China Travel Insurance Market Overview, 2030

The China travel insurance market has evolved from its early focus on marine and accident covers to modern, comprehensive bundled packages that address medical emergencies, trip cancellations, baggage loss, liability, and other travel-related risks. Historically, coverage was limited to domestic travelers and maritime operations, but rapid growth in outbound tourism, rising disposable incomes, and the diversification of travel experiences have driven insurers to expand offerings to meet broader risk needs. Key shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic, airline bankruptcies, natural disasters, and sporadic regional incidents have significantly shaped the market, highlighting the importance of trip cancellation, medical coverage, and emergency evacuation. These events accelerated the adoption of flexible policies that include pandemic-related clauses and parametric solutions for flight delays or weather disruptions. The market is currently witnessing robust expansion, supported by rising domestic and international travel volumes, healthcare cost inflation abroad, and increasing digital adoption, which facilitates instant online purchases and claims processing. Consumer awareness of travel risks and demand for comprehensive protection are further propelling growth, while insurers are innovating with micro-duration policies, family bundles, and AI-enabled parametric products. Challenges remain, particularly low penetration in rural and less-developed regions, limited understanding of policy nuances among first-time travelers, and instances of claim fraud, which can undermine consumer confidence and market stability. China’s travel insurance market reflects a mature yet rapidly adapting ecosystem that balances traditional product depth with digital innovation, responding to increasingly complex risk exposures and evolving traveler expectations for convenience, reliability, and comprehensive coverage.

According to the research report “China Travel Insurance Market Overview, 2030,”published by Bonafide Research, the China Travel Insurance market is anticipated to grow at more than 13.37% CAGR from 2025 to 2030.The competitive and strategic landscape of China’s travel insurance market is shaped predominantly by domestic insurers and emerging insurtech players, reflecting both the country’s regulatory environment and the unique travel behavior of Chinese consumers. Key incumbent domestic insurers such as Ping An Insurance, China Life, PICC, and CPIC dominate the market through extensive agent networks, partnerships with banks, and collaborations with airlines, travel agencies, and online travel platforms like Ctrip and Fliggy. These incumbents leverage deep local knowledge, strong brand recognition, and robust claims processing infrastructure to capture a broad consumer base, including business travelers, families, and high-net-worth individuals. In parallel, insurtechs such as Zhongan Online, Waterdrop, and Huize are driving innovation through embedded policies, micro-duration coverage, and parametric solutions that provide real-time payouts for flight delays, natural disasters, or health-related disruptions. These digital-first models appeal particularly to younger, tech-savvy consumers who prioritize speed, convenience, and flexible policy customization. Aggregators and comparison platforms including Jiayuan Insurance Mall, 51GuaBao, and e-commerce integrated solutions further enhance market transparency and competition, enabling consumers to easily compare coverage options, premiums, and service levels. Strategically, market players focus on bundling travel insurance with digital travel bookings, leveraging AI for risk assessment and claims automation, and expanding product portfolios to include niche offerings such as cruise, adventure, and long-stay coverage. Collectively, China’s travel insurance ecosystem reflects a hybrid competitive model in which traditional insurers maintain broad market reach while insurtech entrants accelerate innovation, driving digital adoption, policy modularity, and enhanced consumer engagement across diverse travel segments.

In China, travel insurance is primarily segmented into single-trip, annual or multi-trip, and long-stay policies, reflecting diverse traveler needs and frequency of travel. Single-trip insurance dominates the mass market, targeting occasional travelers and families taking short-term vacations both domestically and abroad. These policies cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, baggage loss, and personal liability, providing temporary yet comprehensive protection for the duration of a single journey. Leading domestic insurers such as Ping An, China Life, and PICC offer highly flexible single-trip products through online portals, mobile apps, and travel agencies, catering to consumers who prioritize convenience and quick issuance. Annual or multi-trip insurance has gained traction among business travelers, expatriates, and frequent leisure travelers, offering coverage for multiple trips throughout the year at a cost-effective premium. These policies often include enhanced medical limits, global assistance, and concierge services, appealing to urban professionals and corporate clients seeking predictability and seamless service. Long-stay travel insurance targets niche segments such as students studying abroad, expatriates relocating for work, and retirees spending extended periods overseas. These policies, which may cover periods from six months to multiple years, include comprehensive medical protection, chronic illness support, repatriation services, and compliance with visa and residency requirements. The Chinese market demonstrates a growing emphasis on digital accessibility, modular coverage, and flexible duration options, allowing travelers to select products that balance affordability, protection depth, and convenience. Collectively, these insurance types illustrate the market’s adaptability in serving diverse traveler profiles while integrating technology-driven solutions to enhance efficiency and customer experience.

In China, travel insurance coverage is structured to address the primary risks faced by domestic and outbound travelers, with medical insurance forming the core of most policies due to the high cost of healthcare abroad and the necessity for emergency treatment and evacuation. Insurers such as Ping An, China Life, PICC, and Zhongan Online emphasize comprehensive medical protection, including hospitalization, emergency surgery, and repatriation services, often integrating multilingual support and direct billing arrangements with international healthcare providers. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage has grown in importance following disruptions caused by global events like the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and airline operational uncertainties, offering reimbursement for prepaid travel expenses in case of illness, family emergencies, or sudden travel restrictions. Baggage and personal belongings loss coverage protects against theft, delay, or damage, and is widely included as a standard add-on with high attach rates, catering to both leisure and business travelers seeking financial protection for luggage and valuables. Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage, while more niche, provides financial security in the event of severe injury or fatality, appealing to families and individuals engaging in higher-risk activities such as adventure or winter sports. Additionally, other optional coverages including travel delays, legal assistance abroad, liability protection, extreme sports coverage, and cruise-specific policies allow for product customization to meet specialized needs. The Chinese travel insurance market emphasizes modularity and flexibility, ensuring travelers can select coverage combinations that balance cost, protection depth, and convenience, while insurers leverage digital platforms to streamline purchase and claims processes for a rapidly evolving consumer base.

The distribution of travel insurance in China is defined by a balance between online platforms and offline channels, reflecting both the country’s high digital adoption and the continued relevance of traditional sales networks. Online platforms have become the dominant channel for policy acquisition, particularly among younger, tech-savvy travelers and frequent flyers. Insurers like Ping An, Zhongan Online, China Life, and PICC offer direct-to-consumer portals and mobile applications that allow instant policy issuance, real-time customization of coverage, and rapid claims submission. Integration with major travel booking platforms such as Ctrip, Fliggy, and Qunar further drives adoption, enabling travelers to purchase insurance seamlessly alongside flights, hotels, and vacation packages. Online aggregators and comparison websites, including Jiayuan Insurance Mall and 51GuaBao, enhance transparency and competition, allowing consumers to compare premiums, coverage options, and insurer ratings, thereby increasing market efficiency. In parallel, offline channels continue to play a critical role, particularly for older travelers, high-net-worth individuals, corporate clients, and long-stay travelers who seek personalized advice and guidance on complex itineraries. Traditional travel agencies, bank branches, and licensed brokers provide tailored solutions assist with documentation for visa or consular requirements, and support claims management, offering a high-touch service that builds trust and loyalty. Collectively, China’s travel insurance distribution ecosystem is evolving into a hybrid model, where digital platforms dominate convenience-driven purchases, while offline channels maintain importance for relationship-based service, complex coverage needs, and high-value travel segments, ensuring comprehensive market coverage across diverse consumer profiles.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Travel Insurance Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Insurance Types
• Single-trip Travel Insurance
• Annual or Multi-trip Travel Insurance
• Long-stay Travel Insurance

By Insurance Coverage
• Medical Insurance
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption:
• Baggage & Personal Belongings Loss
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Others

By Distribution Channel
• Online Platforms
• Offline Channels Show more