aig china travel insurance

AIG Travel Insurance: The Complete Guide

Everything you need to know before you buy AIG Travel insurance plans

For decades, AIG Travel , part of American International Group, Inc., has provided travel insurance options for many travelers. Marketed under Travel Guard, the company offers travel insurance solutions and travel-related services, including medical and security services, marketed to both leisure and business travelers around the globe.

If you have purchased a trip insurance plan in the past, it may have been provided by AIG Travel without you even knowing it: the company also creates custom policies for several smaller insurance brokers, airlines and even travel groups. Is AIG Travel the right company for your trip? 

About AIG Travel

AIG Travel is a member of American International Group, Inc., a global insurance company that provides everything ranging from property casualty insurance, life insurance, retirement products, and other financial services. Travel Guard is the marketing name that AIG Travel uses to advertise its portfolio of products.

Today, the company is headquartered in Stevens Point, Wisc., and serves travelers in 80 countries and jurisdictions through eight wholly-owned global service centers in key regions, including Houston, Texas; Stevens Point, Wisc.; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Mexico City, Mexico; Sofia, Bulgaria; Okinawa, Japan; Shoreham, England; and Guangzhou, China. 

How Is AIG Travel Rated?

AIG Travel policies are underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., another subsidiary of AIG. As of June 2018, the policy writer has an A.M. Best A rating, putting them in the “Excellent” credit category with a stable outlook.

For customer service, AIG Travel is highly rated on three major travel insurance marketplaces online. With more than 400 reviews, AIG Travel has a five-star rating from TravelInsurance.com , with a 98 percent recommendation rate. Customers of InsureMyTrip.com give the company 4.56 stars (out of five). Although Squaremouth.com no longer offers AIG Travel policies anymore, previous customers gave the company 4.46 stars (out of five), with less than one percent negative reviews. 

What Travel Insurance Does AIG Travel Offer?

AIG Travel offers four plans for consumers, based on their needs and travel plans: Basic, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Although the Basic plan is not available direct through AIG Travel, it can be purchased through marketplaces like TravelInsurance.com. All travel insurance plans include travel medical assistance, worldwide travel assistance, LiveTravel® Emergency Assistance, and personal security assistance, but only take effect when travelers are at least 100 miles away from home.

Please note: All schedules of benefits are subject to change. For the most up-to-date coverage information, contact AIG Travel.

• Travel Guard Basic: Travel Guard Basic is the lowest level of coverage available through AIG Travel Guard, with the smallest benefits for trip cancellation , trip interruption , and trip delay. The basic plan offers 100 percent coverage of trip cancellation or trip interruption events (up to $100,000), but has very low coverage ceilings for return airfare due to trip interruption ($500 maximum), trip delay (maximum of $100 per day, up to $500), baggage loss ($500 before a $50 deductible) and baggage delay ($100 maximum). The basic plan includes an optional rental car damage policy for an additional price but does not include options for a pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver or accidental death and dismemberment. Read the schedule of benefits here.
• Travel Guard Silver : Travel Guard Silver is the lowest level of coverage available directly through AIG Travel Guard. Described as “savvy coverage that helps give you peace of mind on a budget,” Travel Guard Silver offers more generous benefits for baggage delay and baggage loss ($750; $50 deductible) and accident sickness medical expenses ($15,000; $50 deductible). This plan also offers optional coverage for pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers, trip cancellation or interruption due to financial default and additional flight coverage. Typically, travelers who elect to purchase Travel Guard Silver over Travel Guard basic can expect to pay around 2.5% more. Read the schedule of benefits here.
• Travel Guard Gold : The most popular plan offered by AIG Travel Guard, Travel Guard Gold balances insurance costs with benefits. The Gold plan offers more money for trip interruption (150 percent, up to $150,000 maximum), return airfare due to trip interruption (the greater of $750 or 150 percent of the trip cost) and trip delay coverage ($150 per day maximum, up to $750 total). This plan also introduces several additional benefits, including baggage and travel document loss (up to $1,000), baggage delay ($300) and missed connection coverage (up to $250). When purchasing within 15 days of the initial trip payment, travelers may also be covered for pre-existing condition waivers, trip cancellation or interruption due to financial default and primary coverage for accident sickness medical expenses. Optional coverage levels include Cancel for Any Reason insurance (up to 50 percent of insured trip costs), car rental collision coverage and upgrades for medical expense and emergency evacuation coverage. Before any optional coverage, expect to pay 20 percent more for Travel Guard Gold compared to Travel Guard Silver. Read the schedule of benefits here.
• Travel Guard Platinum : Travel Guard Platinum is the highest level of coverage offered by AIG Travel Guard, with the biggest benefit levels. In addition to trip cancellation and trip interruption benefits, travelers can receive up to $1,000 for return air travel due to trip interruption, trip delay benefits of up to $200 per day ($1,000 maximum) and up to $500 in missed connection benefits. Like Travel Guard Gold, travelers who purchase their policy within 15 days of their initial trip payment may also receive the pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver, trip cancellation or interruption coverage due to financial default, primary accident sickness medical expense coverage and primary baggage and personal effects coverage. Optional policy add-ons include Cancel for Any Reason (up to 50 percent of insured trip costs), car rental collision coverage, and medical coverage upgrades. Because Travel Guard Platinum is the highest level of coverage available, it is also the most expensive: travelers should expect to pay between 50 and 60 percent more than Travel Guard Gold before any additional add-on coverage.  Read the schedule of benefits here.

What Won't AIG Travel Cover?

While AIG Travel offers plans to cover many common travel issues, they will not necessarily cover everything. Excluded situations include:

• Self-inflicted injuries: If you are in crisis while traveling, there are ways to get help anywhere around the world. Note that mental health care may not be covered by your travel insurance plan .
• Pregnancy or childbirth: In many situations, pregnancy or childbirth are not covered under AIG Travel plans.
• Dangerous activities: Planning on mountaineering, going motor racing, or participating in a professional-level athletic event? All of these situations are not covered under AIG Travel plans.
• Baggage loss for items seized by governments or customs officials: Before you return home, be sure to understand what may (or may not) be allowed in your home country. If you believe your items were stolen by customs or Transportation Security Administration officials , there is a separate protocol for reporting those losses.
• Baggage loss for eyeglasses, sunglasses, or hearing aids: Loss or replacement of prescription vision wear is not covered by AIG Travel.

This is just an abbreviated list of situations that may not be covered under AIG Travel trip insurance plans. For a full list, refer to the schedule of benefits of each plan, which are linked in the above content.

How Do I File a Claim With AIG Travel?

Travelers who purchased an AIG Travel plan in the United States can start their claims online . After starting an account online, travelers can file claims for the most common situations, including trip cancellation, baggage loss, and trip delay. Policyholders can also find documentation requirements online , as well as receive updates online. Those who have questions about their policies or claims can call AIG Travel direct at +1-866-478-8222.

The online claims tool is only available for American travelers who purchased their travel insurance plans in the United States. All other travelers should contact AIG Travel directly via their provided telephone number to start the claims process.

Who Is AIG Travel Best For?

At the Basic and Silver levels, AIG Travel is a very basic-level travel insurance plan that may cover those who do not already have trip coverage through a credit card or otherwise have access to a trip insurance plan. Before considering either of these AIG Travel plans, be sure to check that you don't already have coverage through the credit card used to pay for your trip.

If you are planning a major international trip, or are going on a big trip aboard a cruise line, AIG Travel Gold and Platinum may offer better coverage than a credit card. With large benefit levels and coverage already built in for pre-existing conditions when purchased within the first 15 days of an initial travel payment, Gold and Platinum can be a better bet for those who are spending money on a big vacation and want to make sure their trip runs smoothly.

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AIG Travel Guard Insurance Review: What to Know

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Table of Contents

Coronavirus considerations

Travel insurance plans offered by aig travel guard, how to buy a travel guard policy, additional travel insurance options and add-ons, what’s not covered by a travel guard plan, who should get a travel guard insurance policy, travel guard, recapped.

Travel Guard by AIG

• Offers last-minute coverage.
• Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Exclusion Waiver available at all plan levels.
• Plan available for business travelers.
• Cancel For Any reason coverage only available for higher-level plans, and only reimburses up to 50% of the trip cost.
• Trip interruption coverage doesn't apply to trips paid for with points and miles.

As one of the world’s largest insurance companies and with a 100-year history, it makes sense that AIG would offer travel insurance. AIG’s travel insurance program, called Travel Guard, provides a number of coverage options to offer peace of mind on your trips.

Travel insurance helps you get some money back if anything goes wrong on your trip. If you’re thinking about buying coverage for an upcoming trip, first look into the coverage you may get from your travel credit cards . Many basic protections are offered on cards that you may already have.

If you’re looking for additional coverage, AIG travel insurance is a solid choice. Consumers Advocate rated AIG’s plans at 4.4 stars out of 5 stars.

» Learn more: The majority of Americans plan to travel in 2022

Importantly, if you catch COVID-19 before or during your trip, you will be covered under Travel Guard’s trip cancellation benefit. If you become sick with COVID-19 during the trip, the medical expenses and trip interruption benefits will kick in. However, Travel Guard considers COVID-19 a foreseen event and as a result, certain other coronavirus-related losses may not be covered. Given the constantly evolving travel environment, review the Travel Guard’s coronavirus coverage policies so that you’re award of what is and isn’t covered.

Here’s what you need to know about AIG's Travel Guard insurance plans.

AIG travel insurance’s Travel Guard plans cover you if you need to cancel (or interrupt) your trip due to illness, injury or death of a family member. Inclement weather that causes a trip delay or cancellation is covered by all Travel Guard policies as well.

Travel Guard offers three main AIG travel insurance plans, plus a host of add-on options. Here are the most essential benefits:

Travel Guard Essential - The most basic level of coverage

Covers 100% of the cost of your trip if it gets canceled or interrupted due to illness.

Includes a $100 per day reimbursement for any delays in your trip (max $500 total).

Covers up to $15,000 in medical expenses ($500 dental), plus a $150,000 maximum for emergency medical evacuation.

Covers up to $750 in compensation for stolen luggage and a maximum of $200 if your bags get delayed by more than 24 hours.

Travel Guard Preferred - This midlevel plan gives many of the same basic coverages as the Essential, but at higher levels.

Trip cancellation pays out at 100%. If your trip gets interrupted, you’ll get 150% of the cost of the trip.

Trips delayed by more than five hours will get you up to $800 ($200/day).

You’ll be covered up to $50,000 for medical expenses ($500 dental) and up to $500,000 for emergency evacuation.

This plan offers $1,000 for lost or stolen bags and $300 for baggage delays longer than 12 hours.

Travel Guard Deluxe - The biggest benefits can be found in this highest level plan.

Like the Preferred, you’ll get 100% coverage for trip cancellation and 150% of the cost of your insured trip in the event of a trip interruption.

Up to $1,000 ($200/day) for a trip delay of five hours or more.

Up to $100,000 for medical expenses ($500 dental), $1,000,000 for emergency evacuation and $100,000 in coverage for a flight accident.

Coverage for lost or stolen bags jumps up to $2,500 and $500 for baggage delay of more than 12 hours.

A long list of "Travel Inconvenience Benefits" are also included (such as runway delays, closed attractions, diversions, etc.)

This plan also offers roadside assistance coverage for the duration of your trip, which isn't included in the other two plans.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

Travel Guard’s website is simple to navigate and provides instant quotes that clearly spell out what's covered. You’ll need to enter basic information about the trip you want coverage for, including:

Destination.

How you’re getting there (airplane, cruise or other).

Travel dates.

Your home state.

Date of birth.

How much you paid for the trip.

The date when you paid for the trip.

Once you answer the questions, you’ll instantly get price quotes for different options of insurance for your trip. Each column clearly shows what’s covered for all options in a long list, so you can quickly compare.

This example shows options based on a two-week $5,000 trip to Spain for someone who is 40 years old. In this case, the mid-tier plan costs about 6% of the total trip cost.

It’s also important to know that plan offerings change based on what state you live in; not all states are covered.

If you purchase a Travel Guard plan and need to file a claim, you can do it on their website or by calling (866) 478-8222. You can also track the status of the payment of your claim on the site.

If you’re planning multiple trips that you would like covered, look at Travel Guard’s Annual Travel Insurance Plan. This 12-month option covers multiple trips and could save you money over insuring each trip separately.

Another option is the "Pack and Go" plan, which is a good choice if you’re going on a last-minute getaway and don’t need trip cancellation protection.

There are also options to add rental vehicle damage coverage, Cancel For Any Reason coverage, and medical and security bundles to the plans. You’ll be able to select these add-ons when you’re purchasing a policy.

» Learn more: Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance explained

While the Essential, Preferred and Deluxe plans all offer varying degrees of coverage for your trip, there are some things that won’t be covered by any of the plans. Here are a few highlights of things that aren't included; you’ll find full lists on each policy:

Coverage for trips paid for with frequent flyer miles or loyalty rewards programs: Travel Guard will only protect the trips you pay for with cash. If you’re redeeming your points for that bucket list trip, unfortunately, you won’t qualify for coverage. However, the cost of redepositing miles back into your account is covered.

Baggage loss for eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids or false teeth: These items should be kept with you in your carry-on as a general rule, since a Travel Guard policy won’t cover them.

Known events: If you knowingly book a trip with some inherent risks, it won’t be covered. For example, once the National Weather Service issues a warning for a hurricane, it becomes a known event. Once COVID-19 became a pandemic, it was categorized as a foreseeable event and was no longer covered. You can cancel the policy you purchase up to 15 days prior to your trip to receive a refund for the premium paid.

» Learn more: Does travel insurance cover award flights?

Many trips may be sufficiently covered by your credit card benefits, but you should do research to see which cards provide the best options (and remember to use that card to book the trip).

However, if you’re planning major international travel or embarking on a big cruise trip, Travel Guard's Preferred and Deluxe plans may offer better coverage than your credit card. Overall, Travel Guard plans offer a variety of coverage options with an easy-to-navigate website that could be a good fit for your next trip.

If you’re not finding what you’re looking for with a Travel Guard plan, check out an insurance comparison site like Squaremouth, where you will have a lot of different plan options to choose from.

» Learn more: Is travel insurance worth it?

Travel Guard offers several trip insurance plans with varying degrees of coverage. Some plans also allow you to purchase optional upgrades such as CFAR and auto rental coverage. Plan availability differs by state, so make sure you input your trip details to see what plans are available to you.

If you have a premium travel credit card, you may already have some elements of travel insurance coverage included for free. Before you decide to purchase a comprehensive policy, check what coverage you may already have from your credit card.

Travel Guard’s insurance plans offer trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical coverage and evacuation, baggage delay, baggage loss, and more. Some policies may also allow you to add on benefits like Cancel For Any Reason and car rental damage coverage.

If you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason (e.g., unforeseen sickness or injury of you or your family member, required work, victim of a crime, inclement weather, financial default of travel supplier, etc.) you will be covered. To see the whole list of covered reasons, refer to the terms and conditions of your policy.

To get a refund, you will need to file a claim by either calling (866) 478-8222 or submitting it online at its claims page . You may be required to provide verifying documentation to substantiate your claims so keep any receipts that you intend to submit. You can also check the status of your claim at any time on Travel Guard’s website .

The Cancel For Any Reason optional upgrade is available on certain Travel Guard plans. Travel Guard’s CFAR add-on allows you to cancel a trip for any reason whatsoever and get 50%-75% of your nonrefundable deposit back as long as the trip is canceled at least two days prior to the scheduled departure date.

To get a refund, you will need to file a claim by either calling (866) 478-8222 or submitting it online

at its claims page

. You may be required to provide verifying documentation to substantiate your claims so keep any receipts that you intend to submit. You can also check the status of your claim at any time

on Travel Guard’s website

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

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Travel Insurance for a China Vacation (2024)

If you’re planning a trip to China, having the best travel insurance will give you peace of mind.

in under 2 minutes

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

Sabrina Lopez is an editor with over six years of experience writing and editing digital content with a particular focus on home services, home products and personal finance. When she is not working on articles to help consumers make informed decisions, Sabrina enjoys creative writing and spending time with her family and their two parrots.

When planning a trip to China, travel insurance is essential. After spending thousands of dollars on an overseas trip, the last thing you want is to lose your investment due to a change of plans or inclement weather.

The best travel insurance plans will help you recoup losses from delayed and canceled flights, cover medical expenses and reimburse you for lost personal belongings. Doing so will give you peace of mind that you are fully covered should you need emergency assistance on your trip.

Compare China Travel Insurance Companies

Before selecting travel insurance for your upcoming trip to China, compare costs and coverage across top providers in the table below

Why Trust MarketWatch Guides

Our editorial team follows a comprehensive methodology for rating and reviewing travel insurance companies. Advertisers have no effect on our rankings.

Companies Reviewed

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Rating Factors

Do I Need Travel Insurance for China?

Travel insurance is not mandatory to enter China, but traveling uninsured poses a significant risk. No matter how you spend your time in China, you should have a travel insurance plan that will provide coverage for delayed or canceled flights and other concerns.

Mainland China is a popular vacation destination for travelers looking for adventure. Activities like hiking the Great Wall of China, seeing the terracotta warriors and exploring the Forbidden City will excite the culture-inclined. Foodies can enjoy delicacies like Peking duck, Chinese Hot Pot and traditional Char Sui. Meanwhile, cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing offer a metropolitan escape.

Your trip to China could be canceled due to a disease outbreak, or you could require medical coverage if you become ill during your trip. Likewise, U.S. exit bans can be enforced without warning, which could leave you stranded if you don’t have insurance coverage.

The following sections will tell you about the different types of coverage you can purchase when traveling to China and the benefits that they offer.

Cancel for Any Reason Coverage

Cancel for any reason coverage (CFAR) is typically an add-on provided by most insurance companies. It will allow you to claim back any pre-booked expenses for your trip if you need to cancel for a reason that is not covered in basic travel insurance plans.

For a China trip, you might want CFAR to cover the following:

• COVID-19 concerns, should restrictions change
• Safety risks, such as natural disasters or political unrest like the Hong Kong demonstrations
• Pre-existing medical conditions (standard medical coverage will often have exclusions for pre-existing conditions should you choose to cancel your trip)
• Personal and professional obligations that mean you can no longer travel to China
• Travel delays affecting your planned trip

Be aware that CFAR often needs to be purchased two weeks before your travel date, and to be reimbursed you will need to cancel your trip 48 hours prior to your departure date. Always check your travel insurance policy and contact your travel insurance company, as they will have different restrictions.

Gear Theft Protection

Gear theft protection covers valuables like laptops and cameras if they are damaged or stolen on your trip. It is usually included in travel insurance plans up to a certain amount, but this may not fully cover the cost of your belongings should they be damaged.

Consider what items you will take on your trip before you purchase travel insurance. You may want to insure expensive gadgets individually. Consider leaving certain valuables at home.

Medical Emergency Insurance and Emergency Medical Evacuation

Medical emergency insurance will cover you should you find yourself in need of emergency medical care. Chinese healthcare can be expensive — the best treatment is available from private hospitals, so having medical coverage protects you from paying treatment costs out of pocket.

You may also find yourself in need of emergency transport to a medical center. While this won’t be too difficult in cities like Chengdu and Xi’an, this could cost significantly more or take longer in a rural area.

Travel insurance plans can have exclusions regarding the medical treatment of pre-existing conditions. However, some travel insurance companies will provide specialized coverage, so it is worth shopping around.

Emergency medical evacuation involves returning travelers to their home country for medical treatment if they cannot receive it in China. Having health insurance will cover these costs, and most policies will include medical repatriation in the insurance plan if you pass away while abroad.

Rental Car Protection

Car rental in China can be a challenge. China does not recognize foreign licenses, but if you plan to rent a car, you can apply for a temporary provisional license for your stay. You will need a valid visa in order to be eligible for car rental as well.

Rental car protection can be added to your travel insurance plan, or you may be able to purchase extra coverage from your rental car provider.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

With any trip, there is a chance that things won’t go as planned. In this event, having travel cancellation and trip interruption insurance will protect you from sunken costs should you need to cancel your trip.

Trip cancellation insurance is included within most travel insurance plans, but they are subject to exclusions which can vary depending on your insurance provider and chosen policy. You should check with your credit card company, as they may offer this coverage if you purchase your airline tickets with them.

Valid reasons for trip cancellation typically include:

• Death of traveler(s) or family members
• Illness or injury preventing travel
• Military deployment
• Subpoena to appear in court
• Other legal responsibilities that prevent you from traveling

Trip cancellation will typically be included in a policy up to a certain amount. It is worth checking multiple insurance providers to see how much you can be reimbursed.

How Much Does China Travel Insurance Cost?

The cost of travel insurance will vary depending on the individuals traveling. Cheaper travel insurance options will provide less cancellation and personal effects reimbursement, whereas higher-end insurance provides more robust coverage in all categories.

In the table below, you will find different travel insurance plans and their coverage.

Quotes are based on a 30-year-old traveler going from California to China from Sept. 1 to Sept. 7. The trip cost for these quotes is $1,500. Quotes pulled in May 2023.

Overall, insurance plans with higher costs will offer more medical coverage and reimbursement for your belongings. Most providers will offer 100% of your trip cost in their cancellation coverage, but premium plans will reimburse you for much more. This can be seen in the Explorer Plan from World Nomads, which offers up to $10,000 in cancellation coverage, whereas others will only reimburse the total trip cost.

How Do I Get Travel Insurance for China?

The first step when you buy travel insurance for a China trip is to compare policies from multiple providers. Consider companies you have used previously, as you may be eligible for rewards or extra add-ons.

If you are planning multiple trips, it could be worth getting multi-trip insurance, also called annual travel insurance, which covers all trips you take for one year. This is also applicable if you are stopping in nearby countries like Thailand and want more comprehensive coverage.

Many insurance companies will have an online tool to get a quote for your insurance plan. Be sure to compare coverage for all aspects of your trip. For example, injuries from certain sports or activities may not be included in your medical coverage.

Once you find a quote that suits your budget and needs, you can usually purchase it online. Be sure to keep a printed copy with you when you travel should you need to provide your insurance details.

China Safety Tips

While China’s top procuratorate says that violent crime rates have dropped in recent years , the country does have significant risks that should be considered when traveling. The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for China , highlighting arbitrary enforcement of laws and wrongful detentions as reasons to reconsider travel. Travelers should also anticipate petty crimes like pickpocketing in crowded areas. Be aware that the quality of health care may also be lower than in the U.S., even in major cities, and the State Department advises that English-speaking travelers frequently encounter difficulties .

Crime and Safety

Though uncommon, tourists can expect to be targeted by pickpockets and should remain vigilant when traveling through busy areas. Keep all personal belongings on your person and never leave your valuables where someone could easily take them. You may also be targeted by scams in markets selling counterfeit goods, so always make purchases carefully.

Traveling through China is not without its risks, and travelers from the U.S. are particularly vulnerable due to short-notice travel bans and wrongful detentions. Many officials will only speak Mandarin and may limit your contact with the U.S. Embassy, so have their contact details readily available.

You could also be detained for sending private messages that the Chinese government considers critical of them. Similarly, taking part in demonstrations or protests is considered illegal, so tourists should remain clear of these activities.

Day Trips, Tours and Excursions

China has many sights that you would be hard-pressed to fit into one trip. When taking part in excursions or tours, you should choose guided tours over self-led ones, as these are much safer and also tend to provide a better and more insightful experience.

Guides for places like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China will be able to tell you more information on your tour and will be better equipped to handle crowds and keep you safe. Be sure to book with trusted and established guides to avoid scams.

Public transport is generally a safe option when taking day trips within China, but be mindful of illegal taxis as they are not licensed and may overcharge you.

COVID-19 is still a concern in China, and the U.S. Embassy in China posts updated requirements for travelers. As of May 2023, travelers may choose to take antigen tests, rather than nucleic tests like PCR, within 48 hours of boarding. While airlines won’t check pre-departure testing results, they will need to declare their negative test result to Chinese Customs.

Face coverings remain mandatory on public transport, and other COVID guidelines should be adhered to while in the country. Though not required, it is recommended that you travel with your COVID-19 vaccination documents, as well as other vaccination papers should you require medical treatment.

Is Travel Insurance for a China Vacation Worth It?

Travel insurance coverage may not be mandatory when traveling to China, but most travelers will find it to be a valuable purchase. Coverage for cancellations and baggage delays gives you a safety net for your flights, and travel medical insurance can help you pay for any treatment you might need while you are abroad.

Travel insurance is worthwhile since it alleviates some of the financial risks associated with traveling to China and will allow you to enjoy your trip with peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance in China

How much compensation am i entitled to if i cancel my trip.

Compensation will vary depending on your policy, but you will be reimbursed for all non-refundable deposits made before the trip commencement date. This could include your flights, accommodation plus other expenses like rental cars or extra baggage allowance.

Learn more: How To Claim Compensation for Delayed and Canceled Flights

Is healthcare free in China?

There is free public healthcare in China for permanent residents, but this does not extend to foreign travelers. In fact, cash payment for services may even be required up-front . If you are planning an extended trip, it is worth having medical coverage as medical bills can be expensive.

What documents are required for travel to China?

When traveling to China you will need a valid visa and passport within six months of expiration. These should be kept on you at all times should you find yourself in an emergency situation, as these are required by local regulations.

Will travel insurance cover me if I get coronavirus?

You will be covered for medical expenses incurred from COVID-19 as long as your chosen travel insurance has COVID-19 inclusions. This is highly recommended for travel to China and should be selected as an add-on if not covered in the basic plan.

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| Asia |   Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam

| Worldwide |  All destinations excluding :   Cuba, Iran, Syria, North Korea, Crimea Region, Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) Region or Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR) Region

Latest announcement:    If you have already purchased “ TravelWise”  Insurance Protection Plan, please  click here  for further information.

Please be advised that the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine may impact travel insurance coverages and benefits, and AIG Travel’s ability to provide certain travel-related assistance services, for travel to, from or within the affected areas.

Important Notice:  COVID-19 is a foreseen or known event. For more details, please  click here.

AIG TravelWise Insurance

AIG’s TravelWise travel insurance provides comprehensive protection for your journey and is one of the best travel insurance packages available in Hong Kong.

We cover your medical costs should you have an accident or suffer illness while on holiday worldwide, along with any losses arising from your trip being cancelled or your journey being delayed. AIG also covers loss of your baggage or personal belongings, as well as all other risks related to your travelling experience.  

TravelWise holiday insurance comes with AIG Travel Assistance, our worldwide emergency service which gives you 24/7 access to a dedicated team of multi-lingual staff of doctors, nurses, medical professionals and security personnel, who can respond to your needs in the event of an emergency.

Flexible plans from HK$17 only

• Travel delay - 5 hours from stated departure or arrival
• Baggage delay - up to HK$2,000 maximum
• Baggage and personal effects
• Emergency medical expenses
• Personal accident - accident while in a common carrier up to HK$1.2M maximum
• Journey cancellation or interruption
• Loss of income benefits
• Compassionate visit

*All journeys must commence from Hong Kong

*The price is for reference only. You could get a  quote here  real time. # The above information is for reference only. For the full benefit table, please refer to our  TravelWise brochure  or click  Buy Now .

Receive COVID-19 coverage of up to HK$1,200,000

AIG TravelWise insurance is now enhanced with COVID-19 coverage. Get the same existing protection, now with COVID-19 cover including emergency overseas medical expenses, journey cancellation, curtailment and quarantine allowance if you are diagnosed with COVID-19.

As you look to explore the world again, travel safely with TravelWise for greater peace of mind.

Journey cancellation cover if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 prior to departure from Hong Kong

Emergency overseas medical expenses cover, curtailment cover and quarantine allowance if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while traveling overseas

*This is for reference only and is subject to policy terms and conditions. For the full benefit table, please click  Buy Now .

Check out travel insurance plan with new COVID-19 cover

Click to compare plan coverage and benefits.

• Plan Benefits
• Coverage comparison

COVID-19 Coverage

Optional benefits.

*The above information is for reference only. For the full benefit table, please refer to our  TravelWise brochure  or click  Buy Now .

We are here to support you in case you experience difficult situations during your journey

We understand that things can change quickly, and you might need extra support especially while abroad. 

AIG offers a 24/7 toll-free travel emergency hotline to provide support if you feel unwell, or are banned from boarding your transport or from entering a country due to an emergency health condition.

Please note: Expenses incurred from third-party vendors as well as AIG administrative case fees for assistance services not covered as part of this insurance plan are the responsibility of the Policyholder.

When should I buy the travel insurance?

As soon as you have confirmed your travel route and destination, you should consider purchasing travel insurance. The policy must be purchased before your journey commencement (before you leave an immigration counter in Hong Kong), travel insurance purchased after you departed Hong Kong is considered invalid.

I purchased the annual plan of TravelWise insurance policy, will this policy cover all of my trips in this year?

TravelWise annual plan covers all of your trips during the year while trip must commence from Hong Kong with maximum 90 consecutive days per journey.

If I purchased TravelWise Deluxe single plan, will I be covered if I take hot air balloon ride?

Yes, TravelWise covers all amateur sporting activities.

I felt sick while I was travelling but I did not consult a doctor. I only saw a doctor when I came back to Hong Kong. Am I covered?

Unfortunately, your medical expenses incurred after your return to Hong Kong are not covered. Under your TravelWise single plan, we only pay for medical expenses incurred as follow-up treatment in Hong Kong if you have consulted a Legally Registered Medical Practitioner overseas for the same sickness during the insured trip.

Who is eligible to purchase?

Anyone age 70 or below on the commencement date of the policy. A policy may be purchased by an individual or a family for travel overseas for purpose of leisure and/or business, provided the trip is commences from Hong Kong.

Note : We do not cover any travel to Cuba, Iran, Syria, North Korea, the Crimea region, Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) Region or Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR) Region.

How much premium do I have to pay?

Please press “ Buy Now ” above or refer to our  TravelWise brochure  for premium levels for each plan.

I travelled to Thailand for 4 days and purchased TravelWise single insurance plan. On the last day of the trip, I suffered from fibular fracture which caused me to stay 2 more days in Thailand. Will TravelWise Protection Plan cover my trip?

Yes. Cover will automatically be extended up to a maximum of 10 calendar days without paying any additional premium, in the event the journey is being unavoidably delayed. (e.g: Travel Delay and missed departure sections due to fibular fracture, and insured person can provide medical documentation to prove that he/she is not medically fit to travel)

How and when can I contact AIG Travel (emergency service team)?

You can call our emergency service team 24/7 at (852) 3516-8699

I am heading to an overseas exchange after which I will stay behind for my personal travelling. Can I only buy travel insurance only for my personal travel?

Yes, but you must purchase your Travel Insurance for the whole period (including exchange & leisure travel).

My flight will depart on 11:50pm on 1 Feb evening. When should be my policy inception date?

You must take 1 Feb as the inception date/ departure date of your Travel Insurance, and the protection will commence after the insured person passed the Hong Kong Immigration Department counter.

If I travel to multiple countries within the same trip, do I need to purchase a separate plan for each country?

If you are travelling to multiple destinations within the same trip, you can be covered under one policy. Please select the furthest region as listed under our area of coverage.

I will be travelling to Thailand this weekend, but a tsunami has just hit the tourist spot today. I want to cancel my trip. Am I covered?

If the Security Bureau issued a “Red or Black Alert” within 7 days of your journey departure date or during your journey, AIG shall reimburse you in accordance with the following “Journey Cancellation”, “Journey Curtailment” or “Journey Re-arrangement” coverage.

I originally planned to travel from Edinburgh to London then coming back to Hong Kong by air. Unfortunately the earthquake had halted the air traffic in Scotland. I chose the road transport instead to travel to London in order to catch the flight to Hong Kong. Can I claim the road transport costs?

Yes, we will reimburse you the additional road transport fares since earthquake is a natural disaster which has caused the delay or cancellation of your scheduled flight. Please ensure that you submit to us  the letter from airline to prove the flight delay/ cancellation.

How can I make a claim?

In the event of loss, written notice of claim should be submitted to AIG Hong Kong within thirty (30) days after the occurrence , together with all relevant documents. 

In order to help us to deal with your claims, you should provide all the supporting documents to substantiate your claim. Complete documentation will prevent any delay in your claim assessment as additional time may be required to obtain the requisite information.

Upon receipt of sufficient documents, we will assess your claim accordingly. The result of your claim submission will be sent to you shortly.

For detailed claims procedure, please check travel claims procedure .

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AIG Travel Guard Insurance | Money

W e’ve reviewed Travel Guard from AIG as part of our exploration of the best travel insurance companies of 2023. This review will cover the pros, cons and features of AIG Travel Guard to help you decide if it’s the best travel insurance provider for you.

Best for Add-Ons

AIG travel insurance stands out for its wide variety of add-on options. Travel Guard offers a security bundle, pet bundle, sports bundle and many other add-ons to customize your travel insurance.

AIG Travel Guard Travel Insurance Pros and Cons

AIG Travel Guard is one of many insurance providers that support international travelers while they’re abroad. It isn’t your only option, so let’s take a look at how the company’s policies compare to competitive offerings. Here’s an overview of what you can expect from a Travel Guard travel insurance policy.

• Up to $1 million in evacuation coverage
• Plenty of add-on options
• Optional waiver for pre-existing conditions
• CFAR upgrade doesn't cover the entire trip
• Premiums can get expensive

Pros explained

AIG Travel Guard insurance is highly rated across review platforms. This might be the right insurance company for you if you’re looking for a policy with high coverage for medical evacuations, a range of add-ons and waivers for pre-existing conditions.

$1 million medical evacuation coverage

One of the main reasons people buy travel insurance is to pay for an emergency medical evacuation. If you get sick or injured while abroad, you may need to be evacuated for your safety.

With Travel Guard Deluxe from AIG, you get up to $1 million in coverage for medical evacuations. Travel Guard Preferred offers $500,000 for evacuations, and Travel Guard Essential offers $150,000. That coverage goes toward flights and other costs to get you to a safe location where you can receive high-quality medical care.

Offers a variety of special add-on coverages

AIG Travel Guard Insurance offers a wide variety of add-on coverage options. These riders can be added to your plan to customize your trip. These include:

• Medical bundle: This supplies extra coverage for medical costs and the option to choose your hospital.
• Wedding bundle: This allows you to cancel your trip if a destination wedding is canceled.
• Pet bundle: This provides a daily benefit for the costs of traveling with a dog or cat, plus coverage for veterinary bills.
• Inconvenience bundle: This covers certain problems that don’t end your trip, such as credit card cancellations, closed attractions and trip delays.
• Adventure sports bundle: This removes coverage exclusions for injuries caused by extreme sports such as scuba diving, skydiving and rock climbing.
• Baggage bundle: This gives increased coverage for baggage loss and delays.

Pre-existing medical conditions waiver available for purchase

If you have a pre-existing condition that could lead to medical costs during your trip, Travel Guard offers waivers to extend coverage for those expenses. The waiver must be bought before your trip. It might be worthwhile for travelers with chronic conditions, immune system deficiencies, and other conditions that can make traveling especially dangerous.

Cons explained

AIG travel insurance isn’t right for everyone. Before you buy a Travel Guard plan, you should be aware that you can’t get a full reimbursement when you cancel for any reason and that your premium might be more expensive than other options.

Cancel for Any Reason upgrade only covers 50% of trip costs

Cancel for any reason (CFAR) policies are common with travel insurance companies. This add-on allows you to be reimbursed no matter why you cancel your trip.

A standard travel insurance plan only offers reimbursements for a prescribed list of eligible reasons for canceling. These include medical or weather-related emergencies and the death of a close family member or traveling companion. But with CFAR, you can cancel under any circumstances and still receive coverage — as long as you do so 48 hours before departure.

Unfortunately, AIG Travel Guard with CFAR only offers a 50% reimbursement of your prepaid travel expenses. Other companies offer a higher reimbursement percentage, so consider whether you want more comprehensive protection before signing up for this insurance.

Expensive premiums

AIG Travel Guard is not the cheapest travel insurance company out there. Your exact premium depends on several factors, including your destination, plan type, add-ons and age. But based on our sample quotes, AIG travel insurance plans are slightly more expensive, on average, than other insurers’ plans.

AIG Travel Guard Travel Insurance Plans

Like shopping for the best travel credit cards , choosing the best travel insurance plan takes time and research. The best plan will save you money and give you peace of mind, while the wrong plan could be an unnecessary expense. That’s why looking for insurance companies offering multiple policy options is best.

AIG Travel Guard offers three main plans plus two bonus plans for international travel insurance. Let’s break those options down in detail.

Travel Guard Essential is a very basic travel plan offered by AIG. This budget-friendly plan comes with standard coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions and delays. Medical coverage goes up to $15,000 plus $500 for dental costs and $200 for lost or damaged baggage.

The Essential plan is best for a tourist or short-term traveler who is willing to sacrifice comprehensive coverage for a lower insurance premium. The plan can be beefed up with any of AIG’s add-on bundles.

Travel Guard Preferred is a mid-priced option for someone who wants more coverage. This policy comes with medical coverage of up to $50,000 and evacuation coverage of up to $500,000. Damaged, lost or stolen baggage is covered up to $1,000.

Travel Guard Deluxe, the most expensive plan offered by AIG, comes with a wide range of benefits and includes security evacuation, missed-connection coverage, trip-saver coverage and more. This plan offers up to $1 million for a medical evacuation.

Travel Guard Deluxe is a good choice for someone traveling to rural or dangerous areas. It covers almost any emergency and even includes robust coverage for your beneficiaries in case of a fatal accident.

AIG’s Pack N’ Go plan is designed for travelers who buy their insurance at the last minute. There is no cancellation coverage, but this plan offers up to $25,000 in medical coverage plus $500 for lost or damaged baggage. Buying travel insurance at the last minute is not recommended, but this is a helpful option if you plan a trip quickly.

You can purchase an annual travel insurance plan through AIG. An annual plan is ideal for someone who travels frequently, especially to dangerous areas. With Travel Guard’s annual plan, you’ll get:

• Trip delay coverage: $150 per day, up to $1,500
• Trip interruption coverage: up to $2,500
• Lost baggage coverage: up to $2,500
• Baggage delay coverage: up to $1,000
• Medical expenses coverage: up to $500,000 (dental coverage up to $500)
• Accidental death coverage: up to $50,000
• Emergency evacuations and repatriation of remains: up to $500,000

These benefits apply to multiple trips within the same year. You can renew your coverage annually or cancel at the end of a payment period. Purchasing an annual plan is usually less costly than insuring two trips individually.

AIG Travel Guard Travel Insurance Pricing

AIG travel insurance is comprehensive but on the higher end of the price spectrum. Premiums for Travel Guard Essential and Premium are on par with industry standards. Travel Guard Deluxe is slightly more expensive because of the added coverage that comes with it.

For example, our quote for a month-long vacation in Europe for two people costing around $5,000 came to around $300 with Travel Guard Premium and $560 with Travel Guard Deluxe. Add-on bundles will add a flat rate to that price. Our quotes for the same trip came out to around $150–$300 with other travel insurance companies.

Of course, that’s just an estimation. Your exact premium will vary depending on your travel dates, destination, age, number of people in your party and other factors. AIG family travel insurance goes up in price for each family member added.

Talk to an AIG Travel Guard representative to get a personalized quote for your travel insurance. You can also request a quick quote online for a basic estimate.

AIG Travel Guard Travel Insurance Financial Stability

AIG Travel Guard is an established insurance provider and a publicly traded company. It has an A rating from AM Best, which reflects a high degree of financial strength and stability. AIG also has a rating of A2 from Moody’s and an A+ from Standard and Poor’s. Because Travel Guard is a product of AIG, you should expect this insurer to remain stable in the future.

AIG Travel Guard Travel Insurance Accessibility

Here’s how AIG Travel Guard compares with other top insurers in terms of accessibility.

Availability

AIG travel insurance offers coverage on six continents. You can search for your destination country on AIG’s website to ensure coverage is available, but remember that not all coverage is available in all destinations.

When it comes to buying travel insurance, AIG is only available to residents of the U.S.

Contact information

You can call AIG’s travel insurance phone number any time to get more information about your policy or request help. Both of these numbers have 24/7 availability:

• U.S. toll-free, 1-855-203-5962
• U.S. and international collect, 1-715-345-0505

If you need to file an AIG travel insurance claim, you can connect with a customer service agent online or over the phone. You can also reach AIG by mail at:

Travel Guard

3300 Business Park Drive

Stevens Point, WI 54482

User experience

While it does offer a travel-assistance app, this insurer isn’t as up-to-date with modern technology as other options. Its Travel Assistance app has 2-star ratings on both Google Play and the App Store and is difficult to navigate. The website is also slightly confusing and has several pages stating the same information. On top of that, AIG travel insurance claims must be filed directly with an agent.

However, getting a quote on the AIG website is easy. It takes less than a minute, and you don’t need to provide your name or any contact information.

AIG Travel Guard Travel Insurance Customer Satisfaction

AIG Travel Guard receives a high rate of customer complaints. It’s rated 1.01/5 stars with the Better Business Bureau. Some reviewers report a lack of helpful customer service and problems getting their AIG travel insurance refund for a canceled trip.

Keep in mind that these complaints are fairly standard in the travel insurance industry. Your individual experience will vary depending on your plan and other details.

AIG Travel Guard Travel Insurance FAQ

What does aig travel guard travel insurance not cover.

• Pre-existing conditions (without an optional waiver)
• Traveling against your doctor's advice
• Traveling against warnings about war or other dangerous conditions
• Trip cancellation due to concerns over a COVID-19 outbreak at home or in your destination country. You may be eligible for cancellation coverage if you have a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 before your departure.

What is the AIG Travel Guard claims process like?

Is aig travel guard travel insurance worth it, how we evaluated aig travel guard travel insurance.

We evaluated AIG Travel Guard for this review based on several factors, including:

• Range of plan options
• Accessibility
• Customer reviews and complaints
• Claims filing process
• The extent of coverage for the cost

Summary of Money’s AIG Travel Guard Travel Insurance Review

AIG Travel Guard stands out for its variety of add-ons. Its optional bundles allow you to customize your plan to meet your travel needs. While the Deluxe plan is a little more expensive than other options, Travel Guard could be the right choice for you if you value flexibility and extensive coverage.

Whichever insurance policy you choose, be sure to plan ahead and buy your insurance far in advance. Keep an eye out for other ways to save on your trip, including the best travel rewards credit cards and travel booking sites .

© Copyright 2023 Money Group, LLC . All Rights Reserved.

This article originally appeared on Money.com and may contain affiliate links for which Money receives compensation. Opinions expressed in this article are the author's alone, not those of a third-party entity, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed. Offers may be subject to change without notice. For more information, read Money’s full disclaimer .

When planning your trip to China, do not forget your travel insurance from Tata AIG!

China, located in East Asia, is a beautiful country that is well known for its natural and man-made attractions. What some people may not know is that China is called The People’s Republic of China. It is a country that borders fourteen other countries and has been culturally influenced by the countries that are close in proximity to it. If you plan to visit China, there is a lot for you to do and see. It holds some great historical monuments and is among the most famous tourist destinations in Asia and the world. The country is second to Italy in the number of world heritage sites it holds. When visiting China, it is usually advisable to block at least 10-14 days to see most of what the country offers.

Over 8 lakh Indians visited China in 2018. China has become a popular tourist destination for Indians owing to its proximity and its many offerings. It would take a person only six hours to reach China from New Delhi. And as we have already mentioned once, there is a lot for an Indian tourist to do, from visiting important landmarks, taking in the culture, tasting the delicacies, and of course, shopping. However, before a person can start planning a trip to China, they need to have a China visa for Indians in hand. A tourist will not be allowed to make their way into China without having a valid China tourist visa from India. If you are someone who wishes to visit China, we will provide you with all the necessary information regarding your China visa application.

However, before we delve into Chinese visas for Indians, let us first discuss a little bit about travel insurance. Having travelling insurance can help you out in several situations when you may feel stranded abroad. Tata AIG’s travel insurance plans can be the right fit for you if you are looking for a plan that is cost-efficient, customisable and comprehensive. You can browse through our plans and choose the best option for yourself. So when choosing travelling insurance, look n further than Tata AIG!

With that said, let us now look into what getting a Chinese visa for Indians entails.

China Visa for Indians

As we have already mentioned, China is a famous tourist destination for Indians. In the past few years, not considering the pandemic, tourism in China has only boomed because of what the country has to offer. China is a paradox in many ways. It has managed to hold onto its years-old traditions and legacies, which one can experience just by stepping foot into several monasteries. Contrarily, China is also one of the fastest developing countries in the world. A perfect example of a concrete jungle. All of this makes the country very appealing to tourists. However, every Indian tourist who wishes to make their way into China is required to have a China tourist visa from India.

The good news for people who wish to travel to China is that the China visa application process is fairly simple. The most important thing for you to do is have your documents in place and know exactly what kind of visa you require. A lot of the process of procuring a Chinese visa for Indians depends on the kind of visa you are applying for. Also, remember that you should always apply for your visa well in advance, as it can take some time to come through. This is especially true if you are applying for a business visa, as a China business visa processing time from India is typically more than a China tourist visa for Indians.

China Visa for Indians –The Application Process

If you wish to know how to apply for a visa to China and if you can apply for a China tourist visa online, we have the answers to your questions. You need to be mindful of the visa application process when it comes to getting your Chinese visa for Indians, as one wrong step could lead to you having problems getting your visa. However, if you are careful while following the process and do not make any mistakes, you should get your visa without any trouble.

The steps you need to follow for your China visa application are as follows.

If you wish to apply for a China tourist visa online, you can start the process by visiting the official website of the Chinese Embassy .

You then need to download the application form that you find there.

Fill in all the relevant details asked for on the application form.

Check the details you have filled in.

Next, look at the list of documents being asked for.

Upload all the documents mentioned in the application.

Submit the application form with the uploaded documents.

Schedule an appointment at the Embassy or the visa application centre.

Pay the applicable visa fees on the website.

Wait to hear back with a date and time for the interview.

Visit the Embassy at the date and time allotted for the interview.

You will then have to take a biometric test.

Post your interview, you will receive your passport, either with or without a visa, depending on the discretion of the officials.

Indian applicants may also submit their visa applications at any CVAC offices in Mumbai, Delhi, or Kolkata. The China Visa Application Centre, or CVAC, also takes care of visa applications on behalf of the Embassy of China in India. Applications for Regular Service are handled in four business days, while those for Express Service are reviewed in just two.

Whereas the CVAC in Mumbai handles the regions of Maharashtra and Karnataka, the CVAC in Kolkata accepts applications from Indians and outsiders in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. The CVAC office in New Delhi handles regional district citizens' visa applications.

China Visa for Indians- Types

There are several different categories of visas that a person can apply for when they wish to travel to China. The different types of visas depend on the purpose of the visit, the duration of the visit and the nature of the visit. A person must be careful when choosing a type of visa as it determines what they can do in China and how long they may be allowed to stay there. The different types of Chinese visas for Indians are;

C Visa - This type of visa is meant for crew members from other countries travelling by air, land or water into China. The visa is also applicable for a family member of a crew member.

D Visa - The D visa is a long-stay visa meant for those people who wish to immigrate to China permanently.

F Visa - This is a short-duration visa meant for foreign nationals who wish to visit China as a tourist, to visit someone for a short period, or any other related reason.

G Visa - Foreign nationals travelling to other countries who need to pass through China and halt there will require a G visa.

J Visa - The J visa is meant strictly for journalists. Foreign journalists who wish to reside in China for over 180 days to cover news will require a J1 visa, while journalists who need to stay in China for less than 180 days need a J2 visa.

L Visa - This is a China tourist visa. Anyone going to China strictly for tourism purposes must have an L visa.

M Visa - If you are going to China for commercial or trade-related activities, you will need an M visa. This is a business visa of sorts. You must apply for this visa in advance as the China business visa processing time from India can be quite long.

Q Visa - This visa is for those who are related to people living in China as permanent residents or citizens. If you wish to be in China for over 180 days, you need a Q1 visa, and if you stay in China for less than 180 days, you need to apply for a Q2 visa.

R Visa - This is a special type of visa allotted to those who are especially skilled in their field or those that have special talents that can be beneficial to China.

S Visa - The S visa is meant for those who have relatives working or studying in China. These people can visit their relatives living in China with the help of this visa. If the duration of the visit is over 180 days, a person requires an S1 visa, and if it is less than 180 days, an S2 visa will suffice.

X Visa - Simply put, an X visa is a student visa. If a person wishes to study for over 180 days in China, they need to apply for an X1 visa, while if they wish to study for less than 180 days, they need to apply for an X2 visa.

Z Visa - The Z visa is meant for those who wish to work in China.

Who Should Apply for a Chinese Visa for Indians?

Any person from India who wishes to visit China needs to have a valid visa in place before they can enter the country. People from all countries barring Singapore, Japan and Brunei, need to have a visa before they can enter China. As we have mentioned above, a person from India can apply for a visa for China based on the purpose and duration of their visit there. You can apply for a China tourist visa online and wait to hear back from the Embassy in regards to the date for your interview.

A person should be cautious when applying for a Chinese visa and filling in their application form. If the officials find any discrepancies in your application form and the documents you have submitted, you will not get a visa. You must also remember to apply for your visa in advance since there are no provisions for Indians to get visas on arrival in China. Thus, if you do not have your visa in place, you will not be able to enter China. You must remember that the Chinese government is very strict with those who try to enter the country by unfair means and with those who do not have valid visas. So if you do not have your visa in hand, you must not try to make your way into the country.

When Should One Apply for a China Tourist Visa from India?

When applying for something as important as a visa, it is always better to be safe than sorry. You should apply for your visa at least 30 days before beginning your trip. Regarding tourist visas, the Chinese Embassy usually takes 8-10 days to approve them. But there may be situations, like if you have applied during season time when the Embassy gets a lot of applications or say there is some minor fault in your application where the Embassy may call and ask you to rectify your mistake, when your visa may be delayed. Also, if you are applying for a business visa, the China business visa processing time from India can be a little more than a tourist visa, as the Embassy may scrutinise your documents a little more closely to see if everything is in place. Thus, having extra time in hand when applying for a visa is a must.

Documents Required for China Visa for Indians

The documents that you need to submit to get a Chinese visa for Indians are as follows;

The correctly filled and signed visa application form

Your passport, which is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival in China and has at least 2 blank pages

Round trip tickets

Your travel itinerary

Hotel reservations or proof of where you will be staying during your visit to China

A cover letter explaining the reason for your visit to China and also the places you plan to visit while there

2 passport-size photographs having a matte white background and not being more than 3 months old

Proof of income for the last 6 months to prove that you can sustain yourself while in China

Travel insurance documents

China Visa Fees for Indians

If you wish to know what the China visa fees for Indians are going to be, then there are a few different categories that you will need to look at. The fees you need to pay will depend upon which category you fall into and what type of visa you need. Please note that these fees are not inclusive of the application fees and the service charges that are applicable as per your needs.

The China visa fees for Indians are

Disclaimer: Visa fee rates are subject to change based on external factors such as immigration laws, additional service charges and currency conversion rates. Please be advised to check current rates from official sources before proceeding with any payment services. *Please note that these charges are subject to change and a person should look for updated rates before planning their trip to China.

Tata AIG Travel Insurance Plan for China

When you are travelling abroad, most people feel two things simultaneously. One is extreme excitement at the prospect of taking a break, going somewhere new and trying new things. However, the second feeling is often one of nervousness and fear. People are mostly nervous when stepping out of their comfort zone and trying something new. You could worry about things going wrong or needing help without knowing where you can go for help. The best way to remove these fears from your mind is by getting travelling insurance.

When you have travel insurance, you can rest easy knowing that even if there are situations where you feel a little cornered, you have the support you need. All you have to do is find the right travel insurance plan. Tata AIG’s travelling insurance is often a popular choice with people because of the comprehensive support provided by us. When you have a policy with us, you get baggage cover, Covid-19 cover, emergency evacuation aid, assistance while travelling, and if required, hotel cancellation insurance and flight cancellation insurance , among other things.

Thus, when you have travel insurance with Tata AIG, you can shelve the worries and insecurities you have and go ahead and enjoy your trip with only excitement and enthusiasm.

Reasons for the Rejection of a Chinese Visa

Not keeping the Covid situation in mind, there are a few situations where your Chinese visa application may be rejected. These reasons include;

If you are a recognised immigration law offender

If you do not have all your documents in place

If the details filled in the application form do not match your documents

If you do not have your Covid vaccination and PCR tests in place

If you are thought to have the wrong intentions for seeking entrance into the country

Things to Know About China

The more things you know about a country, the more you can enjoy what it has to offer you. The same goes for China. If you try to know a few details about the country you are visiting, it can help you in many ways. China is a very interesting place with many fun nuggets of information. Here are a few of them.

The Forbidden City in Beijing has over 9000 rooms

Chopsticks were first made around 5000 years ago in China

There are more skyscrapers in Hongkong than anywhere else in the world

It is estimated that around 35 million people live in caves in China

There are about 660 cities in China

Chinese is one of the only remaining languages that is pictographic

If you line up all of China’s railway lines, it could go around the world thrice

Numbers and colours are highly symbolic in China

The Chinese have been consuming tea for over 300 years

Silk, kites and football originated from China

Places to See and Things to Do in China

We have repeatedly mentioned that you will not run out of things to do and see while in China. If you are in China for a limited time, here are a few things you should not leave without doing or seeing.

Climb the Great Wall of China

Volunteer to help out with the Big Pandas in Sechuan

Visit the Forbidden City in Beijing

Enjoy the Beijing Zoo

Go to Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Site Park

Feel at peace at the Nanshan Temple

Learn more about China at the China Folk Culture Village

Take a walk and enjoy nature at West Lake

Take a tour around Silk Road

Cruise around the Li River

Information last updated Sep 23. While this information is sourced reliably, visa requirements can change. For the most current visa details, visit the official Consulate/Embassy website.

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Disclaimer / tnc.

Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions & inclusions and exclusions mentioned in your policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.

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What is the service charge applicable on a china visa fee for indians.

The service charge applicable on a Chinese visa for Indians is ₹1861 for regular service (processed in 6 days) and ₹2742 for express service (processed in 3 days)

Is there a way for me to track my visa application?

You can track your visa application from the Embassy website whenever you want.

Can I apply for a Chinese visa for Indians even if I am not in India at present?

No, you cannot apply for a Chinese visa when you are outside India, as you will need to visit the Embassy physically for your interview.

Is a Covid-19 cover part of my travel insurance plan from Tata AIG?

Yes, a Covid-19 cover is a part of your travelling insurance from Tata AIG. If you are to contract Covid during your trip abroad, we will take care of the medical costs you incur. Also, if you, your immediate family member or your travel companion contracts Covid just before you are set to begin your trip, we will reimburse you for the trip cancellation costs.

When is the earliest I can apply for a Chinese visa?

The earliest you can apply for a Chinese visa is 3 months before your intended date of departure for China.

Disclaimer: The display of trademarks, tradenames, logos and any other subject matter of intellectual property on this page pertains and belongs to their respective owners. The display of such intellectual properties on this page must not be construed as an indication of Tata AIG's association or partnership with the owners of said intellectual property. *Subject to change based on the travel insurance policy's nature, extent, and duration of the travel insurance policy.

Insurance is the subject matter of the solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read sales brochure / policy wording carefully before concluding a sale. Trade logo displayed above belongs to TATA Sons Private Limited and AIG and used by TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited under License. 2008, TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited, all rights reserved. Registered Office : Peninsula Business Park, Tower A, 15th Floor, G.K.Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai - 400 013, Maharashtra, India. CIN: U85110MH2000PLC128425. IRDA of India Regn. No. 108. Toll Free Number : 1800 266 7780 / 1800 22 9966 (only for senior citizen policy holders). Email Id – [email protected] . Category of Certificate of Registration: General Insurance.

2008, Tata AIG General Insurance Company Limited, all rights reserved. Registered Office : Peninsula Business Park, Tower A, 15th Floor, G.K.Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai - 400 013, Maharashtra, India. CINNumber : U85110MH2000PLC128425. Registered with IRDA of India Regn. No. 108. Insurance is the subject matter of the solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read sales brochure / policy wording carefully before concluding a sale. Trade logo displayed above belongs to Tata Sons Private Limited and AIG and used by TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited under License. Toll Free Number : 1800 266 7780 / 1800 22 9966 (only for senior citizen policy holders). Email Id – [email protected] .

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Understanding AXA Travel Insurance for China

When planning a trip to China, it’s important to consider the potential risks and hazards that may arise during your travels. One way to protect yourself and your investment is by purchasing travel insurance. AXA is one provider that offers a range of travel insurance options for travelers visiting China.

AXA offers several different types of travel insurance policies, including single trip, annual trip, and backpacker insurance. Each policy has its own set of coverage options, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs. For example, the single trip policy covers you for a specific trip, while the annual trip policy covers you for an entire year of travel. The backpacker policy is designed for travelers who are taking a longer trip, such as a gap year or a round-the-world trip.

When purchasing a travel insurance policy from AXA, it’s important to carefully review the coverage options available to ensure that you are getting the protection you need. Some of the most important coverage options to consider include medical expenses, trip cancellation and interruption, and baggage loss or theft.

Medical expenses coverage is particularly important for travelers visiting China, as medical care can be expensive in the country. If you become ill or injured while in China, your medical expenses coverage will help cover the cost of treatment and any necessary transportation back to your home country.

Trip cancellation and interruption coverage is also important, as it can help protect you in case you have to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unforeseen circumstances. This coverage can help reimburse you for any non-refundable expenses, such as flights and hotel bookings.

Baggage loss or theft coverage can help protect you in case your luggage is lost or stolen while in transit or while you’re traveling. This coverage can help reimburse you for any lost or stolen items, including clothing, electronics, and valuables.

In summary, AXA travel insurance offers a range of coverage options for travelers visiting China. It is important to carefully review the coverage options available and choose the policy that best suits your needs. By purchasing travel insurance, you can protect yourself and your investment while traveling in China.

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The marine insurance industry is bracing for huge claims from the Baltimore bridge disaster

• Huge insurance claims are expected after the Dali collided with a major bridge on Tuesday.
• The claims could be on par with the $1.5 billion from the Costa Concordia disaster, an expert told Insurance Business.
• Insurance claims could include damage to the ship, business interruption, and worker compensation.

The marine insurance industry is bracing for huge claims from Tuesday's Baltimore bridge disaster.

Insurance claims from the collision of the Dali containership with the Francis Scott Key Bridge could be on par with a 2012 maritime disaster that led to $1.5 billion in payouts, John Miklus, the president of the American Institute of Marine Underwriters, told trade magazine Insurance Business on Tuesday.

Luxury cruise ship Costa Concordia capsized off the coast of Italy in January 2012, killing 32 people in one of Europe's worst modern maritime tragedies. That disaster led to the marine insurance industry's highest payout, according to the trade publication.

"I wouldn't be surprised if this were similar," Miklus told Insurance Business.

It was not immediately clear how long it took to settle all of Costa Concordia's claims, but it appears to have taken at least a few years.

"You've got various components to the loss," Miklus added. "A big one is going to be rebuilding the bridge and all the loss of revenue and loss of tolls while that's taking place."

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The Baltimore bridge brought in about $53 million in toll revenue for the Maryland Transportation Authority in 2023, Moody's analyst Cintia Nazima told The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday.

Other insurance claims from Dali's Baltimore collision could include damage to the ship and its cargo, as well as business interruption, property, trade credit, and worker compensation, per Business Insurance.

The marine insurance and reinsurance markets are likely to foot most of the bills, S&P Global reported on Tuesday.

The Baltimore bridge itself is insured by insurance giant Chubb, per Insurance Insider.

Dali, the ship, is covered by Britannia P&I Club, a specialist insurer that provides protection and indemnity cover for the maritime industry. Britannia is a member of the London-based International Group of P&I Clubs.

The International Group of P&I Clubs will only cover the first $10 million in claims from any one incident, per the company's website. The remaining bill will be shared by the members, groups from specialist marketplace Lloyd's of London, and reinsurers.

The claims process could take years, mirroring the situation surrounding the Ever Given containership, which ran aground and blocked the Suez Canal for six days in March 2021.

SCOR, a French reinsurer estimated in June 2022 that Ever Given's claims could top $2 billion.

"It will take many years to settle the claims from the Ever Given and the process will include much debate about who is liable," SCOR wrote in the report. "The issue of responsibilities and applicable laws in today's global maritime world is complex."

Watch: The container ship that destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge has crashed before

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