China travel insurance: which options for the territory?

Taking out insurance to enter China

To enter China, you must apply for a visa. For a trip of less than 3 months, this is a tourist visa called an L visa. Several elements are required to obtain this visa, including proof of health and/or travel insurance. The cost of medical expenses in China is very high. To protect themselves against unpaid bills from foreign tourists, the Chinese authorities now require travelers to take out health insurance. This is a security measure for the country and for you, the traveller, too, as it gives you the security of being covered in the event of a health problem in the country. No insurance is compulsory. Note: you can choose between health insurance offered by the country or international covid insurance. If you cannot provide proof of insurance, you will be refused entry to the country and your visa application.

Any changes since the covid-19 pandemic?

The covid-19 pandemic has changed many things, including the way we travel. Many countries, like China, have made it compulsory for travellers to take out health insurance. To enter Thailand, Russia, Ukraine, Lebanon, Cambodia, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Mongolia or the Seychelles (a list regularly updated on the Internet), it is now compulsory to present proof of insurance at the border. The idea is to prove to the local authorities that you are covered for health expenses and that you have repatriation cover. China required this proof before the covid-19 pandemic, but the health situation has certainly amplified this need. Some countries, such as Brazil, only require insurance for long-term travel or expatriation. Others, such as Israel, do not require insurance, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends it. Before you travel, we recommend that you check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your destination country to find out whether you need to take out insurance, and if so, what kind of cover you need and how much you can expect to be reimbursed.

What insurance cover is recommended for China?

As we said, no insurance is required for China. However, the insurance you choose must cover your health expenses up to a minimum of €30,000 (for medical consultations, the purchase of medicines, hospitalization, etc.), including in the event of covid-19, and it must cover any medical repatriation. This insurance must cover you for the entire duration of your stay.

Note: taking out this type of health insurance will enable you to benefit from quality care in private establishments in the event of an accident or emergency, which is what we recommend when traveling in the country. There are also special units for foreigners in certain Chinese hospitals, which we recommend (higher prices).

Other important restrictions and obligations to be aware of

As we said, China (excluding Hong Kong) requires French nationals to apply for a visa to enter the country, whatever the reason for the trip and its duration. You must apply for a tourist visa from the embassy (maximum 30-day trip for a tourist visa). You will be asked to provide health insurance when you apply for your visa, which can be done online at visaforchina.org. You need to download and fill in the form, then complete your application with all supporting documents (i.e. valid passport, proof of accommodation, copy of return flight tickets and proof of insurance). You then need to make an appointment, at least 15 days before your departure, at a visa application center to submit your application. It is at this point that you must pay for your visa (approximately €126 per person for a tourist visa). Please note: for a simple trip to Hong Kong lasting less than three months, no visa is required – a valid passport is all you need. Since July 15, 2019, travelers applying for a visa to China are also required to go to one of the approved centers to register their fingerprints (in Paris, Lyon, Marseille and Strasbourg). Finally, if you’re planning a trip to the Chinese hinterland, we recommend that you protect yourself against mosquito bites (particularly for malaria), and check your vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus and polio.

Get the facts before you leave

Since the covid-19 pandemic, entry requirements for China have been changing regularly. To find out which insurance company is right for you, visit our website Santexpat.fr. Depending on your age, situation and length of trip, our health experts will suggest the most suitable insurance for you.