Hainan offers free travel insurance for tourists

Tourists from home and abroad who visit Hainan, the tropical resort in southern China, are being offered free travel insurance.

The perk, which started on Oct 28, is regarded as a major step by a government eager to develop international tourism on the island. Hainan is the first region to provide such a service to tourists within the country.

Tourists who travel to Hainan on a travel agency tour of less than 15 days will receive the free travel insurance. It also covers tour guides and drivers. The plan covers accidental death and dismemberment and pays up to 100,000 yuan ($15,780).

The coverage was initiated by the Hainan tourism development commission and the city’s protection inspection bureau.