Are you looking for the top travel insurance products in Hong Kong? With plenty of options out there, it could be a headache when choosing the right one. No matter if you’re flying to Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, or even Singapore, your long-awaited trip deserves the best protection, and we’ve done the hard work to get you covered with the perfect fit.
So, MoneySmart is here to rescue you from the hassle of sifting through travel insurance products. From pricing to coverage, claiming process, and special offers, we’ve dug deep to present you with the cream of the crop. So, let the adventure begin worry-free!
Read on to find out more details about how to choose the right travel insurance that fits your needs!
Table of contents: Hong Kong travel insurance comparison
- What does travel insurance cover?
- How to compare travel insurance policies?
- Hong Kong travel insurance price overview
- Which travel insurance policy offers the highest coverage for medical and accident expenses?
- Which travel insurance policy offers the highest coverage for skiing, scuba diving, or parachuting?
- Which travel insurance policy offers the highest coverage for personal property?
- Frequently asked questions: Travel Insurance
What does travel insurance cover?
Travel insurance coverage can differ depending on the insurance provider and policy. In general, travel insurance can help cover expenses related to trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost or stolen baggage, and travel interruptions.
In general, travel insurance covers the 3 main types of coverage for medical and accident expenses:
- Medical coverage includes costs for accidents or illnesses during the trip, like fees for overseas doctors and follow-up visits after returning to Hong Kong.
- Personal accident coverage provides reimbursement for death, permanent disability, and severe burns resulting from accidents during the trip.
- Emergency support coverage includes emergency medical evacuation or repatriation, visits for relatives, and more.
How to compare travel insurance policies?
Comparing insurance policies is complicated. There are so many areas you can be insured in, but not all are equal in importance. So how do you know which aspects to compare?
Review your trip quickly and identify the most likely scenarios to occur
First of all, you definitely want to make sure that you’re covered in the scenarios that are more likely to occur on your trip. Sure, it’s nice to know you’re being covered for kidnapping or terrorist attacks, but statistically speaking you’re more likely to come down with a bout of food poisoning or lose your luggage. So, review your trip quickly and find out the most likely situations to happen during your trip.
Here are key areas to look out for when deciding on the best value for travel insurance:
- Medical coverage: Unless you’re invincible, there’s always the chance you’ll fall ill or get involved in an accident. Medical coverage can pay for your overseas medical expenses, as well as medical expenses incurred upon your return to Hong Kong.
- Travel mishaps: Lost luggage, missed flights, trip delays and cancellations can happen on even the most meticulously-planned of trips.
- Loss or damage to personal belongings: Get compensated if you are pickpocketed, your belongings get damaged in transit and so on.
Find your best fitted travel insurance plan
Review each plan you have come across and find out your best fitted plan. For instance, some plans may have a higher coverage on medical expenses, but not so much on personal perperty protection. After knowing which one you want, look at the premiums.
Taking an adult going on a 7-day trip to Japan as an example, the lowest premium travel plan is offered by Alliance (HK$196), while most others range from around HK$200 to HK$300.
Hong Kong travel insurance price overview
Here you can find most popular travel insurance plans in Hong Kong. In order to compare all Hong Kong travel insurance options, we will use a 7-day insured trip to Japan of an adult as an example:
Product Name | Premium | Medical Expenses | Trip Cancellation | Loss/Damage of Baggage |
---|---|---|---|---|
STARR Companies TraveLead Essential Plan | HK$84.8 | HK$500,000 | – | – |
Allianz Travel – Bronze Plan | HK$85.47 | HK$1,000,000 | – | – |
STARR Companies TraveLead Extra Plan | HK$123.2 | HK$1,000,000 | HK$25,000 | HK$10,000 |
Avo Travel Protection (Upgraded) – Lite (Area 1) | HK$126.4 | HK$10,000 | – | – |
Ping An Relax Plan | HK$134.25 | HK$300,000 | HK$10,000 | HK$5,000 |
Allianz Travel – Silver Plan | HK$143.57 | HK$1,500,000 | HK$20,000 | HK$15,000 |
Dah Sing Insurance JourneySure Travel Insurance – Gold | HK$144.2 | HK$500,000 | HK$20,000 | HK$15,000 |
BOCG Insurance Universal Voyage Travel Insurance Silver Plan (Asia) | HK$157.6 | HK$500,000 | HK$30,000 | HK$6,000 |
Generali Bravo Travel Protector (Classic Plan) | HK$169.4 | HK$1,000,000 | HK$20,000 | HK$15,000 |
QBE Single Trip Travel Insurance – Silver | HK$176.8 | HK$500,000 | HK$20,000 | HK$20,000 |
AXA SmartTraveller Plus Economy Plan (Single Journey) | HK$179.25 | HK$500,000 | HK$25,000 | HK$10,000 |
Avo Travel Protection (Upgraded) – Plus (Area 1) | HK$184.07 | HK$1,000,000 | HK$40,000 | HK$20,000 |
BOCG Insurance Universal Voyage Travel Insurance Gold Plan (Asia) | HK$188 | HK$1,000,000 | HK$40,000 | HK$15,000 |
Allianz Travel – Gold Plan | HK$195.86 | HK$2,000,000 | HK$40,000 | HK$25,000 |
MSIG iTravel Plus (Single Trip) Plan B | HK$205.2 | HK$500,000 | HK$25,000 | HK$15,000 |
Dah Sing Insurance JourneySure Travel Insurance – Diamond | HK$234.5 | HK$1,000,000 | HK$50,000 | HK$20,000 |
QBE Single Trip Travel Insurance – Gold | HK$279.65 | HK$1,000,000 | HK$30,000 | HK$10,000 |
BOCG Insurance Universal Voyage Travel Insurance Diamond Plan (Asia) | HK$300.8 | HK$1,500,000 | HK$50,000 | HK$18,000 |
HSBC Single Trip TravelSurance Standard Plan(Worldwide) | HK$354.96 | HK$5,000,000 | HK$50,000 | HK$20,000 |
AIG TravelSafe Insurance Plan (Worldwide Platinum) | HK$463 | HK$1,500,000 | HK$50,000 | HK$25,000 |
(The premium is for reference only. For the latest rate, check the travel insurance quote here.)
The premium cost ranges from HK$84.8 to HK$463. It is important to note that when comparing premiums, you should consider if the coverage provided by the travel insurance plan meets your needs and expectations. And if you’re not sure which one to choose from here are the 4 basic travel insurance policies in Hong Kong.
Which travel insurance policy offers the highest coverage for medical and accident expenses?
So, which travel insurance policy offers the highest coverage for medical and accident expenses? Here is the comparison of travel insurance for a 7-day single trip to Japan :
Insurance Product | Medical Coverage | Premium | Special Offers |
Allianz Travel – Bronze Plan [for ages 2 to 54] | HK$1,000,000 | HK$94.5 | 40% off |
STARR Companies TraveLead Extra Plan | HK$1,000,000 | HK$152 | 20% off |
Dah Sing Insurance JourneySure Travel Insurance – Gold | HK$500,000 | HK$157.2 | 30% off plus a HK$50 YATA coupon when buying travel products over HK$200 |
(The premium is for reference only. For the latest rate, check the travel insurance quote here.)
Allianz Travel – Bronze Plan [for ages 2 to 54]: HK$1,000,000 medical coverage available
The Allianz Travel – Bronze Plan offers a basic plan at a low price, providing HK$1,000,000 in medical coverage. It is important to note that this plan only covers medical expenses and does not include any other coverage.
STARR Companies TraveLead Extra Plan: HK$1,000,000 medical coverage with trip cancellation and loss/damage of luggage coverage
STARR Companies TraveLead Extra Plan has a slightly higher price, but it offers additional coverage for trip cancellation (up to HK$25,000) and compensation for loss or damage to luggage (HK$10,000).
Dah Sing Insurance JourneySure Travel Insurance – Gold: HK$50 YATA cash coupon available for products over HK$200
Dah Sing Insurance JourneySure Travel Insurance offers excellent medical coverage of HK$500,000, trip cancellation coverage of HK$20,000, and compensation for loss or damage to baggage up to HK$15,000. What sets it apart is the special offer of a HK$50 YATA coupon for products over HK$200.
With the coupon, you can enjoy nearly a 25% discount on a HK$200 travel insurance product.
Which travel insurance policy offers the highest coverage for skiing, scuba diving, or parachuting?
When planning for riskier activities that have a higher chance of accidents, it is important to consider getting insurance coverage specifically for those activities, including skiing, scuba diving, and parachuting.
Note that some travel insurance policies have limitations on coverage, including restrictions on height and depth. For example, if a skiing location exceeds a certain height, the travel insurance may not cover the activity. We strongly recommend thoroughly reviewing the details of insurance policies.
When searching for travel insurance policies that provide the highest coverage for skiing, scuba diving, and parachuting, there are several options to consider.
Here is the comparison of travel insurance for a 7-day single trip to Japan:
Insurance Product | Medical Coverage | High-risk activity restrictions | Premium | Special Offers |
STARR Companies TraveLead Essential Plan | HK$500,000 | No height/depth restrictions | HK$112.8 | 20% off |
BOCG Insurance Universal Voyage Travel Insurance – Silver Plan (Asia) | HK$500,000 | Covering dangerous activities, but limited to age 18–70, and amateur activities | HK$166.4 | 20% off |
Dah Sing Insurance JourneySure Travel Insurance – Diamond | HK$1,000,000 | Rock climbing, mountaineering above 5,000 m, or scuba diving below 30 m are excluded. | HK$255.5 | 30% off plus a HK$50 YATA coupon for over HK$200 in travel insurance products. |
(The premium is for reference only. For the latest rate, check the travel insurance quote here.)
STARR Companies TraveLead Essential Plan
The STARR Companies TraveLead Essential Plan covers most high-risk activities such as skiing and scuba diving without any height or depth restrictions, providing medical coverage up to HK$500,000.
This plan is the most affordable option among all the travel insurance plans. However, it only includes medical coverage and does not offer any additional coverage. Perfect for those who want to get medical coverage only.
BOCG Insurance Universal Voyage Travel Insurance – Silver Plan (Asia)
Apart from covering skiing, scuba diving, and parachuting, the BOCG Insurance Universal Voyage Travel Insurance – Silver Plan (Asia) also provides coverage for personal liability (HK$1,500,000), vehicle rental coverage (HK$2,500), and loss of home contents (HK$10,000).
MoneySmart Travel Insurance 101: What is loss of home contents?
Loss of home contents refers to the coverage provided by the insurance policy for the loss or damage of personal belongings and possessions while the insured person is traveling. This coverage typically includes items such as clothing, electronics, jewellery, and other personal items that may be lost, stolen, or damaged during the trip.
This is a comprehensive travel insurance product that covers not only medical expenses but also provides additional coverage for personal liability, vehicle rental, and loss of home contents.
Dah Sing Insurance JourneySure Travel Insurance – Diamond
Dah Sing Insurance JourneySure Travel Insurance – Diamond has a slightly higher premium due to its comprehensive coverage, which includes higher compensation for medical coverage, trip cancellation, loss or damage of baggage, and coverage for high-risk activities like skiing, scuba diving, and parachuting (excluded: rock climbing or mountaineering above 5,000m or scuba diving below 30 m depth).
Additionally, vehicle rental is also covered.
While it may be slightly more expensive than other travel insurance products, it offers a special promotion of a HK$50 YATA coupon, which can provide up to a 25% discount, making it a better deal.
Which travel insurance policy offers the highest coverage for personal property?
Losing your phone, wallet, or any other personal property can ruin your trip, but if you get travel insurance beforehand, you can be assured of being compensated for your loss!
When it comes to claims for property loss, there are certain things you need to do to meet the insurance company’s requirements. For instance, if you encounter theft or damage to your property, you should report it to the local police within 24 hours and get a written report.
And when you make a claim, you’ll need to provide receipts for the items that were lost or damaged. Make sure the receipts have the purchase date, price, model, and category of each item. Also, keep in mind that the insurance company might subtract the depreciation value of the property when calculating the coverage amount.
Here is a comparison of the travel insurance offering the highest coverage for property losses:
Insurance Product | Property loss coverage | Premium | Special Offers |
Zurich Get “Z” Go+ Deluxe Plan | HK$25,000 | HK$112.8 | 20% off |
BOCG Insurance Universal Voyage Travel Insurance – Silver Plan (Asia) | HK$6,000 | HK$166.4 | 20% off |
Blue Cross TravelSafe Plus Global Diamond Plan | HK$20,000 | HK$289 | 15% off |
(The premium is for reference only. For the latest rate, check the travel insurance quote here.)
Zurich Get “Z” Go+ Deluxe Plan: The highest coverage for lost property
The Zurich Get “Z” Go+ Deluxe Plan offers the highest compensation for lost property, up to HK$25,000. If you have valuable property that needs to be covered, this insurance plan is worth considering.
BOCG Insurance Universal Voyage Travel Insurance – Silver Plan (Asia)
BOCG Insurance Universal Voyage Travel Insurance – Silver Plan (Asia) also provides coverage for lost property with compensation of up to HK$6,000. Additionally, the travel insurance policy covers up to HK$500,000 in overseas medical expenses.
Blue Cross TravelSafe Plus Global Diamond Plan
Now you can have peace of mind knowing that your lost property is covered by the Blue Cross TravelSafe Plus Global Diamond Plan. It offers up to HK$20,000 for baggage loss.
Last tip: Get your insurance as early as possible
Buying your travel insurance in haste robs you of the chance to compare the various options and get a value-for-money policy that offers enough coverage at a reasonable price. You definitely don’t want to spend too much on a policy, or get one that’s so thin it barely covers you for anything. So spend a bit of time to pick the best policy for you, taking a careful consideration of various factors, including your destination, trip duration, and planned activities.
Travel insurance protects you not just the time when you’re on holiday to enjoy life, but also the weeks before you leave Hong Kong. So, the only way you can have a trip with the peace in mind is to buy your travel insurance in advance—not in the cab, on your smartphone as you rush to the airport! Don’t forget to check out the latest offers from MoneySmart travel insurance selection.
Frequently asked questions: Travel insurance
What is travel insurance?
Travel insurance is a type of insurance that provides coverage for unexpected events that may occur while traveling, such as trip cancellation, medical emergencies, lost or stolen baggage, and travel interruption.
Do I really need travel insurance?
A: It is highly recommended to purchase travel insurance before embarking on any trip, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can provide financial protection for unexpected events that may occur while traveling.
What does travel insurance typically cover?
Travel insurance coverage can vary depending on the provider and policy. Generally, travel insurance can cover expenses related to trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost or stolen baggage, and travel interruption. Some policies may also provide coverage for specific activities, like extreme sports or self-driving tours. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of any travel insurance policy to make sure it suits your needs and provides adequate coverage.
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