Blue Cross is a well-known travel insurance brand in Hong Kong that provides comprehensive protection for travellers, allowing you to enjoy worry-free journeys. Whether for short trips, long journeys, or business trips, Blue Cross offers flexible insurance plans, including single-trip and annual travel protection. Its coverage encompasses accidental medical expenses, lost luggage, flight delays, trip cancellations, and personal liability protection, ensuring immediate support in case of unexpected situations during your journey. The application process is simple and quick, with exclusive discounts available through online enrollment to help you easily plan your next trip.
The Features of Blue Cross Travel Insurance
Blue Cross “Travel Smart” insurance offers three flexible protection plans, including Single-trip, Multi-trip, and Annual Cover, to meet the needs of different travellers. Its insurance coverage is extensive, ensuring travellers receive comprehensive protection in various situations.
The Outbound Travel Alert Extension ensures that trips remain covered even when the Hong Kong government issues yellow, red, or black travel alerts for the destination, providing extra reassurance. For outdoor activity enthusiasts, the insurance plan covers recreational and amateur sports such as skiing, diving, skydiving, bungee jumping, hiking, and various water activities, allowing you to explore extreme experiences with peace of mind. Furthermore, the plan provides cruise trip protection, including reimbursements for cancelled voyages, disrupted shore excursions, and additional satellite phone expenses.
If the travel destination is closed due to unpredictable and severe disruption, or if the local tour operator goes bankrupt, leading to trip cancellation, the insurance also includes tour cancellation cover, ensuring travellers do not suffer financial losses due to non-refundable expenses. At the same time, trip interruption cover applies to situations such as being unable to board due to overbooking and delays of public conveyance, and the need to pay for extra expenses needed due to hotel or car rental company bankruptcies. This cover provides special allowances so travellers can still complete their journey smoothly despite unexpected situations.
Comparison of Coverage Types
Blue Cross travel insurance offers two types of coverage to choose from: single trip and multiple trip coverage. The former is similar to general travel insurance, covering one trip with a maximum duration of 180 days; the latter is designed for individuals (not suitable for couples and families) who travel three times a year, with a maximum duration of 5 or 7 days each time, with premiums much lower than applying for single-trips plan three times separately.
For example, if you are planning to take three six-day trips to Japan within a year and purchase the Single-trip Cover’s Premier Plan three times with a 25% discount through MoneyHero, the Blue Cross Travel Smart - Premier Plan would cost a total of HK$253.5 * 3 = HK$760.5.
If you purchase the Multi-Trip Cover, which must be done through the Blue Cross SmartClub platform, the premium would be HK$537. This provides the same travel coverage but saves 30% on premiums!
Brief Analysis
Therefore, it is recommended that travel enthusiasts who plan to travel three or more times within a year and want to purchase Blue Cross travel insurance should consider Multi-trip Cover, as it is clearly more cost-effective.
However, if you are a travel enthusiast who travels many times a year, you might consider buying annual travel insurance. Starting today, successful enrolment through MoneyHero can enjoy a 25% discount (enter promo code: MoneyHero) and receive a free 6-month Deliveroo Plus Silver Membership.
Analysis of Blue Cross Travel Smart’s Medical Coverage
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Single-trip Cover, Multi-trip Cover |
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|
Plan Level |
Premier Plan |
Select Plan |
|
Medical Expenses |
HK$1,200,000 |
HK$600,000 |
|
Follow-up Medical Expenses After Returning to Hong Kong |
HK$120,000 |
HK$60,000 |
|
Overseas Hospital Cash Allowance |
HK$12,000 |
HK$5,000 |
|
Automatic Extension of Protection Period |
10 days |
10 days |
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Eligible Age for Insurance |
6 weeks or above |
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Brief Analysis
Both Blue Cross plans provide coverage for essential medical expenses. The Premier Plan offers medical expense coverage up to HK$1.2 million, which is lower than the highest-tier plans from Allianz, Zurich, and AXA, but the amount is generally sufficient and ranks in the middle of the market.
Additionally, both plans provide coverage for follow-up medical expenses after returning to Hong Kong. If you are accidentally injured during your trip or consult a local doctor first for an illness, follow-up medical expenses within 90 days after returning to Hong Kong are also covered.
Tip: Please note that for seniors over 70 years old, the maximum reimbursement for medical expenses is 50% of the chosen plan's limit. For example, the Premier Plan's maximum medical expense compensation would be HK$600,000.
Trip Cancellation/Interruption
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Single-trip Cover, Multi-trip Cover |
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Plan Level |
Premier Plan |
Select Plan |
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Trip Cancellation |
HK$50,000 |
HK$10,000 |
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Trip Interruption |
HK$50,000 |
HK$25,000 |
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Sub-item: Trip Curtailment |
HK$50,000 |
HK$25,000 |
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Sub-item: Overbooking |
HK$10,000 |
HK$2,500 |
Brief Analysis
In the post-pandemic era, people are more concerned about protection against trip interruptions. Blue Cross travel insurance's Premier Plan offers up to HK$50,000 coverage for both trip cancellation and trip interruptions, on par with major travel insurances in the market.
For trip cancellations, policyholders can receive compensation for non-refundable prepaid transportation tickets, accommodation, tour groups, tickets for major sporting events, musicals, concerts, museums, or theme parks if they cannot continue their journey due to the following situations. The coverage for these activities is very comprehensive.
Covered Reasons:
- Adverse weather, natural disasters, infectious diseases, public transportation strikes, and travel alerts; or
- Insured children needing to attend school interviews or public examinations organised by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority that have been rescheduled to the planned trip period.
Regarding trip interruptions, there is one aspect that is special compared to other travel insurances: it provides compensation for the insured for additional accommodation and meal expenses due to being unable to board public transportation, such as missed flights caused by overbooking, without receiving compensation or subsidies from the relevant airline or third party. This protection is quite useful for travellers concerned about being unable to board due to overbooking.
Protections for Baggage Delays and Damages
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Single-trip Cover, Multi-trip Cover |
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Plan Level |
Premier Plan |
Select Plan |
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Baggage Coverage |
HK$20,000 |
HK$10,000 |
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Sub-items: |
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Sports equipment (per article/per pair/per set) |
HK$50,00 |
HK$3,000 |
|
Mobile phone (per journey) |
HK$3,000 |
HK$4,000 |
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Laptop computer or tablet computer (per journey) |
HK$6,000 |
HK$4,000 |
|
Other baggage and personal property (per article/per pair |
HK$3,000 |
HK$2,000 |
Brief Analysis
Blue Cross travel insurance's baggage compensation covers expenses caused by the loss or damage of luggage, mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and personal belongings. This coverage is relatively attractive compared to other travel insurances, as not many travel insurance plans in the market simultaneously cover mobile phones and laptops. This is an advantage for those who need to carry various electronic devices when travelling abroad.
However, it's important to note that the belongings mentioned in the table above must be lost, damaged, or destroyed due to theft, robbery, burglary, accident, or carrier mishandling to be eligible for compensation. In other words, simply forgetting or misplacing an item is not covered.
Items Not Covered by Blue Cross Policies
When choosing travel insurance, understanding what is not covered by the policy is equally important. Blue Cross travel insurance exclusions include, but are not limited to, the following situations:
- Pre-existing Medical Conditions: Any illnesses or injuries known before purchasing insurance, or symptoms that appeared before the policy became effective, are not covered.
- High-Risk Activities: Participation in professional or extreme sports, such as racing, rock climbing, or other high-risk activities, may not be covered.
- Illegal Activities: Losses or liabilities resulting from engaging in illegal activities or violating the law are not compensated by the policy.
- War or Terrorist Activities: Losses caused by war, civil unrest, or terrorist activities are usually not within the coverage scope.
- Pregnancy-Related Matters: Medical expenses related to pregnancy or childbirth are generally not covered, unless they are complications resulting from an accident.
Please note that the above are only partial exclusions. For the details, please refer to the terms and conditions of Blue Cross travel insurance.
Comparison Between Blue Cross and Competitors
|
Insurance Company |
Insurance Plan |
Coverage Type |
Premium |
Selling Point |
Personal Accident Protection (HKD) |
Overseas Medical Protection (HKD) |
Trip Cancellation Protection |
Baggage Damage/Loss Protection |
|
MyTravel Insurance (Economy Plan) |
Single Trip/Annual |
Single trip: From HK$112 / Annual travel: From HK$1,275 |
100% reimbursement if an earthquake occurs at the destination, 1 week before departure |
Up to $1,000,000 |
Up to $1,500,000 |
Up to $50,000 |
Up to $20,000 |
|
|
TraveLead (Essential Plan) |
Single Trip/Annual |
Single trip: From HK$100 / Annual travel: From HK$1,050 |
New extended coverage for overseas medical expenses related to coronavirus |
Up to $1,500,000 |
Up to $1,500,000 |
Up to $50,000 |
Up to $20,000 |
|
|
Travel Smart (Select Plan) |
Single Trip/Annual |
Single trip: From HK$172 / Annual travel:From HK$1,344 |
Personal money coverage, loss of travel document compensation |
Up to $1,200,000 |
Up to $1,200,000 |
Up to $50,000 |
Up to $20,000 |
|
|
Travel Insurance (Standard Plan) |
Single Trip/Annual |
Single trip: From HK$73.1 / Annual travel: FromHK$1,178.1 |
Personal effects and travel document protection |
Up to $1,000,000 |
Up to $1,000,000 |
Up to $50,000 |
Up to $15,000 |
|
|
TravelGuard (Essential Plan) |
Single Trip/Annual |
Single trip: From HK$17 / Annual travel: HK$3,200 |
Emergency medical expenses and assistance up to HK$1,000,000 |
Up to $1,200,000 |
Up to $1,000,000 |
Up to $20,000 |
Up to $10,000 |
|
|
Get “Z” Go (Breezy Plan) |
Single Trip/Annual |
Single trip: From HK$100 / Annual travel:HK$2,580 |
Free coverage for accompanying children when adults purchase insurance |
Up to $1,500,000 |
Up to $1,500,000 |
Up to $50,000 |
Up to $25,000 |
How to Purchase a Blue Cross Policy
To purchase Blue Cross "Travel Smart" insurance, you only need to click the orange "Purchase Now" button below. After clicking, you will be directed to Blue Cross's official website and enter the corresponding application page. On this page, you can:
- Choose a plan that suits you: Select a suitable plan based on your needs and budget.
- Check coverage details: The website clearly lists various compensation items, such as medical expense coverage, baggage protection, and trip cancellation protection.
- Fill in personal information: Enter your personal information and trip details.
- Complete payment: Choose your preferred payment method and complete the premium payment.
By clicking the orange button, you can quickly and conveniently complete the Blue Cross travel insurance purchase process, adding a sense of security to your journey.)
Which Blue Cross Travel Insurance Plan Is Best for Me?
Check Protection Details
Blue Cross "Travel Smart" insurance offers various protections to meet the needs of different travellers. Overall, Blue Cross travel insurance provides coverage for medical expenses, personal accidents, trip delays, lost travel documents, and protection for leisure and non-professional sports. Additionally, Blue Cross travel insurance offers a travel alert extension, meaning your trip is still covered even if the Hong Kong government issues yellow, red, or black travel alerts for your destination. When choosing a plan, carefully compare the coverage highlights of different plans and make your choice based on your travel plans and personal needs.
Long-term Considerations
If you travel frequently, an annual travel plan may be more cost-effective. Blue Cross offers annual multi-trip protection, suitable for travellers who will travel multiple times within a year. The premium for an annual travel plan is usually more economical compared to purchasing a single-trip plan multiple times, saving you the trouble of buying insurance before each trip. When choosing an annual travel plan, carefully read the policy terms to understand the maximum coverage period and scope for each trip.
Utilise Existing Coverage
Before purchasing Blue Cross travel insurance, check if you already have other travel protection in place. For example, some credit cards provide travel insurance coverage, or your medical insurance may already cover overseas medical expenses. Understanding your existing coverage can help you avoid purchasing duplicate insurance and save on premiums. Additionally, you can consider using Blue Cross's travel insurance as a supplement to your existing coverage for more comprehensive protection.
Does Blue Cross Provide 24/7 Travel Assistance?
Yes, Blue Cross provides 24-hour worldwide emergency aid services. No matter where you are, when you encounter an emergency, you can contact Blue Cross's aid service team at any time to get timely help and support.
How to Make a Claim with Blue Cross Travel Insurance
It is recommended that you refer to the specific claim methods on Blue Cross's official website or directly contact their customer services to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date claim process information.
Is Blue Cross Travel Insurance Worth Purchasing?
As a well-known insurance company in Hong Kong, Blue Cross's travel insurance products have certain advantages. They offer various plan options to meet the needs of different customers and provide comprehensive coverage, including medical expenses, trip cancellation, baggage loss, and other protections. Additionally, Blue Cross's 24-hour worldwide emergency aid services also provide travellers with extra peace of mind. However, whether it is worth it specifically depends on your personal needs and budget. It is recommended that you carefully compare products from different insurance companies and choose the plan that best suits you.
Conclusion
Blue Cross travel insurance offers strong coverage in terms of medical, trip interruptions, and baggage protection, and features multiple trip protection options that can save premiums for individuals who travel three times a year. Even the single-trip premium is not expensive, making it more suitable for singles or couples travelling abroad.
However, it is not very suitable for seniors or families, as the plan does not include COVID coverage and does not offer family plans with free children's premiums. For elderly friends and parents who place greater emphasis on health protection, this plan should clearly not be considered.