Compare travel insurance for Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s skyline, completed by towering mountain peaks, is second to none. And there’s loads to see and do too – street markets, a Disney resort, towering Buddhas and an Avenue of Stars. Whatever you have planned, here’s how to find the right travel insurance ahead of your trip.

Written by

Anna McEntee

Home, pet and travel insurance expert

Last Updated

4 MARCH 2024

8 min read

Do I need travel insurance for Hong Kong?

Travel insurance for Hong Kong isn’t compulsory but it can help make sure you won’t be left out of pocket if your trip doesn’t go to plan.

It’s also essential to have travel insurance with adequate medical cover to make sure you can access emergency treatment. Although Hong Kong has a high-quality public healthcare system, it won’t be available to you as a tourist. And the cost of private medical treatment in Hong Kong can be very high.

Customers with pre-existing medical conditions

If you have a serious health condition, your travel insurance is likely to be more expensive. Whatever happens, always declare any medical conditions and never lie to an insurance provider, because this could mean your claim is rejected. When you declare any medical conditions on our website, we’ll only show you quotes from insurance providers who will cover them, with no exclusions.

If your condition is more serious, MoneyHelper has a directory of insurance providers who may be able to provide quotes over the phone. You can call MoneyHelper on 0800 138 7777.

How much is travel insurance for Hong Kong?

You’ll need worldwide travel insurance for Hong Kong, but you’ll be able to choose a policy that excludes cover for the USA, Canada and the Caribbean and that’s likely to make your premium a little cheaper.

If it’s a one-off holiday, you can choose a single trip policy. But if you take more than one trip a year, you could save money by choosing annual travel insurance. However, if you’re heading to Hong Kong as part of a longer adventure in Asia and beyond, a backpacker policy may be your best bet.

How much you’ll have to pay will depend on:

Your age and health – especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition
The length of your trip
The sports and activities you’ll be doing
The level of cover you want for your luggage and holiday cancellation
The excess - how much you’re willing to pay towards any claim

What will Hong Kong travel insurance cover?

A standard Hong Kong travel insurance policy should cover:

Medical care – if you become ill or are injured in an accident. It should also cover repatriation the UK in a medical emergency.
Flight cancellations and missed connections – this isn’t included in all policies so check the details.
Holiday cancellation cover - gives you protection if you have to cancel your trip or cut it short because of an unforeseen emergency, such as the death of a relative.
Damage, loss or theft – if your luggage, valuables or gadgets are lost or stolen, travel insurance could pay out to replace them. Check the excess as well as the overall possessions and single item limit – the maximum your insurance provider will pay out for one item. Although crime is generally low in Hong Kong, pickpocketing is a concern. So take steps to protect your valuables, particularly in crowded areas.

What won’t Hong Kong travel insurance cover?

Typical restrictions and exclusions that could appear in a travel insurance policy for Hong Kong include:

Pre-existing medical conditions that you haven’t declared when you apply for insurance or haven’t been honest about in terms of their severity. Not all providers will cover pre-existing conditions, but specialist policies are available.
Injuries or accidents resulting from high-risk activities, such as bungee jumping, climbing and scuba diving, unless you choose to add on extra cover.
Incidents related to alcohol or drugs – some parts of Hong Kong such as Lan Kwai Fong are nightlife hotspots. But if you hurt yourself or lose something as a result of drinking or taking drugs, your claim is likely to be rejected.
Natural disasters – Hong Kong has a typhoon season, which normally runs from April-October. Check your policy terms to see what cover is available in the event of a natural disaster. If the typhoon was predicted before you set off, it’s unlikely that you’ll be covered for any related expenses.
Terrorism or civil unrest – any cover is likely to be limited. Although the large-scale political protests that took place in Hong Kong in 2019 and early 2020 are now considered rare, remain vigilant and avoid areas where there are demonstrations.
Travel against FCDO advice – check for any travel restrictions in the areas where you intend to travel. You probably won’t be covered by your travel insurance if you decide to go ahead with the trip after the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office advises against all but essential travel.

What else should I consider when I choose my travel insurance for Hong Kong

When comparing policies, check that any activities you’re planning to do in Hong Kong are covered, such as:

Extreme sports like rock climbing on Tung Ping Chau or paragliding off the Dragon’s Back near Shek-O.
Water sports such as kayaking, scuba diving or wakeboarding.
Golf - Hong Kong’s golf courses are generally exclusive and expensive, but there are a couple of public courses too.

If your chosen sport or activity isn’t covered by a standard travel insurance policy, contact the insurance provider to see if they can include it. If they won’t, you might want to shop around for a specialist provider who will offer you the level of cover you need.

Do I need a visa to travel to Hong Kong?

Hong Kong has its own immigration controls, despite being part of the People’s Republic of China, because of its status as a Special Administrative Region (SAR). Brits can visit Hong Kong for up to six months without a visa. But you’ll need a visa if you plan to visit mainland China or Hainan Island, and eligibility for visas for travel to China is currently limited. The Chinese Embassy has more information on this.

Your passport should be valid for at least one month after the date you plan to leave Hong Kong.

If you plan on working or studying in Hong Kong, or staying for longer than six months, you will need a visa. Visit the Hong Kong SAR Immigration Department website for more details.

Can I get business insurance for Hong Kong?

Yes, we can help you or your company find business travel insurance for Hong Kong. This can cover you for equipment like laptops that you need to take with you, and could even cover the expense of flying a colleague out to replace you if you’re unable to make an important event. You should also be protected for cancelled flights and missed connections.

Did you know?

Hong Kong is a former British colony, so some things may feel familiar when you visit, including driving on the left-hand side of the road. If you plan on renting a car to get around, it’s good to know that you can use your UK driving licence to drive there for up to 12 months.

UK-style three pin electric plugs are used in Hong Kong, so you don’t need to search out plug adaptors for phone chargers and other electrical kit.

Any other travel tips for Hong Kong?

Vaccinations — see your doctor 6-8 weeks before your trip for advice on any vaccinations you might need.
Climate — Hong Kong has a sub-tropical climate and can be hot and humid, particularly in summer (June to September). Autumn, from October through to early December, can be a great time to visit, with sunny weather, low humidity and comfortable temperatures.
Time differences — Hong Kong is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Direct flight times to Hong Kong are typically over 12 hours from London.
Getting around — there’s an efficient train service from the airport into the city centre, getting you there in as little as 24 minutes. Hong Kong’s public transport system, comprising ferries, trains, trams and buses, is known for its safety, frequency and efficiency. For ease, you can get around with an ‘Octopus’ travel card or use an e-wallet.
National Security Law — this law came into effect in Hong Kong in June 2020 and criminalises acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign governments, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. This law can be interpreted broadly and has been used to arrest protesters and activists. Be extremely careful when posting any politicised statements on social media that could be interpreted as critical of the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities.
Tipping — it isn’t generally part of the culture to tip waiting staff or taxi drivers (apart from in hotels, where it’s often expected). You may see a 10% service charge included on your bills in hotels and restaurants though. Leaving a tip at the end of a tour is acceptable.
Currency — the Hong Kong dollar.