Do I Need Travel Insurance for Hong Kong?
Travel insurance is highly advised for visits to Hong Kong, albeit not required. Medical treatment can be costly, and as a visitor, you will not have access to the public healthcare system of Hong Kong. Given the cost of private therapy, appropriate medical coverage is vital. Some insurance companies provide extra benefits such as coverage for trip cancellations, lost baggage, or theft, particularly in a new location with possible cultural and communication issues.
Several forms of travel insurance cater to different travel styles:
Single Trip Insurance: Ideal for one-off trips to Hong Kong.
Annual Multi-Trip Insurance: A cost-effective choice for multiple trips within a year. Some policies limit the duration of each trip (e.g., 31 days), so check for those restrictions. Backpacker insurance is another option for extended travel.
Specialist Policies: Consider specialist policies for activities like extreme sports (e.g., rock climbing, paragliding), water sports (kayaking, scuba diving), or golf. If standard policies don't cover your planned activities, contact insurers directly or seek specialist providers. Business travel insurance can cover equipment, replacement colleagues for important events, and trip disruptions.
What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
Typically covered are:
Medical Expenses and Repatriation are essential due to the high cost of private healthcare in Hong Kong and the potential need for medical evacuation back to the UK.
Trip Cancellation and Curtailment: The company reimburses pre-paid expenses if your trip is canceled or cut short due to covered reasons (illness, severe weather, FCDO warnings).
Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Luggage and Valuables: Covers replacement costs, but note the limits for individual items and overall possessions. Pickpocketing can be a concern in Hong Kong, so take precautions.
Personal Accident and Liability: Covers accidents leading to death, disability, or injury to a third party.
Travel Disruption (Optional): This covers cancellations and delays even if the FCDO advises against travel. Check when this cover applies (before departure or during the trip).
Other Optional Cover: Available for airspace closure, baggage, winter sports, golf, and scuba diving.
What's Not Covered?
Typical exclusions are:
Undeclared Pre-existing Conditions: Disclose all medical conditions to avoid claim rejection.
Alcohol or Drug-Related Incidents: Be mindful of your actions, as incidents under the influence are typically excluded.
High-Risk Activities Without Specific Cover: Obtain appropriate add-ons or specialist policies.
Travel Against FCDO Advice: Stay informed of travel advisories and avoid restricted areas.
Illegal Activities: Compliance with local laws is a prerequisite for coverage.
Expected Events: Insurance is for unforeseen events; those known or reasonably expected at purchase are often excluded.
Visas and Passport Information
UK nationals can visit Hong Kong for up to six months without a visa. However, a visa is required for more extended business visits or research. A different visa is needed if one is visiting mainland China. Ensure your passport is valid for at least one month after your intended Hong Kong departure.
Medical Information
While public services are unavailable to visitors, Hong Kong boasts first-rate healthcare. Given the cost of private healthcare, travel insurance with thorough medical coverage is vital. See your doctor six to eight weeks before travel to get immunization advice.
Things to Know Before You Go
Climate: Hong Kong's climate is subtropical. Summers are hot and humid, while autumns (October-December) are often pleasant.
Time Difference: Hong Kong is eight hours ahead of GMT.
Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
Getting Around: Public transportation, including an airport express train, is efficient and safe. Consider an "Octopus" travel card for ease of use.
Safety: While generally safe, be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas.
National Security Law: Be cautious of your public statements, especially on social media, as the law is broadly interpreted.
Tipping is not customary in most settings, except hotels and sometimes restaurants, with a service charge. Tipping tour guides is acceptable.
Emergency Number: 999
Travel Insurance Comparison
To get quotations from several companies, utilize comparison sites such as Confused.com, Quotezone, or MoneySupermarket. Please compare:
Coverage Levels: Medical expenses, repatriation, cancellation, baggage limits.
Excess: The amount you pay towards a claim.
Optional Extras: Travel disruption, airspace closure, specific activities.
Premiums: The overall cost of the policy.
Insurer Reputation: Customer reviews and claims processes.
| Provider | Plan Name | Trip Type | Medical Expenses | Cancellation | Baggage/Personal Belongings | Travel Delay | Other Benefits | Promotions/Discounts | Age Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| World First/Battleface | Various | Single, Annual Multi-trip, Backpacker, Winter Sports | Up to £10 million | Included | Included | Included | 24/7 assistance, covers unconventional destinations | None listed | Up to 85 (single), 74 (annual), 65 (backpacker) |
| Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited | Travel Smart | Single, Multi-trip, Annual | Up to HK$1,200,000 | Varies | Varies | Varies | 24-hour worldwide emergency aid, covers leisure & sports | SmartClub member discounts (up to 30%) | 6 weeks+ (single, multi-trip), 6 weeks-70 years (annual) |
| AXA | SmartTraveller Plus | Single, Annual | Up to HK$1,000,000 | Up to HK$50,000 | Up to HK$15,000 | Up to HK$10,000 (6+ hours) | Covers children travelling with parents, sports activities | 25% off online | 30 days to 70 years (single), up to 75 (annual) |
| Zurich | "Breezy Travel" | Single, Annual | Up to HK$1,500,000 | Up to HK$50,000 | Up to HK$25,000 | Up to HK$1,600 (5+ hours) | 24-hour Zurich Emergency Assistance, optional benefits | 30% off online (code "FLASH30") | 18-80 (Diamond), 18-90 (Gold) |
| Standard Chartered/Allianz | "Travel Protect" | Single, Annual | Up to HK$2,000,000 | Up to HK$50,000 | Up to HK$25,000 | Up to HK$5,000 | Rental car excess, missed event | 50% discount for SC customers, 55% for cardholders (code "SCBCARDS45") | 60 days to 75 years |
| Columbus Direct | Various | Single, Annual Multi-trip, Backpacker, Winter Sports | Up to £15,000,000 | Up to £5,000 | Up to £2,500 | Varies by plan | 150+ sports & activities covered, optional gadget cover | Winter Sale: 15% off (ends Feb 13th) | Up to 85 |
| MoneyHero | Various (aggregator) | Single, Annual | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Cathay Pacific/Chubb | Various | Single, Annual | Up to HK$2,000,000 | Up to HK$50,000 (Annual) | Up to HK$10,000 (Annual) | Included | Miles rewards for Cathay members, redeemed awards covered | Up to 3,000 Asia Miles for annual cover | 3 months - 18 years (child), 18-75 (adult) |
| Quotezone | Various (aggregator) | Single, Annual Multi-trip, Backpacker, etc. | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | None listed | Varies |
| VFS Global | Travel Medical Insurance | Single | Varies (from global insurers) | Included | Included | Included | Loss of passport & documents coverage | None listed | Not specified |
| MoneySmart | Various (aggregator) | Single, Annual | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies, exclusive discounts & gifts | Varies |
| Klook/AXA | "Klook Travel Care" | Single | Up to HK$1,500,000 | Up to HK$40,000 | Up to HK$20,000 | Up to HK$14,500 (6+ hours) | 24-hour assistance, home care benefit, rental vehicle excess | None listed | 30 days+ |
| AIG | "TravelWise" | Single, Annual | Up to HK$1,000,000 | Up to HK$20,000 | Up to HK$10,000 | Up to HK$2,000 (5+ hours) | 24/7 self-owned emergency service, COVID-19 coverage, optional golf/cruise/diving cover | From HK$13.6* | Up to 70 |
| Chubb | TravelEase | Single, Annual Multi-trip | Up to HK$1,000,000 | Up to HK$50,000 | Up to HK$20,000 | Up to HK$3,000 | 24/7 emergency assistance, rental vehicle excess, home contents protection | 30% off + up to HK$800 supermarket coupons, free bottled water | 30 days-75 years (Annual) |
| Albert & Eddie | Various (aggregator) | Single, Annual Multi-trip | Up to £10 million | Up to £25,000 | Up to £5,000 | Up to £1,500 | 100+ sports & activities, COVID-19 and Cruise add-ons, Air Doctor access | 20% off (code "sunshine25") | Up to 80 (single), up to 65 (annual) |
| Global Travel Insurance | Various | Single, Annual Multi-trip | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Covers pre-existing medical conditions | None listed | Up to 80 (single), up to 65 (annual) |
| InsureandGo | Various | Single, Annual Multi-trip, Backpacker, etc. | Unlimited (on Black level policies) | Up to £10,000 | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | 50+ sports & activities, extreme sports add-on, considers all medical conditions, 24/7 helpline | Up to 20% discount* | No upper age limit |
| HSBC/AXA | Overseas StudySurance | Single, Multi-trip | Up to HK$2,500,000 | Up to HK$20,000 per trip | Up to HK$20,000 | Up to HK$3,000 per trip | Personal accident, liability, study interruption, emergency family reunion, education fund, home contents | 10% discount + HK$200 YATA vouchers, extra HK$200 for Premier customers | 10 to 40 (student) |
| International Citizens Insurance | Atlas Travel, Patriot Platinum Travel | Single | Varies | Included (Atlas) | Included (Atlas) | Included (Atlas) | 24/7 assistance, Schengen visa requirements met (Atlas), evacuation (Patriot) | None listed | 14 days + (Atlas), Not specified (Patriot) |
| Aviva | Travel Insurance | Single, Annual Multi-trip | Up to £10,000,000 | Up to £5,000 | Optional | Up to £400 | Optional travel disruption, airspace closure, baggage, winter sports, golf, scuba diving cover | None listed | Up to 79 (single), up to 74 (annual) |
| AllClear | Various | Single, Annual Multi-trip | Up to Unlimited (Platinum Plan) | Up to £25,000 (Platinum Plan) | Up to £5,000 (Platinum Plan) | Up to £1,500 | Coronavirus cover, pre-existing conditions, no upper age limit | None listed | No upper age limit |
| Direct Travel Insurance | Various | Single, Annual Multi-trip, Backpacker, etc. | Up to $35,000,000 | Up to $50,000 | Up to $10,000 | Included | Covers pre-existing medical conditions, COVID-19 enhanced cover | None listed | 17-70 (Annual) |
