Do you need insurance for a trip to China

Since September 2025 Russian citizens have been able to enter China without a visa for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits and transit. China has extended this scheme until 31 December 2027. Medical insurance is not checked on entry and is not required for a tourist trip. Study and work have their own visa rules and insurance requirements.

However, getting treatment in China without a policy is inconvenient and expensive. Tourists most often go to the international departments of large hospitals or to private clinics, where treatment is paid for foreigners and often requires prepayment. The language barrier is also noticeable: the assistance company will help find a clinic with English- or Russian-speaking staff and arrange direct payment.

Which sum to choose

For a trip to big cities — from USD 30,000; for a beach holiday on Hainan, a family trip or a route through several provinces — USD 50,000. In remote areas (mountains, the Tibetan Plateau, the countryside) the level of healthcare is lower, and a serious case may require transportation to a big city or home — the sum insured must be sufficient for that.

What to consider when choosing a policy for China

  • Hainan. The island is popular with Russians for beach holidays. Sun, intestinal infections and water activities are typical risks. Diving and surfing require the active sports option.
  • Mountains and trekking. Huangshan, Zhangjiajie and high-altitude hikes require the active sports option and sometimes search and rescue cover.
  • Air quality. On some days air pollution in big cities is high. People with asthma and chronic lung conditions should add the exacerbation of chronic diseases option.
  • Food. Unfamiliar cuisine and street food are a common cause of stomach upsets. Basic plans cover this.
  • Payment. Mobile payments are widespread in China; if the assistance company allows you to pay yourself, keep not only electronic receipts but also the clinic’s statements and invoices.

If your route combines China with Vietnam, Hong Kong or other countries, list all of them in one policy.

Buy a policy to China online

You can buy insurance right on this page: the calculator above shows prices from several insurers at once (16 insurers are available in the service). Online sales are provided by Polis Re’s partner, the Cherehapa service; the contract is concluded with the insurance company you select.

  1. Check that “China” is selected and set the dates and travellers’ ages.
  2. Tick the options you need: active sports, exacerbation of chronic diseases, flight delay, baggage cover.
  3. Sort offers by price or by cover and open the terms of the plan you like.
  4. Enter your first and last name in Latin letters exactly as in your international passport, enter your e-mail and pay.
  5. The electronic policy arrives by e-mail within a few minutes and is as valid as a paper one.

Insured event in China: what to do

Keep the assistance phone number at hand: it is printed in the policy. An assistance company is a service company that organises help abroad on behalf of the insurer.

  1. Report the case before seeing a doctor: policy number, your details, address and symptoms.
  2. Get a referral to a clinic — treatment there is paid without your involvement, within the sum insured and taking the deductible into account.
  3. If the assistance company allows you to pay yourself, keep the medical report, invoices and receipts and file a claim for reimbursement after you return.

More in the “Insured event” section.

Nearby destinations

If your route covers several countries, see the other pages too: insurance to Vietnam, insurance to Thailand, insurance to Kazakhstan, insurance to Uzbekistan. The full list of destinations, annual policies and tips on choosing cover are on the travel insurance page.