Are you heading on a Hong Kong holiday? Whether you're taking a hike up the peak, hitting the bars and clubs of Wan Chai, or shopping till your dropping in Times Square it's important to get the right policy for your upcoming holiday.
Now we don’t like to think of holidays as risk-taking ventures, but the truth is, new environments, unfamiliar territory, foreign languages and exotic foods can throw any traveller for a loop.
Any new city can be tough to navigate when you’re in trouble. Food poisoning, traffic accidents or muggings can turn a picture perfect holiday into a snapshot of pure chaos.
Don’t let your trip end in financial ruin - make sure you pack travel insurance along for the ride.
Compare travel insurance for Hong Kong
No matter whether you're a budget conscious backpacker, on a business trip, or heading on a romantic city escape, it pays to compare Hong Kong travel insurance policies to find the right cover for your trip.
A policy will cover you for unexpected accident or illness, lost luggage or theft, unforeseen trip cancellation and much more.
When comparing policies, it's important to consider benefits, as well as costs…
How much does travel insurance for Hong Kong cost?
The cost of travel insurance can vary enormously! Say you’re 30 (ish) years old and you’re going to Hong Kong for a one-week holiday. Depending on your preferred level of cover, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $290. To give you an idea, we’ve outlined the costs of several policies below;
Basic policies-$20 – $40. If you’re looking for real low-cost cover Fastcover's basic policy at $22 is a good find with unlimited medical cover, or Tick Travel insurance at $29 which includes medical and $2,000 luggage.
Mid-level policies- $30 – $50. Once again, Fast Cover's mid policy at $38.50 with unlimited medical, unlimited cancellation and $5,000 for luggage isn't a bad shout.
Comprehensive policies -$40 (ish) – $290. Simply Travel Insurance's comprehensive cover at $53.33 with unlimited medical, unlimited cancellation and $7,500 for luggage is a good value-for-money policy. Or 1Cover's comprehensive at $60.85 with unlimited medical, unlimited cancellation and $15,000 for luggage.
*All prices accurate at time of writing December 2016.
What will my policy cover?
If your Hong Kong holiday takes a downward turn for any of the following reasons, comprehensive cover will keep you in ship shape.
- Medical: Overseas medical costs can be huge if you find yourself in need of medical attention abroad. Food poisoning, malaria, dengue fever and traffic accidents are all high on the risk scale in Hong Kong. Luckily, your policy will cover the exorbitant expense of overseas medical cover.
- Cancellation fees and lost deposits: Hong Kong is prone to tropical weather - if your pre-booked trips or tours are delayed or cancelled due to unforeseen weather, comprehensive cover would cover any unexpected travel arrangements you occur.
- Luggage and personal effects: Petty crime can be common in Asia, even though Hong Kong is pretty safe on the crime-scale you still need to keep your wits about you. If you did find yourself in strife, your policy will reimburse you for lost, stolen or damaged luggage. Comprehensive cover also includes cover for theft of cash and travel documents too.
- Personal liability: If you injure someone or are held accountable for damaged property in HK the consequences could be disastrous, particularly when you are unfamiliar with local laws and regulations. In such an event, your policy will cover your liability costs to a degree.
- Additional extras: Each policy varies but look out for top notch extras such as cover for rental vehicle excess, permanent disability, loss of income, cover for kennels and catteries (if you’re delayed home to your fluffy friends) and more.
What will my policy not cover?
- Unattended items: Keep a strong hold over all your belongings as leaving your stuff unsupervised will not be covered for.
- Being intoxicated: All claims related directly to alcohol and drugs will not be paid. Have fun in moderation.
- Terrorism and travel warnings: While the chances of getting caught up in an act of terrorism are small, it’s still a good idea to keep up to date with travel advisories on sites like smarttraveller.gov.au. Generally travelling against DO NOT TRAVEL warnings from the Australian Government will jeopardize your cover.
- High risk activities: Adventure activities are plentiful in Asia. From rock climbing to scuba diving, adrenaline junkies are spoilt for choice. But watch out, as participating in particularly risky activities such as climbing (where ropes are needed), cliff jumping or sky diving may not be covered by your policy. Be sure to scan your policy’s small print to check out which of your preferred heart pounding activities are covered.
- Pre-existing conditions: Medical conditions that exist before you travel are generally not covered, but it pays to check. You can sometimes pay a bit extra to get some conditions covered. Check your policy wording to see what conditions are covered automatically, and which ones require a medical assessment first.
- Unreported items: You need to report theft or loss to the relevant authority ASAP (and your travel insurance provider) within 24 hours.
How to save on travel insurance in Hong Kong
- Consider how often you travel - If you travel a few times per year, you could save by purchasing an annual multi-trip policy rather than purchasing a policy each time you take off.
- Combine policies - If travelling with your family or a companion, a joint policy is often cheaper than purchasing separately.
- Increase your excess - Most insurers allow you to lower your premium by opting to pay higher excess in the instance that you need to make a claim.
- Shop around - You'll be amazed at how much travel insurance quotes can vary. Offers by travel agents or airlines usually have commissions added on. In fact, you can save up to 50% by shopping around, so it pays to buy your travel insurance direct. Doing your comparison online will allow you to compare loads of quotes in seconds. Yippee
Safety speed dial
Found yourself in a pickle? Should you encounter a Hong Kong horror a few emergency contacts are good to have on hand.
Hong Kong Tourism Board
The Peak Piazza
The Peak
Hong Kong Island
Visitor Hotline: +852 2508 1234
Australian Consulate General Hong Kong
23/F Harbour Centre
25 Harbour Road, Wan Chai
Hong Kong
Telephone: +852 2827 8881
hongkong.china.embassy.gov.au
Hong Kong Police Headquarters
1 Arsenal Street
Wan Chai
Hong Kong
Telephone: +852 3661 1612
Hong Kong facts
- Currency: Hong Kong Dollar
- Population: 7.2 Million
- Language: Cantonese, English
- Buildings: There are 1,223 skyscrapers in Hong Kong, which puts the city at the top of world rankings above New York
- Cars: Hong Kong loves luxury, they have more Rolls Royce’s per capita than anywhere else
- Food: A trip to HK wouldn't be complete without having plenty of DimSum, sweet and sour pork and not to forget the pineapple buns. YUM!
- Sites: Make sure you go to Nyong Ping – home to the Gian Bhudda, the world’s largest bronze statue.
- Shops: The Ladies Market a kilometer of street-markets bustling with clothing, accessories and souvenir bargains is not to be missed
- Get on the water: Ride the star ferry and see the city by water across Victoria Harbour
- Get up high: Victoria Peak is the place for out of this world view of skyscrapers, the glittering harbour and the green hills of the distant New Territories
Ready to find your perfect Hong Kong travel insurance policy?
Stuff going wrong on holiday shouldn’t be your foremost concern when planning your trip. After all you’ve got an exciting itinerary to navigate! But like it or lump it, without safeguarding your travels, all the fun stuff could be nullified in the flash of an eye.
Compare Hong Kong travel policies to save time, worry and loads of money. You’ll be on your way to a relaxed, worry-free holiday.
Or perhaps your heading elsewhere on your holidays? Perhaps you're staying closer to home in New Zealand or experiencing the delights on Singapore? No matter where your adventure takes you make sure you compare travel insurance for your ne xt trip!!!
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