Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. Up until 1997, it was a British colony. Many people traveling from the United States and Canada to South Asia and other parts of the world routinely make a stopover in Hong Kong, if the airline provides the convenience.
With over 7.5 million residents packed into little more than 400 square miles, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated, diverse places in the world. It is a global financial hub, and home to one of the largest concentrations of billionaires in the world. As such, it has developed into one of the world’s most innovative cities, with endless activities for tourists and business travelers alike.
With so much to see and do in Hong Kong, it’s easy to forget the importance of protecting yourself. Before you plan your trip to Hong Kong, be sure to get travel medical insurance or travel insurance.
Travel Medical Insurance for Travelers in Hong Kong – FAQs
Hong Kong is a major financial center in the world, and its healthcare facilities are on par with the West. However, healthcare is quite expensive in Hong Kong in private hospitals. If you get sick or injured while in Hong Kong, appropriate travel medical insurance is incredibly important.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Hong Kong?
While you do not legally need to have travel medical insurance in order to enter Hong Kong, you should consider it a necessity.
If you require treatment at a private hospital in Hong Kong, your domestic health insurance is unlikely to be accepted or provide meaningful coverage. This would mean that you would be solely responsible for paying the entire bill out of your own pocket. Travel medical insurance can cover these expenses in accordance with the policy you’ve purchased, thus relieving you of significant financial burden.
Why buy travel medical insurance before traveling to Hong Kong?
Healthcare in Hong Kong is on par with that of Western nations, but so is the price. Do you have $10,000 to pay for a minor hospital stay, or $100,000 to pay for emergency surgery? If you do not, then travel medical insurance is the only smart choice. It is designed specifically to cover unexpected medical issues abroad.
Be sure to research the plan you’re considering purchasing thoroughly, as different plans have various policy maximums and levels of coverage.
Trip Cancellation Insurance for Travelers in Hong Kong – FAQs
When booking an international trip, there are certain things that you can control. You can choose your destination, your airline, your hotel, your dates of travel, etc.
However, other things are simply beyond your control. You cannot dictate when a personal or family health emergency will occur, or when a natural disaster or global pandemic will strike.
Luckily, there is one more thing you can control when it comes to international travel: protecting your finances. And the best way to do that is with trip cancellation insurance.
Why should I get trip cancellation insurance for my Hong Kong travel?
Regarding those things we’ve mentioned that are outside your control, what if one of them were to occur right before your trip to Hong Kong? You likely wouldn’t be able to travel.
Unfortunately for you, this could mean a big financial hit. When you booked your Hong Kong vacation, the airline tickets and hotel rooms you paid for ahead of time are all nonrefundable. Even if you can’t go, you’re still going to have to pay for it.
Thankfully, trip cancellation insurance can relieve you of being put in this situation. It can reimburse you for your prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses if you’re forced to cancel your trip for a covered reason.
It’s nice to be in control of the situation, isn’t it?
What can be covered by trip cancellation insurance for Hong Kong?
As we’ve mentioned, trip cancellation coverage is a major component of your travel insurance coverage. But it isn’t the only component. Depending upon the plan you choose, your travel insurance can provide coverage for things like:
- Emergency medical care
- Trip interruption
- Travel delay
- Loss of baggage
- The option to cancel for any reason, with some plans
From the beginning to the end of your Hong Kong trip, let travel insurance be the shield that protects you. Compare multiple policies on this website, and find the plan with perfect coverage for you.
Hong Kong’s Most Popular Places for Travel
Hong Kong Disneyland
Traveling to Hong Kong with your family? A visit to a legendary Disney theme park simply must be on your list. With famous attractions such as Adventureland, Main Street, USA, Tomorrowland, and Fantasyland, Hong Kong Disneyland will delight visitors of all ages. Far from a generic Disney resort, Hong Kong Disneyland incorporates Chinese traditions, culture, and customs for a truly unique experience.
Victoria Peak
Known locally as simply “The Peak,” this hill on the western side of Hong Kong Island is the go-to place for jaw-dropping views of Victoria Harbour and the surrounding islands. There are numerous parks and tourist attractions all around, making The Peak a perfect stop on your Hong Kong itinerary.
Tian Tan Buddha
Completed in 1993, the “Big Buddha” on Lantau Island near Po Lin Monastery is both a significant location for Buddhism in Hong Kong, and an amazing site to behold for visitors. The Tian Tan Buddha is a bronze statue that’s over 112 feet tall, and can be seen from as far away as Macau. Just be ready to get your steps in if you want to visit it. There are 268 stairs to negotiate in order to reach the top.
Victoria Harbour
This natural harbor separating Hong Kong Island from the Kowloon Peninsula has a long history as a trade port, and is a popular tourist attraction today. It offers incredible views of the Hong Kong skyline, especially at night, and often hosts concerts and fireworks displays. Visit near the end of November or throughout December, and you’ll find the harbor adorned with all manner of Christmas decorations.
Ngong Ping 360
If you aren’t afraid of heights, take a ride on this bicable gondola from Lantau Island to the hills above. The gondola is one of the best (and certainly most scenic) ways to reach the Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Hong Kong
While Hong Kong is generally considered quite safe for tourists, there are a few things you should keep in mind when visiting to improve your experience and avoid issues:
Breathe Easy
Air pollution is considered a major issue in Hong Kong, owing to its massive population in a relatively small area. Those with breathing difficulties may find them exacerbated by the air quality. To stay on the safe side, wear an N-95 mask when outdoors. It can help block harmful particulate matter from entering your lungs.
Be Prepared to Go
Not every public toilet in Hong Kong is equipped with toilet paper. To avoid being put in an uncomfortable position, carry extra toilet paper with you whenever you’re out sightseeing.
Protect Your Valuables
Like in all tourist areas, pickpockets are present in Hong Kong. They may pretend to accidentally bump you in crowded places, only to make off with your wallet. The best defense against this is to leave your wallet at the hotel, and instead carry your cash and other important items in a money belt.
Before You Travel to Hong Kong – Do This
- When visiting Hong Kong, you have some chance of contracting hepatitis A, COVID-19, typhoid fever, Japanese encephalitis, or hepatitis B. Therefore, make sure to get appropriate vaccinations before your trip.
- Due to the intense crowds and traffic, driving in Hong Kong is not recommended. Instead, book a cab through Hong Kong taxicabs. Over 18,000 taxis currently serve Hong Kong.
- Take the right step to protect yourself against the uncertainties of international travel, and purchase travel medical insurance or travel insurance.