Hongkongers urged to secure travel insurance as bear attacks rise in Japan

Chan Pui-leung, general manager of China Taiping Insurance (HK), said travel coverage was crucial because it primarily covered accidents, so unexpected animal attacks should be included, like car accidents.

But he warned that travellers must follow local advisories and avoid restricted areas or locations closed due to wild animal sightings.

“A key caveat is that if a traveller enters an area that has been closed or marked with explicit warnings, such as those for high bear sightings, the insurance policy may be voided because the action is taken with full knowledge of the risk and is no longer considered an accident,” Chan, who is also a lawmaker, said.

He urged travellers to carefully review their itinerary and select a plan that provides sufficient personal accident and risk protection, noting that insurers offered various coverage levels and that medical expenses could be high if a serious injury led to an extended hospital stay abroad.