Travel Insurance for Asia

Do I need travel insurance for Asia?

Asia covers everything from Tokyo's spotless hospitals to remote islands where the nearest decent clinic is a boat ride away. In much of the region, good private treatment is available but expensive, and you may be asked to pay or show proof of insurance before you are admitted. If you need to be moved to a bigger hospital, or flown home, the costs climb quickly.

Travel insurance covers emergency medical treatment, repatriation, cancellation and baggage, and gives you a 24-hour assistance line who can help find a suitable hospital and deal with payment. There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement between the UK and most Asian countries, so your GHIC will not help here.

Which area do I need for Asia?

Asia falls under worldwide excluding the USA, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico on most policies, which is usually cheaper than full worldwide cover. Only choose worldwide including the USA if your trip includes North America, perhaps a stopover in Los Angeles on the way back from a longer tour. See geographical areas for how countries are grouped.

Multi-country trips and backpacking

Lots of Asia trips take in several countries: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos in one go, or Singapore and Malaysia with a few days in Bali. Make sure your policy covers every country you are visiting and the full length of the trip. A single trip policy can cover a multi-stop route, and if you are away for months, backpacker insurance is built for longer trips with plenty of moving around.

Scooters, diving and adventure activities

Hiring a scooter is one of the most common ways UK travellers get hurt in Asia, and one of the most common reasons claims are declined. Many policies only cover riding a moped or motorbike if you hold the right UK licence for that size of bike, wear a helmet, and are not under the influence of alcohol. Check the conditions before you get on one.

The same applies to activities like trekking in Nepal, diving in the Philippines or zip-lining in Laos. Read our FAQ on scuba diving, look through our list of sports and activities, and pick cover that matches what you plan to do. High-altitude treks often need specific cover.

Health and medication in Asia

Talk to your GP or a travel clinic about travel vaccinations and malaria tablets around eight weeks before you go. Dengue fever, stomach bugs and heat exhaustion are all common reasons people need medical help in the region.

Some medicines that are routine in the UK are controlled or banned in parts of Asia, including certain strong painkillers and ADHD medication in Japan and the UAE. Our guide to travelling abroad with medication explains how to check before you pack. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, declare them in our online medical screening so they can be included in your cover.

Entry requirements

Visa rules vary widely across Asia. Some countries allow UK visitors in visa-free for a set period, some use online e-visas, and others need an application in advance. Rules also change, sometimes at short notice, so check the FCDO travel advice for every country on your route and allow plenty of time for applications.

Popular destinations in Asia

Our Thailand travel insurance page has more on Thailand, and if you are stopping in the Middle East on the way, see Dubai travel insurance. For individual countries, our country guides cover Japan, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and many more.