One, Is it necessary to purchase travel insurance in advance?

Strongly recommended to purchase. Whether you are visiting China for a short or long term, travel insurance is an important tool to ensure the safety of your trip and mitigate risks. Below are specific reasons: 1. Medical expense coverage: Public hospitals in China charge foreign tourists relatively high fees, and private or international hospitals are even more expensive. Insurance can cover unexpected medical expenses such as sudden illness or accidental injury. 2. Trip variation protection: Flight delays/cancellations, lost luggage, or trip interruptions may disrupt your plans, and insurance can offer financial compensation. 3. Emergency rescue support: In case of distress due to language barriers or being in remote areas, insurance companies can coordinate medical transportation, legal assistance, and other emergency services. 4. Visa requirements: Although China does not mandate that tourist visa holders purchase insurance, some countries (such as the Schengen Area) may require insurance as part of the visa application materials.

Two, Recommended travel insurance coverage content

When choosing insurance, please ensure it covers the following core aspects and supplement additional clauses based on personal needs:

1. Basic essential coverage

• Medical expenses: Should at least cover 500,000 RMB (approximately $70,000 USD), including hospitalization, outpatient care, and emergency dental treatment.
• Medical evacuation: If you need to be transported to a higher-level hospital or repatriated for treatment, costs can reach tens of thousands of dollars; this should be explicitly included.
• Personal liability insurance: Compensation for property damage or bodily harm caused by accidents (e.g., accidentally damaging hotel facilities).
• 24-hour global assistance: An emergency contact center offering multi-language services to assist with medical care, translation, legal consultations, etc.

2. Trip-related coverage

• Travel cancellation/interruption: If your trip is canceled or interrupted due to illness, natural disasters, or other irresistible forces, prepaid costs (such as flights, hotels) can be refunded.
• Flight delay/cancellation: Typically requires a delay of 4-6 hours or more before claims can be made, with suggested compensation amounts of 500-1000 RMB per incident.
• Lost/delayed luggage: Covers damages, theft, or purchases of essential items if luggage is delayed for over 12 hours.

3. High-risk activity add-ons

If you plan to participate in activities like skiing, mountain climbing, or diving, confirm that the insurance includes a "high-risk sports" clause. Standard travel insurance usually does not cover these activities.

4. COVID-19 related coverage

It is recommended to choose insurance that includes: - Medical expenses for confirmed cases of COVID-19. - Trip cancellations or quarantine costs due to the pandemic.

5. Other useful clauses

• Lost documents: Costs and assistance for reissuing passports and visas.
• Self-driving insurance: If renting a car for self-driving in China, additional coverage for vehicle damage and third-party liability is needed.

Three, Recommended insurance companies and purchasing channels

1. International insurance companies:
2. Allianz, AXA, AIG: Wide coverage, multilingual support, suitable for long or complex trips.
3. World Nomads: Specifically designed for backpackers, covering high-risk activities.
4. Chinese domestic insurance companies:
5. Ping An Insurance, PICC: Can be purchased through their official websites or WeChat mini-programs, lower cost, but ensure English policy provision.
6. Purchasing channels:
7. Direct purchase from the insurance company's website.
8. Purchase through flight/hotel booking platforms (such as Ctrip, Trip.com).
9. Use international insurance comparison platforms (such as InsureMyTrip) to compare options.

Four, Precautions

1. Carefully read the exclusion clauses: For example, pre-existing conditions, accidents caused by intoxication/drug use are typically not covered.
2. Keep all receipts: Medical bills, police reports (in case of theft), and flight delay certificates are required materials for claims.
3. Print the policy in advance: Carry both electronic and paper versions, and save the emergency contact number.
4. Confirm coverage area: Some insurances do not cover remote regions such as Tibet or Xinjiang in China, so verify in advance.

Example plan reference - 7-day basic itinerary: Choose insurance covering medical, luggage delay, and flight cancellation, premium around 200-400 RMB. - 1-month in-depth tour: Add high-risk activities and self-driving liability insurance, premium around 800-1500 RMB.