN, simply access websites like Skyscanner and compare prices by entering as if you were browsing from different countries.
The 8 countries from which it is cheapest to buy flights are: Malaysia, Bulgaria, India, Turkey, Romania, Indonesia, Portugal, and Thailand. Once you have NordVPN, head over to Skyscanner and start paying reduced prices for flights all over the world!
Stay at a discount all year round
Access Booking.com now and get discounts of up to 15% in May 2026 by becoming a Genius user.
There are also ways to save money when booking your accommodation with Booking. The first of which is becoming a Genius user, something you get from making 2 bookings (Genius level 1), and 5 bookings (Genius level 2).
As a Genius user in Booking.com, you can enjoy:
- Discounts on room rates.
- Free breakfast.
- Upgrades to superior room categories.
- Free parking.
- Late check-out.
- Welcome gifts.
In addition, there are hotels in Booking.com that directly offer you a 10 to 15% discount on your rate for being a Genius user.
Access to get discounts of up to 15% by becoming a Genius user.
Finally, Booking.com has a Minimum Price Guarantee program, so if you find a cheaper price for your hotel on any other website, they’ll match it!
Get the best travel card
If you travel frequently, the Revolut Metal Card is another great way to save money. For starters, they offer you unlimited currency exchanges without paying any fees!
This Card allows you to make unlimited domestic transfers free of charge, and withdraw up to £800 a month from international ATMs.
If you spent £650 abroad in a month using a standard card, and withdrew £350 at ATMs, you would have paid around £44 in fees.
With the Revolut Metal card, you would have paid £0 in fees.
Reserve your entertainment and sightseeing in advance
GetYourGuide is an indispensable tool for organising any trip to any destination. It’s a platform that helps you book tourism and leisure activities for your trip.
With GetYourGuide, you can book your activities online to avoid queues, and take advantage of a discount for online bookings. This way, you save time and money, so you can enjoy more activities during your trip!
Discounts on Travel Insurance to China
One of the best ways to save on your trip is to find a good bargain on your insurance. To save you some time, I’ve compiled some of the best offers currently available:
Promo code applies an automatic and immediate discount.
- After clicking on the offer, you will be redirected to the insurer website
- Fill in the details of your next trip
- Then click on “Get a quote”.
- The promo code will be applied automatically.
What are the entry requirements for China?
Unfortunately, China is still experiencing complications with Covid-19, so there are some extra entry requirements.
From the 8 January 2023, all travellers must present a negative PCR test upon entry, taken within 48 hours of boarding your flight to China.
China has restricted the eligibility of visas for foreigners, but there are several types of visas that you can apply for. For information about Chinese visa application service centres, see this link.
All travellers from 14 to 70 must apply for a visa in person at a Chinese visa application centre. Biometric data in the form of scanned fingerprints will be required.
Is having travel insurance to China compulsory?
It is not currently a mandatory requirement to take out travel insurance to China.
However, while the country is generally safe, it is still highly inadvisable to enter China without travel insurance, as there is still a myriad of things that can go wrong, and cause great pain to your bank account.
What should my travel insurance to China cover?
Here is a list of the main benefits that your travel insurance to China should cover. This is to ensure that you are covered for any unforeseen events during your trip.
- Medical expenses: the insurer must cover your medical expenses if you get sick or have an accident in China. This is crucial for those who haven’t travelled extensively through Asia. In China, it is possible that you will get ill at some point, especially if you really plan to take in the experience and eat local street food, for example.
- Flight cancellations and delays: if you experience flight cancellations or delays, you will be entitled to a refund.
- Medical emergency (accident or illness). This is extra important if you plan to explore China’s rural regions and mountainous areas.
- Repatriation or funeral expenses abroad.
- Delayed baggage (and emergency replacement of essentials).
- Travel delays due to weather. China sometimes experiences severe flooding and earthquakes, particularly in Southern-China.
Always read the full policy when contracting travel insurance to China, and make sure you understand what the policy covers, to avoid paying for coverage you don’t need! Also, you’ll know what to do in case you need to make a claim.
How much does travel insurance to China cost?
Taking the time to find good value-for-money travel insurance to China is definitely worth your while. Remember to compare travel insurance and look for discounts to find the cheapest options in relation to the coverage offered.
Travel insurance to China is cheaper than contracting travel insurance to North America, for example, because of the high cost of medical care in the US and Canada.
The biggest factors that will affect the ultimate price of your travel insurance to China include: the type of trip you’re taking, travel dates, and the number of travellers contracting together. Discounts are often available when you book as a group!
How to take out travel insurance to China
Refer to the websites of the insurance providers we’ve mentioned, they are straightforward and intuitive, so don’t worry! If you have questions about your policy, don’t hesitate to reach out to the insurance company.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to contract your travel insurance to China:
Before you purchase, think carefully about what your needs are, not only in terms of your budget, but also in terms of coverage. In the end, the goal is to find insurance that is suited to the type of trip you are going to make.
- Go to the website of the insurer of your choice and click on the insurance plan that you want to contract.
- Once you have selected the insurance, you will see a “Contract” button, or something similar. Click to start the contracting process.
- Once there, fill in your trip details, including the duration of your trip, the number of travellers contracting insurance, and the countries you’ll be visiting. Remember to check the policy’s renewal terms, for trips lasting longer than 12 months. For travel to China, select the option that says either, “Asia,” or “World excluding US/Canada.”
- Fill in the details of each traveller and add a supplement if necessary. This is usually the cancellation or adventure sports option.
- Read the insurance conditions carefully, and that’s it. You now have your travel insurance to China!
Is it safe to travel to China?
In terms of Covid-19, travelling to China is not 100% safe yet because the risk of infection is still present. However, if you’re fully vaccinated, exercise caution, and take out travel insurance to China, you are unlikely to have any major issues.
Always bring a photocopy of your passport, as you are likely to need it to purchase train tickets and SIM cards. Also, stay clear of protests or demonstrations, as being photographed at one could land you in serious trouble with the Chinese Government.
Stay vigilant and watch over your belongings at all times. Don’t get into unmarked taxis, and research local scams. Getting into disputes with locals in public can end badly if the police come, unless you have a strong command of Mandarin or Cantonese.
Always check your government’s travel recommendations before travelling, and map out your country’s nearest embassy or consulate in China.
In general, China is a safe country to visit, and although it may be difficult to communicate at times, if you respect local customs, people will be happy to help you find your way. All that remains now is for me to wish you a great trip to China!✈️ 🇨🇳
