Author Bowtie Team
Updated on 2025-06-12
Which travel insurance should you buy? Before comparing, the Bowtie team explains the coverage of travel insurance, along with 10 must-know points about premiums, coverage items, and exclusions. We also provide a detailed comparison of 6 popular plans in the market.
What is Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is a general insurance product designed for travelers. It covers risks such as medical expenses, personal accidents, trip cancellations or delays, loss of personal belongings, and third-party liability during the trip.
Main Coverage Areas of Travel Insurance
Medical Coverage
Covers outpatient and inpatient medical expenses due to accidents or illnesses during the trip, including treatment at the destination and follow-up care within a specified period (e.g., 90 days) after returning to Hong Kong.
Emergency Assistance
Insurance companies typically provide 24-hour emergency support hotlines and services such as emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, emergency hospital deposit guarantees, arrangements for family visits, death benefits, translation, and legal support.
Trip Protection
Covers trip delays due to bad weather or other specified events (must reach a specified duration, e.g., 6 hours or more). The insurance company provides cash allowances or compensation for additional accommodation and transportation costs. It also covers trip cancellations or early terminations due to bad weather or other specified events, compensating for prepaid and non-refundable travel expenses such as accommodation, transportation, and activity tickets.
Personal Accident Coverage
Provides lump-sum compensation for death, permanent disability, or severe burns due to accidents during the trip.
Personal Belongings Coverage
Covers loss of personal belongings and cash due to accidents, theft, burglary, or robbery. If travel documents are lost or damaged, the insurance company will compensate for replacement costs and additional travel and accommodation expenses needed to continue the trip.
Personal Liability Coverage
Covers legal liability and compensation for third-party injuries, fatalities, or property damage caused by the insured’s negligence or accidents during the trip.
Comparison of 6 Popular Travel Insurance Products
Medical and Emergency Assistance Coverage Limits
| Travel Insurance Plan | Total Coverage | Follow-up Treatment Coverage After Returning to Hong Kong (Accident) | Follow-up Treatment Coverage After Returning to Hong Kong (Illness) | Death Compensation (Accident) | Death Compensation (Illness) |
| FWD MyTravel Insurance – SuperiorPlan | HK$1,500,000 | HK$1,500,000 | HK$150,000 | HK$1,500,000 | Not covered |
| BOCG Insurance Universal Voyage Travel Insurance Plan – Diamond Plan (with additional upgrade coverage) | HK$1,500,000 | HK$120,000 | HK$120,000 | HK$60,000 | HK$60,000 |
| Blue Cross Insurance Travel Smart– Premier Plan | HK$1,200,000 | HK$120,000 | HK$120,000 | HK$20,000 | HK$20,000 |
| Starr TravelLeadTravel Insurance – Supreme Plan | HK$1,500,000 | HK$750,000 | HK$750,000 | Not covered | Not covered |
| Zurich Get “Z” Go Travel Insurance Plan – Supreme Plan | HK$1,500,000 | HK$1,500,000 | HK$150,000 | HK$15,000 | HK$15,000 |
| Chubb Life Travel Insurance – Superior Plan | HK$1,200,000 | HK$1,200,000 | HK$120,000 | Not covered | Not covered |
Personal Belongings Coverage Limits
| Travel Insurance Plan | Total Coverage | Mobile Phone Coverage | Laptop Coverage | Camera and Video Equipment Coverage |
| FWD MyTravel Insurance – Superior Plan | HK$20,000 | HK$3,000 per item | HK$5,000 per item | HK$3,000 per item |
| BOCG Insurance Universal Voyage Travel Insurance Plan – Diamond Plan (with additional upgrade coverage) | HK$18,000 | HK$2,500 per item | HK$5,000 per item | HK$3,000 per item |
| Blue Cross Insurance Travel Smart – Premium Plan | HK$20,000 | HK$3,000 per item | HK$6,000 per item | HK$3,000 per item |
| Starr TravelLead Travel Insurance – Supreme Plan | HK$20,000 | HK$2,000 per item | HK$8,000 per item | HK$2,000 per item |
| Zurich Get “Z” Go Travel Insurance Plan – Supreme Plan | HK$25,000 | HK$3,000 per item | HK$10,000 per item | HK$5,000 per item |
| Chubb Life Travel Insurance – Superior Plan | HK$20,000 | HK$2,000 per item | HK$8,000 per item | HK$8,000 per item |
Trip Disruption Coverage Limits
| Travel Insurance Plan | Baggage Delay Compensation | Cash Compensation for Trip Delay | Additional Transportation and Accommodation Costs Due to Delay | Trip Cancellation Coverage | Early Trip Termination Coverage |
| FWD MyTravel Insurance – Superior Plan | HK$1,000 (after 6 hours) | HK$3,000 (after 6 hours) | HK$3,000 (after 6 hours) | HK$50,000 | HK$50,000 |
| BOCG Insurance Universal Voyage Travel Insurance Plan – Diamond Plan (with additional upgrade coverage) | HK$3,000 (after 6 hours) | HK$3,600 (after 6 hours) | HK$10,000 (after 6 hours) | HK$50,000 | HK$50,000 |
| Blue Cross Insurance Travel Smart– Premium Plan | HK$1,000 (after 6 hours) | HK$1,500 (after 5 hours) | HK$13,000 (after 6 hours) | HK$50,000 | HK$50,000 |
| Starr TravelLead Travel Insurance – Supreme Plan | HK$1,000 (after 6 hours) | HK$3,000 (after 6 hours) | HK$4,000 (after 12 hours) | HK$50,000 | HK$50,000 |
| Zurich Get “Z” Go Travel Insurance Plan – Supreme Plan | HK$800 (after 6 hours) | HK$1,600 (after 5 hours) | HK$2,000 (after 6 hours) | HK$50,000 | HK$50,000 |
| Chubb Life Travel Insurance – Superior Plan | HK$2,000 (after 6 hours) | HK$2,000 (after 6 hours) | HK$1,500 (after 6 hours) | HK$30,000 | HK$40,000 |
Premiums for Each Adult
| Travel Insurance Plan | Japan (5-day trip)* | UK (14-day trip)* |
| FWD MyTravel Insurance – Superior Plan | HK$334 | HK$754 |
| BOCG Insurance Universal Voyage Travel Insurance Plan – Diamond Plan (with additional upgrade coverage) | HK$382 | HK$700 |
| Blue Cross Insurance Travel Smart – Premium Plan | HK$278 | HK$720 |
| Starr TravelLead Travel Insurance – Supreme Plan | HK$193 | HK$384 |
| Zurich Get “Z” Go Travel Insurance Plan – Supreme Plan | HK$393 | HK$773 |
| Chubb Life Travel Insurance – Superior Plan | HK$264 | HK$796 |
*Premiums are rounded to the nearest whole number, based on departure on June 27, 2024.
Note: The coverage and compensation terms of the above travel insurance products vary. Please refer to the policy and related documents before purchasing. The above information is for reference only, and all details are subject to the latest announcements from the insurance companies.
Key Points for Comparing Travel Insurance
With over 20 insurance companies offering travel insurance products in the market and around 40 to 50 mainstream plans, each with different coverage levels and terms, it can be overwhelming for potential buyers. The Bowtie team provides 10 key points for comparing travel insurance plans:
1. Compare Medical Coverage
For many policyholders (especially those without existing medical insurance), medical coverage is the most critical aspect of travel insurance.
When traveling abroad, if you fall ill or get injured, travel insurance can cover outpatient visits, hospital stays, and follow-up care after returning to Hong Kong. However, medical coverage limits vary widely.
According to a 2023 Consumer Council survey, the medical coverage limits of 26 plans ranged from HK$100,000 to HK$1.2 million, a difference of 11 times.
2. Compare Emergency Assistance
Emergency assistance typically includes services like emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, compassionate visits by family members, and escorting unaccompanied minors back to Hong Kong. These must be arranged by the insurance company’s authorized emergency support team or service providers.
However, definitions of these services vary across insurers, so policyholders should not compare based solely on item names. It’s recommended to thoroughly understand and compare the emergency assistance coverage and consult the insurer or intermediary if needed.
Bowtie Pink’s global emergency support service^ offers comprehensive assistance during travel emergencies, including medical treatment, emergency evacuation, repatriation, and more.
The global emergency support services include:
- Medical consultations
- Telephone medical advice
- Medical assessments
- Referral appointment services
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Medical repatriation after treatment
- Repatriation of mortal remains
- Medical monitoring
- Travel information
- Hotel accommodation during recovery
- Arranging compassionate visits
- Escorting accompanying minor children back to their residence
- Dispatching essential medications and medical equipment
- Dispatching a Hong Kong doctor for medical assistance
- Guaranteeing hospital admission deposits and medical expenses during hospitalization
- Medpass – admission to network hospitals in China without deposit
3. Compare Accident and Death Coverage
If the insured dies, becomes permanently disabled, or suffers severe burns due to an accident during the trip, the insurer provides a lump-sum cash compensation. Beyond compensation amounts, policyholders should review the definitions of “permanent disability” and “severe burns” in the policy terms.
Death compensation typically ranges from HK$500,000 to HK$1.5 million, which may not fully cover a family’s long-term financial needs. Breadwinners without life insurance should consider a separate life insurance policy rather than relying solely on travel insurance.
4. Compare Self-Driving Tour Coverage
Self-driving tours abroad are increasingly popular, and rental companies typically provide property and third-party liability insurance for rented vehicles. However, renters may face deductibles (excess) for accidents or theft.
If planning to drive abroad, ensure the travel insurance includes sufficient rental car deductible coverage (typically HK$2,000 to HK$20,000), as not all plans offer this, and coverage amounts vary.
5. Compare Trip-Related Coverage
Compare terms for trip delays, cancellations, or early terminations, including covered causes (e.g., bad weather, mechanical failures, natural disasters, travel advisories, or illness) and required delay durations (typically 5-6 hours).
For cancellations or terminations, check covered items (e.g., transportation, accommodation, tickets) and compensation ratios, as some policies may only cover 50% of non-refundable expenses. Baggage delay coverage is another point, compensating for essentials if luggage is delayed (e.g., after 6 hours).
6. Compare Personal Belongings Coverage
Check compensation limits for personal belongings and cash, then verify coverage for smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, and drones. Many policies list separate limits and restrictions (e.g., one electronic device per claim). Some include these in general baggage coverage, while lower-tier plans may exclude them, so review carefully.
7. Compare Restrictions for Children and the Elderly
Most travel insurance plans have an age limit of 80-85 years, and even if insured, compensation may be reduced (e.g., 50% for medical and accident coverage, per the Consumer Council survey).
For children under 18, an adult must co-insure, and while some plans offer free child coverage, it’s often limited to 50% of the adult amount, with one child per adult. Parents should assess if additional coverage is needed.
8. Compare High-Risk Activity Coverage
For adventurous travelers, confirm coverage for high-risk activities like diving (depth limits of 30-45 meters) or hiking (altitude limits of 3,000-5,000 meters). Policies may also restrict skiing, skydiving, or marathons. Bowtie Pink VHIS, however, covers injuries from such activities without restrictions.
9. Compare Exclusions
Common exclusions include pre-existing conditions, pregnancy-related issues, extreme sports, professional sports, substance abuse, illegal activities, war, and self-harm. Compare based on your needs.
10. Compare Premiums
After filtering plans by the above points, compare premiums. The Consumer Council survey found premiums for Asian destinations ranging from HK$79 to HK$263 (over 2x difference) for individuals and HK$157 to HK$1,052 (nearly 6x difference) for a family of four.
^ The global emergency support service is provided by a third-party and is not part of Bowtie VHIS. Terms are subject to change, and no additional premium is required.
Why It’s Best to Have Medical Insurance Alongside Travel Insurance
Overseas hospitalization and surgery costs can exceed travel insurance limits, leaving you to cover the rest. Medical insurance* can offset these expenses, reducing your financial burden.
*Coverage regions vary; check terms before purchasing.
Why Bowtie Pink is a Great Companion to Travel Insurance
Bowtie Pink VHIS offers:
- Coverage for ages 15 days to 80 years
- Global coverage^
- Global emergency support services
- Full reimbursement¹ for any hospital and surgery
- Annual limit: up to HK$20 million (reset annually)
- Monthly premiums from HK$168#
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between single-trip and annual travel insurance?
Single-trip insurance covers one trip, while annual insurance covers unlimited trips over 12 months, with coverage resetting per trip. Annual plans suit frequent travelers.
2. How to claim travel insurance for damaged luggage?
Submit photos of the damage, the purchase receipt, and a property loss report from the airline (obtained before leaving the airport).
3. How many hours of delay are required for flight delay compensation?
Typically 5-6 hours, caused by events like bad weather or mechanical issues. Per the Consumer Council, compensation is rare, with only 1 of 495 flights delayed over 5 hours on May 1, 2018.
4. Does flight cancellation compensation depend on the reason?
Yes, compensation applies to insured events (e.g., travel advisories) within a specified pre-departure period, covering non-refundable expenses. Exclusions like airline cancellations (e.g., 2023 Cathay Pacific case) are not covered.
5. Can I buy travel insurance for my child studying abroad?
Travel insurance has trip duration limits and isn’t suitable. Consider overseas study insurance instead.
Notes
¹ Full reimbursement applies to specified items without sub-limits, subject to deductibles, annual/lifetime limits, and conditions like reasonable charges and pre-existing conditions. See policy for details.
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