Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-07-10
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
Curious about hiking or mountaineering insurance? Discover how it safeguards you against risks during outdoor adventures. Bowtie offers expert advice and tailored insurance plans for hiking enthusiasts in Hong Kong.
What Risks Do Hikers Face While Hiking in Hong Kong?
- Physical Injuries: Mountain trails can be rugged and uneven, with significant height differences even on stepped paths. A slight misstep could lead to a sprained ankle or a fall, and in severe cases, fractures. Even seasoned hikers might accidentally get scratched or cut by rocks or plants, resulting in minor injuries.
- Falling Off Cliffs: If you’re unfamiliar with the terrain or hiking at dusk or night, extra caution is needed. A slip near a cliff edge could result in a fatal fall.
- Heatstroke: Hiking in the scorching summer heat or under the midday sun poses risks of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. If not addressed promptly, severe cases can be fatal.
- Hypothermia: Hiking in cold winter weather or rain without proper warm clothing can be risky, especially for those with chronic illnesses. Hypothermia is a serious concern, as severe cases can lead to loss of consciousness or even death.
- Getting Lost or Stranded: Before tackling unfamiliar trails or hiking abroad, thoroughly research the route. Avoid shortcuts or wandering off-path to prevent getting lost in the wilderness. Without food, water, or adequate rest, stranded hikers risk hypothermia, which can be fatal if prolonged.
How Common Are Hiking Accidents in Hong Kong?
According to media reports , from 2020 to September 2024, the Hong Kong Fire Services Department received 3,655 calls for mountain rescue incidents. Of these, 2,178 people were injured, and 71 lost their lives. In the first nine months of 2024 alone, there were 393 cases, with 11 fatalities. Below is a table summarizing some notable hiking accidents in Hong Kong or involving Hong Kong residents in 2024:
| Date of Incident | Details of Accident |
| December 1, 2024 | A 25-year-old man was hiking near Suicide Cliff on Kowloon Peak when he sprained his foot and couldn’t continue. Other hikers reported the incident, and he was eventually rescued by a Government Flying Service helicopter. |
| September 28, 2024 | A group of 18 hikers started their trek from Mui Tsz Lam in Ma On Shan. A 70-year-old woman fell near Mau Ping, injuring her foot. After the incident was reported, she was airlifted to a hospital by the Government Flying Service. |
| July 10, 2024 | A 38-year-old Hong Kong man attempted to climb Mount Fuji in Japan for the first time. Suspected hypothermia caused muscle cramps and immobility, but he was fortunately rescued in time by the team leader and other climbers. |
| July 8, 2024 | A 58-year-old Hong Kong man (a Trade and Industry Department employee) began climbing Mount Fuji from the 8th Station. He felt unwell during the ascent and was taken to an emergency station, where he was pronounced dead. |
| June 23, 2024 | A 56-year-old man went hiking alone in Lobster Bay, Sai Kung, and later went missing. After his family reported the incident, police, fire services, and the Civil Aid Service conducted a 13-hour search. He was found at Razor Hill but passed away despite rescue efforts. |
| June 19, 2024 | A 72-year-old man was hiking in Lung Mei Hang on Lantau Island when he reportedly slipped and fell about 10 meters down a slope, sustaining multiple abrasions. His companions reported the incident, and he was airlifted to a hospital by the Government Flying Service. |
| March 9, 2024 | A 36-year-old man was hiking on Section 4 of the MacLehose Trail near Shan Liu Village in Sai Kung when he felt unwell, vomited, and fell. He later lost consciousness. His companions called for help, but despite being rushed to the hospital, he did not survive. |
Hong Kong Hiking Danger Zones (High-Risk Spots)
Given the frequent hiking accidents in Hong Kong, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has compiled a list of high-risk locations in country parks where fatal and serious accidents have occurred for hikers’ reference, urging the public to avoid these areas:
| Country Park | High-Risk Location |
| North Lantau | Wong Lung Hang |
| Mi San River (near Nei Lak Shan Country Trail Trail) | |
| North Lantau (Extension) | Mi San River (Mo Tian Cliff) |
| South Lantau | Kau Nga Ling Area |
| Shui Lo Cho Stream | |
| Lo Hon Tower | |
| Inverted Wrist Cliff | |
| Lion Rock | Lion Rock Peak |
| Ma On Shan | Tiu Shau Ngam Area |
| Kowloon Peak Cliff (Suicide Cliff) | |
| Pat Sin Leng | Hsien Ku Fung (Monkey Cliff) |
| Ping Nam Stream | |
| Plover Cove | Bride’s Pool Waterfall |
| Sai Kung East | Sharp Peak |
| Four Consecutive Pools | |
| Yin Tsz Ngam | |
| Kim Chu Wan | |
| Sai Kung West | Mount Hallowes |
| Shing Mun | Tai Shing Stream |
| Tai Mo Shan | Tai Sek Stream |
What Is Hiking Insurance?
In Hong Kong’s insurance market, there isn’t a traditional insurance product specifically designed for hiking or mountaineering. Often, what people refer to as “hiking insurance” or “mountaineering insurance” includes the following types of coverage:
Travel Insurance
Typical travel insurance policies provide coverage for medical expenses and personal accidents during overseas trips. But does travel insurance cover hiking or trekking activities during your journey?
If you plan to hike or climb abroad, pay close attention to the policy’s exclusions. Insurance companies often list specific “high-risk activities” or “amateur sports” as exclusions in travel insurance policies. For instance, trekking or climbing above 5,000 meters (or as low as 3,000 meters in some policies) and rock climbing requiring professional gear are commonly excluded.
Additionally, since travel insurance generally only covers incidents outside Hong Kong, even if you have an annual travel policy, accidents during local hikes in Hong Kong won’t be covered. This is a key limitation of travel insurance.
Accident Insurance
Common accident insurance in Hong Kong includes “Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance” and “Accidental Medical Insurance,” with some products combining both. For general hiking or trekking, if the insured suffers permanent disability or death due to a hiking accident under “Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance,” a lump-sum payout is provided based on the coverage amount. Meanwhile, “Accidental Medical Insurance” reimburses actual medical expenses incurred from a hiking accident, up to the policy limit.
The advantage of accident insurance is that its coverage isn’t limited to specific activities, and policyholders can opt for plans with worldwide protection, ensuring coverage during travel. Of course, it’s wise to review the policy exclusions before purchasing to avoid future disputes.
Micro-Insurance for Hiking Activities
In recent years, some insurers have introduced micro-insurance tailored for local hiking activities in Hong Kong. These plans offer coverage for accidental medical expenses, property damage, accidental death, and permanent disability on local hiking trails. While the premiums are affordable, the coverage limits are relatively low. Plus, within the first 6 months of the policy, coverage is limited to just 5 hiking trips, with each trip capped at 6 hours. This lack of flexibility might not fully meet the needs of hiking enthusiasts and doesn’t extend to other sports beyond hiking.
Why Choose Bowtie Touch Wood Protector for Hiking?
Bowtie Touch Wood Protector accidental medical insurance is definitely worth considering for hiking and trekking enthusiasts! This product covers actual medical expenses for necessary treatments within 12 months after an accident, with an annual coverage limit of up to HK$420,000 and worldwide protection (excluding psychiatric treatment).
Apart from rock climbing or mountaineering activities requiring ropes or guiderails (which are excluded), general hiking and trekking are covered. Medical expenses from accidents, including outpatient care (wound cleaning, stitching, etc.), physiotherapy, Chinese bone-setting, chiropractic treatment, MRI scans, hospitalization, and surgeries, are all within the scope of coverage. Moreover, Bowtie Touch Wood Protector covers over 700 occupations. Even if the insured is a professional sports coach or works in high-risk roles like disciplined services, Bowtie is happy to provide coverage.
What Medical Expenses Does Bowtie Accident Insurance Cover?
If the insured suffers injury, death, or disability while engaging in covered activities, Bowtie Touch Wood Protector (Accident Insurance) will cover the following medical expenses:
| Coverage Item (Injury Due to Accident) | Coverage Limit per Item |
| Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, and Chinese Bone-Setting# |
|
| Outpatient Care^ | Total of HK$5,000 per policy year
|
| Hospital Room and Board | HK$750 per day; up to 180 days per policy year |
| Attending Doctor’s Visit Fee | HK$750 per day; up to 180 days per policy year |
| Intensive Care | HK$3,500 per day; up to 25 days per policy year |
| Hospital Miscellaneous Expenses | HK$14,000 per policy year |
| Specialist Fees | HK$4,300 per policy year |
| Surgeon Fees | Each surgery is categorized into 4 types based on the surgical schedule:
|
| Anesthetist Fees | 35% of the surgeon fee for the surgery |
| Operating Theatre Fees | 35% of the surgeon fee for the surgery |
| Prescribed Diagnostic Imaging Tests
Including:
|
|
| Psychiatric Treatment@ | HK$30,000 per policy year |
| Compassionate Death Benefit | HK$15,000 |
| Learn More About Bowtie Touch Wood Protector Coverage | |
- # Must be conducted separately by a registered physiotherapist, registered chiropractor, or registered Chinese medicine practitioner (orthopedics)
- ^ Includes consultation fees and medication costs by a registered doctor (excluding psychiatric treatment), X-ray diagnostics, and ultrasound scans
- @ Costs incurred for inpatient psychiatric treatment in Hong Kong under the recommendation of a specialist doctor
Bowtie Accident Insurance Monthly Premiums
If you’re considering getting Bowtie Touch Wood Protector (Accident Insurance) and want to know the monthly premiums you’ll need to pay, check out the table below:
| Age | Gender | Monthly Premium |
| 10 years old | Male | HK$ 45 |
| Female | HK$ 42 | |
| 15 years old | Male | HK$ 51 |
| Female | HK$ 45 | |
| 20 years old | Male | HK$ 58 |
| Female | HK$ 48 | |
| 25 years old | Male | HK$ 60 |
| Female | HK$ 48 | |
| 30 years old | Male | HK$ 62 |
| Female | HK$ 48 | |
| 35 years old | Male | HK$ 62 |
| Female | HK$ 49 | |
| 40 years old | Male | HK$ 63 |
| Female | HK$ 52 |
Calculate Your Accident Insurance Premium Now
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Accidents might seem like small issues, but if not treated promptly, they can lead to bigger problems!
Bowtie Touch Wood Protector covers expenses for physiotherapy, chiropractic care, traditional bone-setting, and outpatient treatments due to accidental injuries, ensuring your medical needs are fully taken care of!
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