Long holidays are becoming peak travel seasons for "Foreigners Entering China Festival." Online travel platform data shows that during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day "dual festival" period in 2026, the inbound tourism market maintained double-digit growth. In terms of destinations, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen continue to serve as the primary entry points for inbound tourism, with their hub functions and international infrastructure forming the foundation of the market.
As more international visitors come to Beijing to explore the Forbidden City, wander through hutongs, and savor local cuisine, their needs for medical support, emergency rescue, and language assistance during travel have become increasingly specific. A sudden fall, an unexpected illness, lost luggage, or flight delays can turn what should be a relaxed trip into a stressful ordeal. Recently, under the guidance of the Beijing Financial Regulatory Bureau, the industry launched China's first comprehensive insurance product for foreign nationals entering the country. Eligible short-term foreign visitors who purchase this policy receive all-encompassing, professional coverage—including accident protection, medical liability, and emergency rescue services—adding peace of mind to their journey in China.
Designed to meet the short-term entry needs of foreign visitors, this product features three key advantages: First, comprehensive coverage. It removes traditional age barriers, allowing enrollment from 28 days to 80 years of age. Additionally, it includes an extension clause for accidental hospitalization after policy expiration, further enhancing continuity and completeness of protection.
Second, service delivery is more convenient. We provide 24/7 bilingual Chinese-English rescue services tailored to various entry scenarios, addressing challenges foreign nationals face when seeking medical care and assistance in China. An expedited claims channel for departing foreigners has been established to streamline the claims process, offering greater convenience for short-term visitors.
Third, industry collaboration has deepened. The product is underwritten by 3 insurance institutions in Beijing, leveraging each institution's expertise to explore a new model for serving foreign nationals within a framework of shared risk, resource sharing, and joint service delivery.
Beijing continues to advance reforms that streamline services for foreign nationals, enhancing their experience in the city. Zhu Yansheng, Party Secretary and Director of the Beijing Bureau of the National Financial Regulatory Administration, stated: "To further elevate Beijing's level of opening up and leverage the positive role of insurance in safeguarding people's livelihoods, the Beijing Financial Regulatory Bureau, in collaboration with the Municipal Party Committee's Financial Office, the Municipal Bureau of Commerce, and the Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, has guided the Beijing Insurance Association to establish a consortium of insurers within its jurisdiction. Together, they are cultivating the 'Worry-Free Arrival' exclusive insurance brand for foreign visitors. The comprehensive inbound insurance product for foreigners launched today is the first offering under this brand."
Earlier, the Beijing Financial Regulatory Bureau guided the industry in releasing "Financial Services for Foreigners," a bilingual (Chinese-English) guide covering financial services relevant to foreigners living and doing business in China—from daily life to investment. The bureau also worked with relevant departments to continuously improve payment and card usage convenience for foreign nationals. In terms of insurance coverage, eligible foreigners can purchase inclusive commercial insurance products in addition to standard commercial offerings. Data shows that since its launch in 2021, "Beijing Puhui Health Insurance" has provided over 100 billion yuan in risk protection for foreign residents.
"Zhu Yansheng stated that the capital's insurance sector should seize this opportunity to enhance service quality, play a larger role in supporting high-level opening up, and strive to achieve three goals. First, deepen coverage by strengthening the 'Worry-Free Entry' brand. We will provide comprehensive accident and medical protection tailored to various scenarios for temporary foreign visitors, ensure seamless integration with long-term residence insurance products, build a more complete commercial insurance system for foreigners, and establish replicable best practices."
Second, demonstrate "warmth" in service quality and efficiency. Uphold national treatment standards, actively explore the "insurance + services" model, and continuously optimize the application and claims processes. Strengthen consumer rights protection, regulate marketing practices, and firmly eliminate misleading sales, bundled sales, and exorbitant fees, thereby establishing a positive image for Beijing's insurance industry.
Third, expand the "breadth" of collaborative coordination. Proactively strengthen liaison with departments such as culture and tourism, commerce, and others; offer active support and proactive services to contribute financial strength toward building a new pattern of integrated foreign-related services across multiple stakeholders.
Source: Economic Daily
