A travel insurance policy for China can cover repatriation, medical expenses, lost luggage, and many unexpected events in a country where healthcare can be expensive for foreign patients, especially in the private sector.
Whether your trip is limited to mainland China or includes a stop in Hong Kong, Redion offers a policy tailored to the actual length of your stay. Sit back, relax, and discover our different options!
Key takeaways
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Requirement. Travel insurance is not mandatory for entering China or Hong Kong, but it is essential: Belgian health insurance does not cover medical care in China.
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Medical expenses. Plans cover emergency healthcare costs up to €250,000, €1,250,000, or unlimited amounts, depending on the policy chosen.
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Repatriation. We organize and fully cover medically assisted repatriation to Belgium 24/7, as well as assistance for accompanying travelers.
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2026 visa rules. Belgian citizens can enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days (a measure currently in force until at least 31/12/2026) and Hong Kong visa-free for up to 90 days.
Why take out travel insurance for China?
Traveling more than 8,000 km from Belgium means preparing for medical emergencies as well as logistical issues specific to such a long-distance trip.
A comprehensive insurance and assistance policy covers four essential areas:
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Medical emergencies and hospitalization. As there is no social security agreement between Belgium and China, Belgian health insurance does not apply locally. If the insurance covers actual costs in private clinics, it may also pay the medical facility directly whenever possible, so you do not need to provide a deposit.
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Medical repatriation and early return. A medically assisted flight back to Belgium is organized and covered in the event of an accident or serious illness, and an early return is arranged and financed if a relative remaining in Belgium is hospitalized or passes away.
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Luggage and identity documents. Theft, loss, or delay of luggage on international and domestic flights is compensated. In the event of the loss of a passport or bank card, our assistance service guides you through consular procedures and may organize an emergency cash advance.
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Legal assistance and unforeseen events. Search and rescue costs are covered in the event of an incident during an excursion or mountain trip (depending on the selected policy), and legal assistance is available in case of a dispute while abroad.
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Depending on where you are in China, it can sometimes be very difficult to find someone who speaks English. Being able to contact an assistance center in your own language during a medical emergency therefore provides real added value.
Health coverage and medical expenses in China
A travel health insurance policy for China reimburses medical expenses up to the limit of the selected plan, which is particularly important because China has no social security agreement with Belgium.
However, one limitation must be noted. For people who are not domiciled in Belgium or not affiliated with a Belgian mutual insurance fund, basic medical coverage is limited to €1,240 or €2,500 depending on the selected policy. This amount is unlikely to be sufficient to cover hospitalization in China, especially in private clinics or international medical facilities.
Before purchasing a policy, make sure you are affiliated with a Belgian mutual insurance fund. This is what enables you to benefit from the full reimbursement limit in case of hospitalization.
Repatriation insurance in China
Simply put, our repatriation insurance takes over as soon as a health issue prevents you from returning to Belgium by your own means.
From organizing and covering medically assisted repatriation, to supporting accompanying family members and arranging early return if a serious event affects relatives back home, everything is designed to make life easier. These guarantees are included in the general terms and conditions of the chosen product, which should be consulted to understand the exact scope of coverage.
Visa for China from Belgium: what has changed
Since 30 November 2024, a Belgian passport is sufficient to enter mainland China without a visa, provided the stay does not exceed 30 days. This exemption, confirmed by the Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, applies to tourism, business travel, family visits, exchanges, and transit. Initially announced until the end of 2025, it has already been extended once and now runs until 31 December 2026. Chinese authorities will later decide whether to extend it again.
Several conditions apply to this exemption:
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Purpose of travel. It must fall within one of the approved categories: tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, or transit.
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Return ticket. Proof of onward travel showing departure from Chinese territory within 30 days must be available.
Anyone who does not meet these conditions, including students, interns, and journalists, must obtain a visa before departure, as it cannot be issued upon arrival in China.
Regardless of the purpose of travel, a Belgian passport valid for at least six months after the date of entry and containing several blank pages remains mandatory.
Hong Kong: a separate visa and insurance regime
An entry regime independent from mainland China
Belgian travelers have long benefited from visa-free entry to Hong Kong for up to 90 days for tourism or professional visits that do not involve paid employment.
Another important difference: passport validity requirements. While mainland China requires a passport valid for at least six months after entry, Hong Kong only requires a passport valid for one month after the scheduled departure date.
Combining China and Hong Kong in one trip
A trip covering both mainland China and Hong Kong (or Macau) remains possible under the visa exemption system, provided the stay in mainland China before entering Hong Kong does not exceed 30 days.
When re-entering China, a new 30-day period begins without taking into account the time already spent in China before traveling to Hong Kong. However, if the stay in mainland China exceeds 30 days, a double-entry visa is required in order to visit Hong Kong or Macau during the trip.
Security and climate in China: what to anticipate
Generally safe, except in Xinjiang
China is generally a safe destination, including major cities where police presence and video surveillance are extensive. However, China should not be visited in the same way as a European country. Proper preparation is strongly recommended, as is choosing excursions led by guides familiar with local regulations and the region.
For most Western travelers who do not speak Mandarin Chinese, communication and understanding local signs, instructions, and warnings may be difficult. We strongly recommend consulting the information and recommendations published by the Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs before departure and registering on the Travellers Online platform to facilitate assistance in the event of an emergency.
The Belgian Foreign Affairs Department recommends increased vigilance in the Xinjiang region, where access to certain areas may be restricted by local authorities.
Typhoons in the south, storms elsewhere
Weather conditions deserve special attention depending on the destination and season. Typhoons primarily affect the southern coastline, from Guangxi to Zhejiang via Guangdong and Fujian, between April and November. These events are often accompanied by powerful winds, heavy rainfall, and landslides.
In other regions, summer thunderstorms pose the main risk, with possible flash floods. Travelers should stay informed about weather forecasts and alerts and seek information from hotel staff while following any instructions issued by local authorities.
Which travel insurance should you choose for China?
Mainland China and Hong Kong are both classified within Redion's Worldwide Zone, simplifying the choice compared with destinations split across different coverage zones. The main factor is therefore the duration of the trip.
A short trip of up to 45 days
The Temporary World insurance plan includes:
- Repatriation in the event of illness or injury.
- Medical expense reimbursement up to €250,000.
- Search and rescue costs up to €5,000.
- Early return in the event of hospitalization of a relative in Belgium or damage to your home.
This policy excludes pre-existing medical conditions and ski assistance (except under Temporary Snow Worldwide).
A stay longer than three months
Studying, working, or traveling in China for more than three months requires a visa.
The Long Trip policy is designed for Erasmus students, expatriates, and digital nomads and includes:
- Medical expense reimbursement up to €1,250,000.
- Repatriation in case of illness or injury.
- Search and rescue expenses up to €5,000.
As with the Temporary Worldwide policy, medical coverage for those not domiciled in Belgium or not affiliated with a Belgian mutual insurance fund is limited to €2,500.
Multiple trips throughout the year
If you plan several trips to China or elsewhere during the year, the annual policy covers all trips over twelve months, with a maximum duration of three months per trip (14 days for the Light option).
It includes:
- Medical expenses up to €250,000, €1,250,000, or unlimited, depending on the selected package.
- Repatriation and early return under the same conditions as a single-trip policy.
- Ski assistance, rescue costs, reimbursement of unused days, and assistance in the event of natural disasters (except for the Light plan).
Summary of travel insurance plans for China and Hong Kong
| Plan | Duration | Medical expenses | Best for |
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| Temporary Worldwide | Up to 45 days | Up to €250,000 | One-off leisure or business trips |
| Long Trip | Up to 364 consecutive days | Up to €1,250,000 | Studies, expatriation, digital nomad lifestyle |
| Annual Smart | 12 months, max. 3 months per trip | Up to €1,250,000 | Multiple trips during the year |
How much does travel insurance for China cost?
The cost depends on the length of stay, the traveler's age, and the level of coverage selected.
Sample prices
As an indication, a one-week trip with the Temporary policy costs around €72 in the Worldwide Zone.
For a long-term stay, the Long Trip Worldwide policy costs approximately €1,876 per year for a traveler under the age of 54.
These amounts are indicative only. The exact premium depends on the traveler's profile and travel dates.
Get a quote for your travel insurance
Cheap China travel insurance: what should you watch out for?
Comparing prices makes sense, but the advertised price alone says little about the quality of coverage. A low-cost policy with low reimbursement limits may leave you with significant out-of-pocket expenses in the event of hospitalization.
The most important factor is the medical expense reimbursement limit rather than the premium itself.
Another important point: if you are not domiciled in Belgium or not affiliated with a Belgian mutual insurance fund, reimbursement ceilings can be significantly reduced compared with the standard limits. This information is available in each product's pre-contractual information sheet.
Documents and formalities before departure
Passport requirements
A Belgian passport valid for at least six months after the date of entry into mainland China, with several blank pages, is required.
For Hong Kong, one month of validity after the intended departure date is sufficient.
Driving in China
An international driving permit is **not recognized in mainland China. Driving requires obtaining a Chinese driving license, either temporary or permanent depending on your status.
Public transport and taxis are generally recommended, as driving can be particularly challenging in major Chinese cities.
Preparing for the loss of documents
Keeping copies of identity documents separate from the originals can simplify procedures in the event of loss or theft.
Registration on Travellers Online, which is free and separate from travel insurance, enables Belgian consular services to respond more effectively during emergencies.
FAQ on our different plans
Do I need a visa to travel to China from Belgium?
No, not for tourist, family, or business stays of up to 30 days since 30 November 2024. Longer stays and activities such as studies, internships, or journalism still require a visa.
Do I need a visa for Hong Kong?
No. Belgian citizens can enter visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes without engaging in local employment.
Is travel insurance mandatory for entering China?
No. It is not an entry requirement, but it is strongly recommended due to the potentially high cost of medical treatment.
How much does travel insurance for China cost?
The price depends on the duration of the stay, the traveler's age, and the chosen guarantees. A personalized quotation provides the most accurate price.
Does my Belgian health insurance cover me in China?
No. China is not covered by a reciprocal social security agreement with Belgium, making dedicated travel insurance the most reliable protection.
What does repatriation insurance cover?
It organizes and pays for medically assisted return to Belgium in the event of serious illness or injury, including coverage for accompanying travelers and early return in certain family emergencies.
What should I do in a medical emergency in China or Hong Kong?
In mainland China, dial 120 for medical emergencies, 110 for the police, and 119 for firefighters. In Hong Kong, all emergency services can be reached through 999.
For consular procedures, the Belgian Embassy in Beijing and the Consulates General in Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Hong Kong each have an emergency number dedicated to extremely serious cases outside office hours.
Which insurance should I choose for a stay of more than three months?
Redion's Long Trip plan is particularly suitable for Erasmus students, expatriates, and digital nomads. It covers trips of up to 364 consecutive days and reimburses medical expenses up to €1,250,000.
Does my bank card cover my trip to China?
Some premium cards include travel insurance, but coverage limits are often much lower than the actual costs of hospitalization or other major incidents. Always check coverage limits, exclusions, and conditions carefully before relying solely on card insurance.